How do you get more traffic to your online store?

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, eCommerce has become a vital part of our everyday lives. In fact, as of 2024, there are over 24 million eCommerce sites worldwide, with the industry expected to reach $6.5 trillion in sales by 2024.

This massive growth presents both an opportunity and a challenge: how can your online store stand out and attract more visitors amidst this ocean of competitors?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into proven strategies and personal insights to enhance your online store's visibility, boost traffic, and ultimately, increase sales.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned eCommerce business owner, these tactics—rooted in authenticity, consistency, and customer engagement—will be indispensable in navigating your path to success in the crowded eCommerce arena.

It essentially all comes down to information, consistency, authenticity and showing up.

Firstly, it's vital to understand that there's no magic wand that brings immediate results.

It's like trying to grow a giant oak overnight. The truth is, it takes time, patience, and nurturing. You have to cultivate a relationship with your customers. Just like in real life, you wouldn't propose to someone on the first date, right? In the realm of eCommerce, it's all about the gentle art of customer wooing. I like to call it 'schmoozing'.

It's no secret that an online store needs customers, and once they land on your website, you want them to buy. The challenge here is creating trust.

The age-old mantra of business holds: "People buy from people they trust."

But how do you build this trust online? Well, I have four golden rules to share with you. These principles have stood the test of time and helped me build a thriving online business.

Rule 1: Create a product they want

Here, it's essential to know your product. And by knowing, I mean thoroughly understanding the ins and outs, pros and cons, and the unique selling proposition (USP) of your product.

Rule 2: Get people to like you and your product

Consistency is vital here. Show up, show off your product, and let them see the passion in your eyes (or in this case, your content). If you love it, they'll feel it too.

Rule 3: Communicate with your customers

Talk, talk, and talk. Be authentic and have genuine conversations with your customers. In today's world, where automated replies are the norm, a human touch goes a long way.

Rule 4: Persuade people to buy your product

Give your customers a wealth of information. Let them feel informed, not pressured, to make the purchase.

Sounds easy, right? Probably not, but I will show you 4 easy steps to make sure your customers know you, like your product and buy your product.

People buy from people they like and trust.

The magic lies in weaving these principles together: Know - Like - Trust - Buy.

But what's the secret to achieving this magic? It's a word that might surprise you. Information. Yes, information sells products! It fosters trust, nurtures liking, and establishes a knowing relationship.

To provide your customers with a wealth of information, here are the pages that your eCommerce store should include:

• For 'Know': Home page, About Page, Team page, Contact information, Social links & pages, Reviews, Community page, Affiliates pages.
• For 'Like': Home page, Collections page, Landing pages, Ingredient page, Sustainability, Eco-friendly page, How-To pages, FAQ page, Blogs.
• For 'Trust': Legal pages: Privacy policy, Terms of use, Refunds & Returns, Trust elements like credit cards and guarantee pages, Checkout page, Shipping page, Order notifications, Shipping details.
• For 'Buy': Product page, Cart page, Check out page, Thank you page.

Information is the currency of trust and credibility.

The more comprehensive, clear, and authentic information you provide, the better. Customers crave for information when researching products, and that's your chance to outshine your competitors.

And so, the secret sauce, is to create and provide a treasure trove of information. It's about painting a picture so vivid and enticing that your potential customers can't help but explore, linger, and ultimately, buy from your online store.

How many times you got frustrated with a store when they do not give you enough information when you are researching products. This is how you are going to win the game in the ecommerce arena against your competition.

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Rule 1: Create a product they want

When you boil it down, the secret to financial success in business is simple: if you aren't selling, you aren't earning.

This reality demands that you offer a product that resonates with your customers. If they can't see its worth, they won't open their wallets for it.

Selling is an art form that doesn't come naturally to everyone.

It is definitely one of the skill sets that you need to learn and practice a lot. And central to this art is a understanding of your products. As an expert in what you're selling, coupled with a genuine passion for it, you're in the best position to convince customers of its value.

What Is The Cognitive Aspect of Buying?

It's a fascinating game, persuading people to part with their money for your product. A game deeply steeped in psychology. The act of buying can stir a whirlwind of emotions, fulfill a longing, or address a pressing issue.

Research tells us that the act of shopping stimulates particular areas in our brain. Some areas generate feelings of joy and pleasure, while others provoke feelings of discomfort or pain. This dichotomy sparks what we typically refer to as the fight or flight response.

Considering this, it's hardly surprising that the neural mechanisms engaged in purchasing elicit an array of emotions. Essentially, our brains make a series of immediate judgments when we consider buying a product: Do we like it? Will it benefit us? What's the price tag?

Although cost plays a crucial role, its importance varies depending on how effectively the product solves our problem.

Purchasing decisions are also swayed by our biases. Therefore, gaining an understanding of how we develop preferences can yield insights into why we lean towards certain products and brands.

The bottom line is: WIIFM (What's In It For Me)

Here's the crux of the matter: your messaging should unequivocally answer the question, "What's In It For Me?" This principle, commonly known as WIIFM, puts the customer at the heart of your marketing and sales efforts.

Your customers are on a quest to resolve their issues. They are seeking a solution, and your product should provide it.

Let's illustrate this with an example. Suppose you're selling a fitness tracking device. You need to thoroughly understand its features, benefits, and target users. You should be able to highlight how your product can help monitor heart rate, count steps, track sleep, and so on.

By doing this, you're demonstrating the WIIFM factor to your customers, showing them exactly how your product can enhance their fitness journey.

In conclusion, possessing intimate knowledge of your product and understanding the cognitive science behind purchasing decisions are indispensable for successful sales. Always bear in mind that the customer's journey is a quest for a solution, and your product should be the key to that resolution.

Tools to Help You Know Your Product Inside Out

Oh, the joy of truly knowing your product. It's like holding a universe in your hands and knowing every planet, every star, every cosmic mystery hidden within. There are numerous tools you can use to craft compelling content that truly showcases your product.

1. Canva: This is a wonderfully intuitive design tool that can help you create visually appealing product images and infographics. Infographics are an excellent way to present your product's features and benefits in an easy-to-understand, visually engaging manner.

2. Google Keyword Planner: This tool can help you identify keywords relevant to your product that customers are searching for. Incorporating these keywords into your content can enhance its visibility and increase your chances of reaching a wider audience.

3. BuzzSumo: This platform is fantastic for content research and analysis. It can show you what kind of content related to your product is getting the most shares and likes. This can provide insights into what your potential customers are interested in, and you can tailor your content accordingly.

4. Grammarly: This tool is a lifesaver when it comes to writing. Grammarly checks your spelling, grammar, and syntax, ensuring that your content is easy to read and understand.

5 Artificial Intellegence (AI): There are several tools with AI for instance ChatGBT or Copy.ai to take basic product description and your researched keywords, then generate creative, engaging, and SEO-optimized descriptions.

For example, let's say you're selling organic, cruelty-free, antioxidant-rich facial serums. You have your keywords – "organic," "cruelty-free," "antioxidant-rich." Using AI, you can craft a product description like this: "Embrace the natural glow with our organic, cruelty-free facial serum. Packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients, it's your skin's daily dose of love and care. Nourish, hydrate, and cherish your skin in the most eco-friendly way."

Like any tool, these tools efficacy depend on the person wielding it. So arm yourself with a deep understanding of your customers, an unwavering dedication to your product, and a healthy dose of creativity. With these at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to crafting captivating content that not only informs but also charms and persuades your customers.

Rule 2.  Get people to like you and your product

Winning customers' affection one click at a time, is consistency.

Achieving consistency in your online presence is akin to nurturing a sapling into a robust tree. It needs time, attention, and, most importantly, an unwavering commitment.

You want to know the secret to getting people to fall in love with you and your product? Show up! Show up every day, every week, come rain or shine. Be there on your website, in your customers' email inboxes, on their social media feeds, everywhere they are.

Life happens, and plans can go awry. One moment, you're on top of your game, and the next, you're juggling personal crises or simply wrestling with the notorious "imposter syndrome."

It's easy to lose sight of your goals, but remember, as an online store owner, time is your most valuable asset. Once it slips away, it's gone forever.

So, dedicate time each day to your online store. Mark it on your calendar, set a reminder, make it sacrosanct. Because, darling, your online store deserves your undivided attention. It's your dream, your passion that has taken the shape of this digital marketplace, and it thrives on your consistent engagement.

Consistency in Action: Show Up, Stand Out, and Shine

Wondering how to make your consistent presence felt? Here's a roadmap:

1. Your Website/Store: It's your primary platform, your stage where you perform your grand opera of retail. Keep it updated, make it dynamic, and ensure it reflects your passion and sincerity.

2. Email: It's the direct line to your customers' world. Craft personalized newsletters, update them about new products, send them birthday wishes or just a note to say you appreciate them.

3. Social Media: It's the bustling marketplace where your customers hang out. Engage with them, share their posts, respond to their comments, and create content that they love to share.

4. Networking Meetings: These can be virtual or face-to-face. It's an opportunity to spread the word about your online store and form connections that could open up new avenues.

5. Advertising: Be it Google Ads, social media promotions, or partnering with influencers, strategic advertising can enhance your visibility and attract more traffic to your store.

Remember, every piece of content you create and share is a part of your marketing narrative.

Now, brace yourself for a slightly daunting fact - it usually takes 21 touches (or interactions) before a person decides to buy from you.

It means your brand needs to show up 21 times in front of your prospective customer. Sounds like a lot? Sure, but don't you worry!

Just keep in mind the 80/20 rule - 80% of your content should be informative, engaging, and 20% should be sales-oriented. So, it's all about crafting more content that gives your audience valuable information about you, your products, and your business.

Consistency may not be a glamorous or swift route to success, but it is indeed the most reliable one. Show up, share your passion, and keep doing it.

You'll soon find your online store buzzing with traffic, your products finding their way into customers' hearts, and your brand becoming a name they trust and love.

Rule 3. Communicate with your customers

Building Bridges with Your Customers

Have you ever been part of a conversation where you felt seen, heard, and valued? I bet that person holds a special place in your heart. Now, imagine providing that same experience for your customers. Isn't that a lovely thought? It's like cozying up with a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly winter evening, sharing stories and forming connections. As an entrepreneur, that's exactly the kind of atmosphere you need to create for your customers, albeit virtually.

Humanizing Your Online Presence: Embrace Your Uniqueness

Remember the networking events where you connected with potential clients over breakfasts, lunches, or dinners? That magic of personal communication needs to be replicated in your online world. The challenge is to be you, radiating your unique essence even through pixels.

Using stock photos won't do the trick here. Your customers need to see you, hear you, and be a part of your story. Embrace your individuality and infuse your business with your persona. Videos, photos, and stories shared through social media can help you do just that. They are the digital handshakes, the eye-contacts, the smiles that build trust.

The Secret Sauce: The L-O-L Strategy

Communication isn't a one-way street, especially when it comes to your customers. Your existing customers are like ripened fruits hanging low, ready for harvest. It's amazing what you can discover when you truly engage in conversation with them. Are you selling the right way? Using the right language? Pricing right? Are your media strategies effective? And most importantly, are you solving their problems?

Let me introduce you to my L-O-L strategy:

• Listen: Don't presume to know what your customers want. Listen to them instead, understand their needs, and cater to those.

• Offer: Offer them more than they expect. Overdeliver in value, and they'll keep coming back.

• Look after: Take care of your customers, make them feel special. Nurture the relationship, and they'll stay.

Your customers will be the drivers of your marketing and sales. If they like and trust you, they will buy from you. Sounds simple, right? Well, it is!

Simple Tools for Enhanced Customer Communication

• Chat: Engage in real-time conversations with your customers by integrating a chat option on your website.

• Email: Keep the communication going by sending personalized emails that are more than just promotional content.

• Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to showcase your personality and connect with your potential customers.

• Handwritten Cards: Add a personal touch by sending handwritten thank you cards to your customers. Trust me, they'll appreciate the effort.

• Thank You Videos: Create a unique thank you video for your customers. You can feature it on your thank you page post-purchase. It's a simple yet effective way to make your customers feel valued.

At the heart of it all is you. You are the brand, and your personal touch can make all the difference. So, wear your brand with pride and let the world see the real you. It's time to turn those conversations into conversions. You've got this!

Rule 4. Persuade people to buy your product

Empowering Your Customers: Guiding Them Towards Your Products

Can you remember the last time you found exactly what you were looking for, right when you needed it? That surge of excitement, the gratitude for having your needs understood and catered to - it's an exhilarating feeling, isn't it? That's the kind of shopping experience you want to create for your customers. But how can you achieve this?

It's all about feeding them the right information at the right time, with the right amount of persuasion. Intrigued? Let's delve deeper!

Inviting Trust: Expertise - Authority - Transparency (E.A.T)

Take a moment to evaluate your online store. Do you feel it resonates with the E.A.T principle - Expertise, Authority, and Transparency? Let's break it down:

1. About Page Revamp: Your 'About' page is a reflection of you and your journey. Update it with more photos, achievements, and the grand narrative of why you embarked on this business adventure. Create an engaging story that showcases your expertise and authority in your field.

2. FAQs - A Treasure Trove of Information: Your FAQ pages should be comprehensive and user-friendly. Make sure you include details about product ingredients, origins, usage instructions, shipping policies, and more. Always listen to your customers and tailor your FAQs accordingly.

3. Community Matters: Highlight your community involvement. Showcase how you're making a difference, as it's a powerful way to build trust and transparency with your customers.

4. Product Pages - The Heart of Your Store: Make sure your product pages are rich with detailed descriptions, shipping and return policies, specifications, and most importantly, the benefits of using your products. Introduce yourself here as well, adding a personal touch.

5. Blog Your Way to Success: Start creating blog articles. They are gold mines of information and will drive more traffic to your site. Remember, knowledge is power!

The Power of Action: Consistency, Momentum, and Planning

Each day is a new opportunity to grow your business. Even one action a day can create a forward momentum that can result in significant growth over time. It's like planting a seed - it might not seem like much initially, but with regular watering and care, it will flourish into something beautiful.

Planning is crucial here. When you have a clear roadmap for the week, month, and year, you won't feel overwhelmed by the minutiae of daily tasks.

So, how do you go about planning?

Step 1: Theme-Driven Content Creation:

First, make a list of themes or ideas for your content. For instance, consider:

• National and international commemorative days.
• Special events in your industry.
• Upcoming celebratory days like Mother's Day, Easter, July 4th, etc.

Once you've compiled your list, use a calendar and sticky notes to jot down these ideas and map them out across the year.

Step 2: Tempting Deals and Promotions:

Think about how you can entice your customers. Deals and discounts work wonders here. Yes, offering discounts can be intimidating, but the return on investment can be impressive. Create deals that encourage your customers to purchase more items. When you exude confidence in what you're selling, your customers will keep coming back.

Step 3: Action Plans for Special Days:

For each special day or promotion, devise a specific action plan. What do you need to prepare? When should you start promoting? Do you need emails or posts to announce the promotion? Write down a sequence and add it to your calendar. Tools like Google Calendar, paper calendars, or project management tools can be handy here.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It's time to lace up your boots and start your adventure. The path might seem daunting now, but with each stride you take, you'll get closer to your destination. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and keep moving forward. The world is ready for you!

See more information how to plan to create more information and goals.

Check out my planner - Ecommerce Planner.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nurturing Your Online Business

1. How can I make my customers choose my product over others?

To truly inspire a customer to choose your product, you must first have a profound understanding of your product. Uncover every facet, every feature, and every function that makes your product stand out. Be passionate, for your enthusiasm is infectious.

Make it your mission to position your product as the ideal solution to your customer's problem. Consistently communicate the unique benefits of your product and remember to address WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) from the customer's perspective. A customer who feels understood is more likely to choose your product.

2. How can I use AI tools to improve product descriptions?

AI tools like SEO optimization software and keyword research tools can help improve the reach and impact of your product descriptions. These tools use data and analytics to determine effective strategies, optimize keywords, and help create engaging content that resonates with your target audience.

Harnessing the power of AI tools can revolutionize your product descriptions. Tools like SEO optimization software and keyword research platforms can tap into the vast sea of data to craft product descriptions that resonate deeply with your target audience. By optimizing keywords and creating engaging, relevant content, you'll be able to reach a wider audience and make a more meaningful impact.

3. What does it mean to be 'consistent' in my business?

Consistency is akin to a steady drumbeat that sets the rhythm for your business. It means you're not just occasionally promoting your product; you're keeping a regular presence in the spaces where your customers frequent.

This could mean sharing valuable content on your website, sending engaging emails, maintaining an active social media presence, attending networking meetings, or running targeted ads.

Consistency is key in ensuring your brand remains top-of-mind for your customers.

4. What can I learn from chatting with my customers?

Engaging in conversation with your customers can give you valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and how they perceive your product. You can determine if your sales strategy, language, pricing, and platform align with their expectations.

5. What is the E.A.T method?

E.A.T stands for Expertise, Authority, and Transparency. This approach is used to improve your online presence by showcasing your knowledge and credibility, being an authority in your field, and being open and honest in your communications.

6. How can I better use my 'About' page?

The 'About' page should include more than just basic information. Include your achievements, your business story, and the reason behind why you started your business. This will help build trust and connect with your audience on a more personal level.

7. How can I leverage my FAQ pages?

FAQ pages should be detailed and comprehensive, providing information such as general product details, usage instructions, shipping information, product origins, and more. Your FAQ page can act as a helpful resource for your customers and can reduce customer service queries.

8. How can I plan my content effectively?

Start by making a list of themes/ideas for your content, then map these out on a calendar. Consider events, holidays, and industry-specific occasions. Then, decide what kind of content you want to create for each of these days and create a schedule to keep you on track.

9. What's the importance of deals and promotions?

Deals and promotions act as incentives for customers, encouraging them to buy more. They can also attract new customers and boost sales during specific periods. Always make sure the promotion is beneficial for both you and your customers.

10. How can creating a blog help my business?

Blogs provide a platform to share valuable information, showcase your expertise, and engage your customers. They can drive more traffic to your website, improve your SEO rankings, and establish you as an authority in your field. Blogs can also help build a community around your brand and foster loyalty among your customers.

Thank you! I appreciate you and the time you took out of your day to read this! You can find more articles like this from me on the top-rated {E-commerce Success} blog and while you’re there, take a look at my Shopify Bootcamp coming up, and my Shopify and E-commerce series of books on Amazon. For news and insights find me on Twitter at @veronicajeans, to see what I do when I’m not working, follow me on Instagram and to discover my E-commerce Success community.

If you want to learn more about Ecommerce and Shopify — check out my new 2023 books and services on my website: www.veronicajeans.com