September 26th, 2022

How to start an effective e-commerce?

Basic features that every e-commerce store must have

The main key to the development of companies operating in the online market is an effective e-commerce website that can generate conversions. Although there are countless types of products and services, all the rules for a well-studied commercial strategy correspond to the mechanisms and needs common to all consumers.

Selling products online

Selling products online has enormous advantages and opens the door to numerous potential customers, but the competition is fierce and is getting better prepared every day. The challenge that today's companies operating on the web face is to attract, convince and satisfy with the quality of the products and services offered, customers who are increasingly attentive and aware of products, savings and opportunities. Those who have set themselves the goal of winning this challenge cannot neglect the careful planning of their e-commerce site. So, how should we create a successful online store that is in line with the expectations of potential online customers and able to compete with the competition?

75% of people between the ages of 14 and 74 have shopped online

82% of citizens in Europe shop online from domestic e-commerce stores

E-commerce: key sales factors

At the base of every sales operation is a careful strategy that is able to respond step by step to the demands of a clientele that is increasingly used to buying online: according to data from the Eurostat report for 2022, 75% of people aged 14 to 74 bought online and the trend for the current year is growing. Moreover, according to Eurostat, 82% of those in the last quarter of 2021 bought from sellers in the same country, while 22% bought products from sellers outside Europe.

So how can you get noticed in such a crowded arena? How can you convince potential customers to buy from your online store? There is no perfect formula for creating an effective e-commerce: however, there are some aspects that can be decisive to stand out in the sea of ​​online offers and give something more to your business, making your e-commerce better.

Attractive and clear visuals : There was a time when websites were characterized by animations designed to amaze visitors and generate the so-called “ Wow effect ”. Today, surfers want fast, simple and intuitive portals: for this reason, the site must have a modern and responsive design that can express and communicate the characteristic values ​​of the brand without making the browsing experience complicated and difficult.

Usability of the site: It seems obvious, yet we still encounter errors when browsing websites. This element is extremely important for the success of an e-commerce business: a professional site must be easy to navigate on all devices. The inability to purchase via smartphones, for example, is one of the factors that most limits the possibility of market penetration and prevents growth opportunities in this sector. Only a satisfactory user experience can convert and retain users.

Content and visibility development: Whether you have to build a portal from scratch or want to update the one you already have, you must pay attention to the development of content and materials related to the products in the catalog, the insertion of interesting and informative texts in the product sheets, a strategic call to action and optimized content, capable of improving the visibility of the business offer and on search engines.

Product availability: If you decide to create an online store, know that quality images and detailed product descriptions, combined with a logical and intuitive arrangement of product categories, are essential elements. Too often, e-commerce sites are configured as bazaars full of products that are difficult to exit. In this case, the help of a professional company allows you to identify the best way to offer your goods and facilitate the purchase.

MBE Fulfillment

E-commerce efficiency is also built after the sale

Contrary to what you might think, strategies for building an effective e-commerce website don't end after the purchase is made and the customer receives the order. Even on digital channels, what happens after the economic transaction is fundamental: the customer has placed their complete trust in your e-commerce business and the quality of your service, so you need to repay them by not letting their expectations down. Here are some essential elements to turn an occasional customer into a loyal customer for your brand.

Online sales management. Pre- and post-sales management is an integrated process. The transaction itself is a fundamental technical aspect for the success of the sale, which must be simple and straightforward. Namely, the buyer completes the purchase only when he finds a limited number of steps, clear information about payment methods and the return policy of the items, and when he is satisfied with the security measures. The possibility of simple purchases, for example via smartphones, an increasingly widespread and popular method, will increase the chances of concluding a transaction.

Safe and punctual delivery. This is an element that can guide the choice of those who buy: for the same item, the buyer often decides to rely on fast and safe delivery even if it has a slightly higher price. The security of appropriate packaging is also an additional business card that testifies to the seriousness of the company. For this reason, it is important to rely on companies equipped with advanced logistics systems for warehouse and shipping management that offer different types of shipping and levels of service depending on the needs.

Customer care. The customer does not want to feel abandoned. Assistance must therefore be at a high level at all stages of the sales process. For this reason, customer care will be key to the success of your e-commerce site. A dedicated email, live chat, phone number, FAQ section are valid ways to answer customer questions and quickly resolve any issues. Adequate attention to this aspect will significantly improve the user experience.

Customer loyalty. Communication is an aspect strongly linked to the perception of service and it is important to remind customers that your company exists and cares about them, even some time after the purchase. Non-invasive advertising and newsletters that take into account privacy and also inform them about the offers and opportunities that the company decides to offer, allow you to always have an open communication channel and implement personalized loyalty programs based on the preferences and shopping habits of different customers with campaigns, promotions and dedicated discounts.

In the online market, it is no longer enough to simply sell products and services that meet quality expectations: it is necessary to be able to count on an efficient e-commerce, capable of responding quickly and reliably to customer needs and facilitating conversion processes. For this reason, it can be useful to rely on the experience of professionals such as MBE , capable of providing e-commerce solutions and personalized services based on your business needs, from website creation to warehouse logistics, including packaging and shipping of goods.

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Mail Boxes Etc./MBE centers operate through independent franchisees under the MBE brand. Through its franchise network, Mail Boxes Etc. provides support services for businesses and individuals. Logistics and shipping services are MBE’s core offerings—facilitated through agreements MBE makes for the benefit of its franchisees with major domestic and international express couriers—along with other graphic and printing services, provided either directly or through agreements with large printing centers. Promotion of services to business and private customers is carried out as part of the business activities of each MBE franchise partner, both inside and outside MBE centers ("farming"). Each franchise partner is contractually obligated to perform such activities. Mail Boxes Etc. and MBE are registered trademarks used with permission from Fortidia – a registered trademark of MBE Worldwide S.p.A – (All rights reserved). Services offered by individual MBE centers may vary by location. The materials available on this website, the information contained herein, and any other relevant data may not be copied, distributed, modified, republished, reproduced, downloaded, or forwarded to third parties in any way without the express prior written consent of Sistema Italia 93 S.r.l. We accept no responsibility for unauthorized use of the materials, information, and/or data available on this website.


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