How to boost traffic to your online store

1. Optimize your store for SEO and keywords

Your ecommerce store must be optimized for the right keywords. Proper keywords should be used in your images, product descriptions, and alt tags. High site traffic is vital before you start increasing your ecommerce conversions.

Thus, it’s very important to make sure to optimize your website for search engines to get more exposure for your website.

Additional FinTech SEO tactics will increase your site’s traffic to improve SEO rankings. The best ecommerce platforms have built-in SEO tools.

2. Tap into Google AdWords and pay-per-click advertising

Looking for a quick way to drive traffic to your online store? One way to bring conversions is for you to pay for it. But there’s a subtle art with pay-per-click advertising. This is true, especially if you’re trying to compete with big online shopping sites. 

What if you’re a smaller e-commerce site? AdWords and other pay-per-click services can put you at a disadvantage. The market will set the bid price, which is often costly. 

But here are some tips to help you settle the score: 

• Quality score: Your Ad Rank in AdWords came from your bid and quality score. If you can’t outbid the big online shopping sites, then you can beat the Quality Scores with smart and focused effort. Ad Extensions are fantastic ways to boost your Ad Rank. 
• Beyond Google: If your budget is limited, you can get lower conversion costs. You can do this by utilizing other search engines. Don’t try to limit yourself to just Google. Try taking advantage of other search engines where competition is less. 

Bid Modifiers

• Day Parting: It can work in your favor to only show ads at particular times of the day. You might only show ads during work hours if you mostly depend on customer service. Usually, this is when your staff is available. You might have to tailor your campaigns to their time zones if you’re selling overseas. 
• Geo-targeting: You can try to be specific when you target particular areas. 
• Mobile: Some businesses mainly depend on phone calls to close sales. So, consider getting a bid modifier if you’re one of them. This allows you to reach people that use smartphones. 
• Match Types: Looking for long-tail opportunities but are your match types holding you back? Carefully placing Phrase Match keywords helps you keep costs in check. It also gives you the exposure you need. 
• Re-marketing overspend: Ensure to segment successful conversions out of your re-marketing audience. 

3. Run Facebook and Instagram ads

Facebook and Instagram ads don’t appear based on search results like Google Adwords. Instead, they’ll appear on the feeds of your target audience. This is usually based on behaviors, interest, and demographics. Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, you’ll find your target audience there, for sure.

Ads are a highly efficient way to drive traffic to your ecommerce store. Yet, they can be a huge waste of your resource when not done correctly. 

Here are some tips: 

• Try a lookalike audience. These people have the same behaviors and demographics as your existing customers. 
• Provide people with a reason to click on your ads. This could be in the form of promotions and special discounts. 
• Test your ads. Try out variations of your ad copy and images. You’ll reap better conversions and the lowest cost per sale. Test various promotions to see what your audience responds to.
• Place Facebook pixels on every page of your online store so that you can gather data. 
• Make a targeted landing page. Don’t make the mistake of just driving users to your home page with all your products. There are many great landing page builders to create good-looking pages quickly.

Related Read: 13 Best Instagram Scheduling Tools

4. Create a sense of urgency

You must be honest and transparent in who you are as a brand and what you do. You also have to create a sense of urgency that will persuade prospects to purchase from you right now. 

Many consumers respond well to incentives that create that sense of urgency. Examples can be anything from limited edition products to special offers. There are ways that you can accomplish this.

For instance, you can’t offer a limited-edition product to entice your customers. You can provide a financial incentive to customers that can immediately purchase. This can be in the form of free shipping and discounts. 

If you use AdWords, you can use ad customizers to show a countdown on a limited-time sale or a seasonal offer.

5. Hold a giveaway

Holding a giveaway can be a powerful tool to boost your ecommerce traffic and build brand awareness. It’s essentially offering exciting free products to a select group of participants in exchange for some form of action, like following your social media pages, subscribing to your email list, or visiting your website. Done correctly, giveaways can be a win-win situation, generating excitement for your brand while attracting new potential customers.

Here’s how to use giveaways for maximum impact:

• Pick the Perfect Prize: Your giveaway prize should be directly related to your products and target audience. Is your brand known for stylish phone cases? Give away a limited-edition case or a bundle of popular designs. This entices people interested in your core products and encourages them to explore your offerings further.
• Define Your Goals: What do you hope to achieve with your giveaway? Is it to increase brand awareness, grow your social media following, or drive traffic to a specific product launch? Having clear goals will help you tailor your giveaway mechanics and track your success.
• Set Clear Rules and Eligibility: Clearly outline the entry requirements, selection process, and giveaway duration. Will winners be chosen randomly or through specific actions? Be transparent about any restrictions on participation, like age or geographic location.
• Promote, Promote, Promote!: Don’t let your giveaway become a secret! Announce it across your social media channels, email list, and even your website. Tease the giveaway in advance to build anticipation. Encourage social media shares by offering bonus entries for tagging friends or sharing the giveaway post. Partner with relevant influencers in your niche to reach a wider audience.
• Go Beyond Just Likes: While social media likes are easy to collect, consider incorporating entry methods that encourage deeper engagement. Ask participants to share a creative product photo using a specific hashtag or write a short review of a product they already own. This fosters brand interaction and generates user-created content.

You can create a compelling giveaway that attracts new customers, boosts brand loyalty, and ultimately drives sales for your ecommerce store.

How to boost your online store conversion rate

The average conversion rate in eCommerce is between 1% and 4%. If you can increase your conversion rate even by 1% or 2%, you can double your sales. Here are some tactics to boost your ecommerce conversions.

6. Write comprehensive product descriptions

6. Write Comprehensive Product Descriptions (That Sell)

High-quality product descriptions are a cornerstone of converting website visitors into paying customers. They act as your in-store salesperson, providing detailed information and addressing potential concerns to convince users that your product is the perfect solution to their needs.

Here’s how to craft compelling product descriptions that resonate with your audience and boost conversions:

• Focus on Benefits, Not Just Features: Don’t just list product specifications. Explain how those features translate into benefits for the customer. For instance, instead of simply stating that a jacket is waterproof, describe how the advanced waterproofing technology keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during unexpected downpours.
• Use Sensory Language: Engage the reader’s senses by incorporating descriptive language that evokes a positive emotional connection. Help them imagine how the product feels, looks, sounds, or performs in real-life scenarios. Describe the luxuriously soft texture of a cashmere sweater or the crisp, vibrant colors of a printed dress.
• Address Common Concerns: Anticipate potential customer questions and address them proactively within your descriptions. Is there a sizing concern with a particular garment? Provide a detailed size chart and fit guide. Does a product require special care instructions? Clearly outline cleaning and maintenance recommendations.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid technical jargon or overly complex sentences. Aim for readability and clarity, ensuring your descriptions are easy for everyone to understand.
• Optimize for Search Engines (SEO): While keyword stuffing is a bad practice, strategically incorporating relevant keywords throughout your descriptions can improve SEO ranking. Focus on natural keyword integration that enhances readability and helps potential customers discover your products.
• Include Powerful CTAs: Don’t miss the opportunity to convert website visitors into buyers. End your product descriptions with a clear call to action, encouraging users to “Add to Cart,” “Shop Now,” or “Learn More.”
• Go Beyond Text: Complement your descriptions with high-quality visuals. Include multiple product photos from various angles, showcasing details like texture, fit, and functionality. Consider incorporating lifestyle images or short videos featuring the product in use. This provides a more immersive experience for potential customers.

You can boost your e-commerce conversion rates and turn website browsers into loyal customers with good product descriptions.

7. Strengthen your CTA copy

Generic CTAs such as “Click here”, or “Sign Up” won’t give you the best conversion rates. Experiment with CTAs that clearly define the next step, like “Shop Winter Shoes” or “Browse Fall Collection”.

Here’s how to craft CTAs that drive results for your ecommerce store:

• Specificity is Key: Move beyond generic CTAs like “Click Here” or “Learn More.” Instead, use specific language that clearly communicates the desired action. For example, “Shop Winter Coats Now” or “Download Your Free Fitness E-book” are far more effective.
• Focus on Benefits: Highlight the value proposition within your CTA. What benefit will users receive by taking action? “Upgrade Your Look” or “Get Free Shipping Today” create a sense of urgency and incentivize users to click.
• Create a Sense of Urgency: CTAs with a time-sensitive element can encourage immediate action. Use phrases like “Limited Time Offer” or “Shop Before They Sell Out” to create a sense of scarcity and motivate users to complete a purchase.
• Action Verbs are Your Friends: Start your CTAs with strong action verbs that leave no room for doubt. Verbs like “Buy Now,” “Download,” or “Subscribe” clearly tell users what you want them to do.
• Match Your CTA to the Page: Tailor your CTAs to the specific page and its goal. On product pages, a “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart” CTA is most appropriate. For blog posts, a “Subscribe for More Tips” or “Download the Guide” CTA might be more suitable.
• Scarcity and Urgency Tactics: Consider using CTAs that highlight limited quantities or exclusive offers. Phrases like “Only 5 Left in Stock” or “Get Early Access with Email Sign-Up” can create a fear of missing out (FOMO) and encourage users to act quickly.
• Create a Sense of Value: CTAs that emphasize the value proposition can be highly effective. For instance, “Unlock 20% Off” or “Get Your Free Trial Today” highlight the immediate benefits users receive by taking action.

Another thing to try is adding the word “Yes” to your CTAs. Psychologically, it’s highly effective, showcasing your offer in a more positive light. It’s also a lot better than having a generic copy. 

The formula is: “Yes, I want [your offer]”

8. Add customer reviews and testimonials to conversion pages

Positive reviews and testimonials from your previous customers can be highly persuasive. It shows that your brand is reliable and trustworthy. It’s also a key component in the decision-making process. 

Give visitors a chance to leave reviews. It’s even better if people can place their photos along the review. Add these to your conversion pages, like product pages and checkout pages. It will surely help boost your conversions and build customer trust in the long run. 

9. Optimize for mobile devices

Mobile search has consistently outnumbered desktop searches for ecommerce. Make sure that your online store is well optimized for mobile devices.  Doing a fantastic job generating traffic? If users click from their mobile phones and your site isn’t mobile optimized, you’ll miss out on sales. 

For that reason it is important to make your site with a responsive design, or even make a seperate mobile version altogether. Jeanne from webdesignds.com lists some more benefits.

10. Simplify your eCommerce checkout process

A complex checkout process is one of the reasons you’re losing sales from competitors. You’ll also lose out on customers if you don’t employ a simple checkout process. It would help if you made it easy for your customers to purchase your products. Introducing efficient ecommerce accounting software can be a game-changer, simplifying your financial transactions and providing seamless integration to enhance your overall business operations.

11. Offer multiple payment options

Integrating multiple payment options on the checkout page is vital. 93-95% of Gen Y and Z use smartphones and place orders on the go. Giving more options to pay will decrease the chance of people leaving because they can’t pay for your products. 

Aside from credit card options, include other options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Stripe. This accommodates more users and gives them a good reason why they shouldn’t leave your site.

Here are some advantages of offering several payment methods on your site: 

• Better customer experience
• Customers feel more secure by having payment options they trust
• Makes your company more trustworthy

Concluding tactics to boost your online store traffic and conversions

Traffic and conversion rates are among the most vital indicators of ecommerce success. Implementing these techniques lets you boost your traffic and conversion rates.

Sources:

The post 11 Effective Tactics to Boost Your Online Store Traffic and Conversion Rate appeared first on ExpressPigeon.

We will also explain each step in detail so you have a better understanding of what happens during the website development process. Let’s get started!

Define your web development project

The first step in the website development process is to define your project. This means you need to sit down and figure out what you want your website to achieve. Meet with your development team and research your business goals, target audience, and competitors. It’s also important to determine the budget for your website and how much time you can devote to its creation and maintenance.

Business goals

Websites aren’t just digital real estate; they’re a hub to achieve business results. Your website can act as a virtual storefront. For potential customers to adopt a design and irresistible content. For the big part it’s not about looking pretty; it’s about converting casual browsers into clients.

Writing down your business goals for your website. is like your roadmap to success in the online jungle. Here’s a handy list to get you started:

1. Boost Sales: Turn clicks into cash with strategic calls-to-action and seamless checkout processes.
2. Increase Brand Awareness: Get your name out there with engaging content, social media integration, and killer SEO.
3. Enhance User Experience: Keep visitors glued to their screens with lightning-fast load times, intuitive navigation, and mobile responsiveness.
4. Generate Leads: Cast your net wide with irresistible lead magnets and forms that make signing up a breeze.
5. Establish Authority: Position yourself as the go-to guru in your field with valuable resources, insightful blogs, and expert testimonials.
6. Drive Traffic: Get more eyeballs on your site through a winning combination of organic search, paid ads, and killer marketing campaigns.

Your website should achieve specific business goals, which can fall under different project management knowledge areas such as scope, time, cost, quality, etc. Here’s a breakdown of how these areas connect to website goals:

• Scope: Clearly define the features and functionalities of your website that will help achieve your goals.
• Time: Set realistic deadlines for website development and launch, considering the project’s scope and resource availability.
• Cost: Develop a budget for website development, maintenance, and ongoing content creation.
• Quality: Maintain high website quality throughout the development process and ensure it delivers a positive user experience. This includes aspects like website speed, mobile-friendliness, clear navigation, and engaging content.

Like we said, goals can include brand awareness, sales, leadgeneration, etc. Determine the goals of your website upfront, it is the reason for your site to exist. And approach it like a project management task to keep them front and center.

When setting business goals for a website, it’s important to keep in mind that not all websites are made equal. A small business might have different needs than a bigger one. Be clear on what you set out to do with your website.

Understanding Your Target Audience: A Key to Website Development Success

It’s not just about who you want to visit your site, it’s about understanding their needs and desires so you can create a website that resonates with them. Here’s how a well-defined target audience benefits website development:

Targeted Design and Content:

• Knowing your audience demographics (age, gender, location, income) helps tailor the website’s design and content to their preferences. For instance, a website targeting teenagers might use bright colors, trendy fonts, and slang, while a website for retirees might prioritize larger fonts, clear navigation, and high-contrast visuals.
• Understanding their interests and online behavior allows you to create content that is relevant and engaging. If your target audience enjoys reading in-depth articles, prioritize blog posts. If they prefer short videos, focus on creating video content.

Improved User Experience (UX):

• By understanding your audience’s needs and pain points, you can design a website that is easy to navigate and use. This includes clear menus, intuitive layouts, and a search function that works efficiently.
• Considering their technical expertise helps you determine the complexity of the website’s functionalities. An audience familiar with technology might appreciate advanced features, while a less tech-savvy audience might benefit from a simpler interface.

Enhanced Conversion Rates:

• Knowing what motivates your target audience allows you to craft compelling calls to action (CTAs) that encourage them to take the desired action. For example, if your target audience is looking to buy a product, your CTAs might be “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart.” If they’re looking for information, your CTAs might be “Download Our Free Guide” or “Subscribe to Our Newsletter.”
• Understanding their purchasing journey helps you create a sales funnel that guides them towards conversion. This might involve offering relevant product recommendations, providing social proof through testimonials, and streamlining the checkout process.

Techniques to Define Your Target Audience:

• Market Research: Conduct surveys, polls, and focus groups to gather data on your target audience’s demographics, interests, and online behavior.
• Competitor Analysis: Analyze your competitor’s websites to see who they target and what content resonates with their audience.
• Website Analytics (if you have an existing website): Use website analytics tools like Google Analytics to understand your current audience demographics, interests, and website behavior.
• Buyer Personas: Create detailed profiles of your ideal customers, including their demographics, goals, challenges, and preferred communication channels.

Do some research and figure out who is most likely to show interest in what you have to offer. When identifying your target audience, consider their preferences and needs to tailor the top web design and content that resonates with them. Additionally, analyzing your competition’s web design, content strategies, and user interface can provide insights into how to enhance your website’s appeal and stand out in the market.

Competition

Your competition is a valuable resource when it comes to website development. Studying what they’re doing right – and wrong – will give you ideas on how to differentiate your site and attract more customers.

Look at their web design, content, user interface, and branding. Pay attention to site architecture, website layout, and marketing strategies. What can you borrow or improve upon? Do they need an e-commerce site upgrade for better overall performance?

By studying your competition, you can develop ideas for brand positioning in the market. What are you offering that nobody else does? How do you want customers to see your company?

Once this is clear, it will be easier to create a website that represents your business and attracts your target audience.

Determine your website budget

Before you get too deep into the design and development process, you’ll need to set some financial boundaries. How much are you willing to spend on your website?

This isn’t a question with a one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of a website will vary depending on the features and functionality you need. Yet, it’s important to have an idea of how much money you’re comfortable spending upfront. Be ready to adjust this number as your project progresses.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ballpark figures for common website features:

• Basic Website (up to five pages): $500 – $1500
• E-Commerce Website: $2000 – $5000
• Custom Website: Well, that depends on your website needs, size, and functionality.

Your costs will also vary if you hire a custom software solutions company for support. But if you know how to outsource your web development, don’t forget the in-house project management – and the costs should stay close to your budget if the requirements are spelled out clearly.

Plan your website: Sitemap and wireframes

The next step in developing your website is to create a sitemap. This will help you determine the hierarchy of your pages and how they’ll link together. A wireframe is also a helpful tool at this stage, as it will give you a visual representation of your site’s layout. Time management is crucial to the whole process.

Pay special attention to the landing pages – this is often what makes or breaks a website’s success. Landing pages are purpose-built pages that are laser-focused on converting incoming traffic, serving up just the right dose of information and being persuasive to seal the deal. Distractions are removed as much as possible. Offering a streamlined path to action.

Whether you’re promoting a product, driving sign-ups for a webinar, or enticing subscribers to join your email list, a well-crafted landing page focuses on a single objective, and delivers a tailored message to a specific audience.

In ecommerce every product page can be a landing page (coming from search) so CRO (conversion rate optimization) for your landing pages is a big deal as you can seriously boost the conversion rates.

Make sure your landing pages are clear and concise, and that they contain all the key information that you want to convey to your visitors. If you don’t want a full website, most modern email marketing platforms have a landing page builder. Check out this iContact review to see how you can create landing pages without any coding.

The website’s layout is something to carefully consider when planning your content. Product pages, for example, should be easy to find and navigate. They should contain all the relevant information that potential customers will need. Key conversion points, such as calls-to-action, also be given careful thought at this stage.

Once you’ve created a sitemap and wireframes for your website, it’s time to design your website. With careful planning and execution, you can develop a high-quality website that meets all your business goals.

Design your website

Once you have your sitemap and wireframes complete, you can begin designing your pages. This will include your branding, colors, fonts, and other visual elements that make up the look and feel of your website.

Make sure to consider key conversion points, such as calls-to-action, when designing your pages. You’ll also want to think about the overall user experience (UX), which refers to how easy it is for customers to navigate your site and find what they need.

Your website’s UI design is one of the most important aspects of the overall project. It’s what customers will see and interact with, so it’s essential to get it right. Work with your designer to make sure all your branding elements are incorporated into the pages. This will give your site a consistent look and feel that will help you stand out from the competition.

If a big part of your target audience uses mobile, it’s worth optimizing your UI/UX design for mobile web pages. A responsive-theme is a great start, beyond that, you can consider a PWA (progressive web app) to make your mobile site load faster & feel smoother.

Once the design is finalized, you’ll move on to creating content.

Plan and create your website content

This step involves putting down in writing all the content you want to add to your website. This includes all the different web pages you want, such as a landing page, product or service descriptions, testimonials, case studies, blog posts, videos, images, and social media posts. AI writing tools can help you create better and faster content easily.

You’ll also need to include the text for each of these pages. This can be a daunting task if you’re not used to writing copy or if you’re short on time. But it’s important to take the time to do it right so your website sends the right message to your visitors and potential customers. Thankfully there are copywriting techniques to help you produce great copy.

There are several things to keep in mind when creating content for your website:

• Your website is an extension of your business and should reflect your brand voice and values.
• The tone of your website content should be consistent across all your messaging channels.
• Your website content should be well written, accurate and free of errors.
• It should be keyword rich to help improve your site’s SEO.
• And finally, it should be compelling and engaging so that people will want to stay on your site and learn more about what you do.

Content is the heart of your website, informing, engaging, and converting your target audience. Here’s a breakdown of this stage, considering its relevance to the website development process:

Content Planning:

• Align Content with Website Goals: Review your website goals (e.g., brand awareness, sales, demand generation or lead generation) and determine how content will contribute to achieving them. For instance, blog posts can help establish brand authority, while landing pages with clear CTAs can drive sales.
• Content Audit (if you have an existing website): Analyze existing content to identify gaps, outdated information, and high-performing content. This helps build upon strengths and address weaknesses in your content strategy.
• Develop a Content Calendar: Plan your content creation by scheduling the type of content (e.g., blog posts, product descriptions, case studies) to be published and when. This ensures a consistent flow of fresh content to keep your audience engaged.
• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for and strategically incorporate them into your content. This improves search engine optimization (SEO) and increases the chances of your website appearing in search results.
• Content Mapping: Match specific webpages with relevant content types. For example, product pages should have detailed descriptions, while “About Us” pages might benefit from a company story.

Content Creation:

• High-Quality Writing: Content should be well-written, informative, and engaging for your target audience. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and proper grammar.
• Content Variety: Incorporate various content formats like blog posts, infographics, videos, and images to cater to different audience preferences and learning styles.
• Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images, videos, and other visuals to break up text, enhance understanding, and make your content more visually appealing.
• Content Tone and Voice: Maintain a consistent tone and voice that reflects your brand personality. This strengthens brand recognition and builds trust with your audience.
• Internal Linking: Link relevant pages within your website to improve user navigation and SEO. This keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to explore different sections of your website.
• Calls to Action (CTAs): Clearly tell your audience what you want them to do next, whether it’s subscribing to your newsletter, downloading a white paper, or contacting you for a consultation.

Content Optimization:

• SEO Optimization: Optimize your content with relevant keywords for better search engine ranking. This involves using keywords naturally throughout the content, including meta descriptions and image alt tags.
• Mobile-Friendliness: Ensure your content displays well on all devices, especially mobile phones, as a significant portion of website traffic comes from mobile users.
• Content Performance Tracking: Use website analytics tools to track content performance metrics like page views, engagement time, and conversions. This data helps you understand what content resonates with your audience and allows you to refine your content strategy.

Integration with Development Process:

• Collaboration with Designers: Collaborate with website designers to ensure a seamless integration of content within the website layout. Content should complement the visual design and user experience.
• Content Delivery System (CMS): If using a CMS like WordPress, familiarize yourself with its content management features. Learn how to structure content, add visuals, and optimize pages for SEO within the CMS platform.
• Content Staging: Develop a staging environment to test your content before publishing it live on the website. This allows for final edits and ensures smooth content integration on the website.

Creating great content for your website is an important part of building a successful online presence. By taking the time to create quality content, you’ll be able to attract more visitors, convert more leads, and ultimately grow your business. So don’t skimp on the content – it’s worth the investment!

Develop your website

At this point, you can begin to build the website itself. Treat it like a custom software development project. Later, don’t forget to use website hosting to ensure website safety and avoid security issues in the future.

The home page is generally built first, followed by additional sub-pages as needed. This is according to the site hierarchy established as a sitemap before. To ensure that the server handles the installation and set-up without difficulty, a solid CMS (content management system) should be used.

You will want to create and test all of the static web page elements that were designed during the mock-up and layout creation. After that, you can add any special features or interactivity. It is very important to understand every website development technology that you are going to use at this stage.

If you are using CMS to build a website, you can also add plugins at this stage if needed. SEO is the most important part of this process. SEO is when you make your website better so that it comes up higher in search engine results for the keyword you’re interested in. Follow the leading SEO trends to make sure you rank for your keywords. Good code is very important for SEO. If you’re more advanced in coding and web development, you can use a headless CMS to improve your SEO.

Most crucial web development process: Testing

It is important to test early and often throughout the website development process. You should have a separate testing environment set up so that you can test changes before they go live on your website. This will help you avoid any potential problems or issues.

Your developers should test each page element on your website. They should try to find any faults, like broken links or compatibility with different devices. This will help make sure that everything works as intended. Similarly, ensuring effective communication and understanding within your team is crucial. Regular one-on-one meetings with software developers can be a key strategy, providing a platform for addressing challenges, discussing progress, and fostering a positive work environment.

You should also check every form and script on your website for typos. Check for grammatical errors by running a spell checker. Verify that your code is in line with current web standards by using validators. This is important for good SEO. Good code looks better to search engines and can help your website come up higher in search engine results.

Make sure you test everything before going live! It’s much easier to fix any problems when they are caught early on in the development process. Faults discovered after launch can be costly and time-consuming to correct. So, test, test, and test again!

It’s also a good idea to get someone else to test your website. They will be able to give you an unbiased opinion and point out any errors that you may have missed.

Website monitoring and maintenance

Website monitoring and maintenance are ongoing processes. You should regularly check your website for broken links, images that aren’t loading, and other errors. It’s also important to keep your content fresh and up-to-date. Regularly adding new content will help to draw people back to your site and will keep them coming back for more.

Regular maintenance includes:

• uploading your blog
• adding new products and services
• Fixing bugs
• Creating site backups
• Installing plugins
• Monitoring website analytics

Website monitoring and maintenance are important for running your site and preventing major problems. By taking a little time each week to keep on top of things, you can ensure that your website is always up and running properly.

You should also consider hiring full-stack developers or an agency to help you with the ongoing maintenance of your website. Agencies often have well-established workflows and processes. This streamlines project execution, minimizes inefficiencies, and ensures consistent quality throughout the development lifecycle. They will be able to help you with tasks such as installing updates, fixing bugs, and creating backups. This can save you a lot of time and hassle.

The website development lifecycle

The website development life cycle doesn’t end when the site goes live. In fact, it’s really just the beginning. By regularly monitoring your website and making sure it is running smoothly, you ensure that your business always has a strong online presence.

The web development life cycle is an ongoing process. If you treat it like one, you won’t be surprised when your website keeps growing and improving.

Recap: Website development checklist

So there you have it! These are the basics of how to build a website from start to finish. Here are the website development process steps recapped:

• Define your web development project
• Plan your website: Sitemap and wireframes
• Design your website
• Plan and create your website content
• Develop your website
• Most crucial web development process: Testing
• Website monitoring and maintenance

By following these simple steps, you can create a professional-looking website that is sure to impress your visitors. Just remember to always test everything before going live, and to regularly monitor and maintain your site once it’s up and running.

Creating a website is a big undertaking, so it’s important to take the time to plan everything and make an ecommerce website checklist before moving on to the next steps.

If you take the time to do things right from the start, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later on. So don’t skimp on the planning phase, and be sure to divide enough time for testing and maintenance in your schedule. By following these basic principles, you can build a great website that will serve you well for years to come.

The post Website Development Process: How to Build a Website from Start to Finish appeared first on ExpressPigeon.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of our favorite online retailers, and provide you with information on products, prices, and shipping. Whether you are looking for clothes, designer labels, or anything else, we have you covered.

Best online Department Stores in Canada

1. Hudson’s Bay 

Hudson’s Bay is a Canadian department store, and the online shop has been up and running since 1997. They also have 89 locations in 7 provinces across Canada.

The website offers many product categories covering clothing, homeware, accessories, and more. 

The store itself is easy to navigate. The menus are well structured, and you can hover over any category to reveal products in it, it has a user-friendly design which is essential for user experience. It’s a great example if you’re looking for online business ideas for your own.

There are regular sales on the website, along with chances to use coupon codes. Do sign up for their newsletter and you’ll get juicy deals in your inbox. 

If you’re a Canadian, you’ll enjoy free shipping for purchases above $49. They also provide same-day and next-day delivery, but that’ll cost you extra.

Hudson’s Bay has been active in Canada for many decades. Besides their physical and e-commerce expansion, they’re also active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube. Follow them there to learn about new deals and promotions.

2. Holt Renfrew 

Holt Renfrew is a chich online department store. It can also be considered a designer brand but its online shop offers a variety of products. The business itself is very old, founded in Quebec in 1837. The online store is more recent, but still pretty old in internet years. Starting way back in 1998.

Holt Renfrew offers clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches, accessories, and grooming products. They regularly execute campaigns and often collaborate with other brands and designers.

They promise free shipping for carts over $100 in value. You can expect your products to arrive in 3-7 days, or alternatively pay a bit for quicker deliveries.

Holt Renfrew also has accounts on all popular social media websites. So you can also follow them there to keep up with new campaigns and releases.

Best fashion & beauty online stores in Canada

3. Gee Beauty 

Gee Beauty is a family-run beauty store. They have locations in Toronto and Miami, with their e-commerce site active since 2004.

You can shop online for skin-care products, make-up, and wellness products. Gee Beauty’s navigation is easy to follow. The top-level navigation has drop-down menus that quickly reveal products from all categories.

Gee Beauty offers free shipping for all orders above $100 in value. They also send free samples with that. If you’re looking for expedited shipping, you can get your products delivered within 2 business days for $15.

Gee Beauty has active social accounts on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook. The cool thing about their brand is they put a lot of focus on their branding. Their Instagram is buzzing and growing, something you should consider for your own brand.

4. Consonant Skincare 

Consonant skincare is an online skincare shopping site from Canada. They started business in 2010 and offer their own line of products.

You’ll find products are affordable prices. They include creams, masks, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, body kits, and more. Consonant deals in natural products that don’t include artificial ingredients. They also offer services like cold laser facials. 

Consonant skincare charges flat rates on shipping, but you can waive off this cost if your order value is above $72.

5. Sephora

Sephora is a french-multi national company but they also have a dedicated online store for Canada. They’ve been in business since 1970, with their website live since 1996.

While shopping online on Sephora, you’ll find make-up, skin care products, moisturizers, creams, shower gels, and more. In total, they offer around 3000 products online. If you’re a fan of their products, sign up for one of their subscription boxes. These are bundled products that are paid for and delivered to your customers every month.

Sephora is offering free shipping on all orders for its Canadian customers with the code: FREESHIP. You can opt for quicker shipping by paying $12 with your order.

Sephora is also active on all popular social media platforms. You can follow them there to stay updated on new products and promotions.

Best online Clothing & Accessories stores in Canada

6. Christian Louboutin 

Christian Louboutin is a popular online clothing and accessories store in Canada. The company was founded in 1991 by world-famous designer Christian Louboutin. 

The website is designed with an air of sophistication. The company wants its website to evoke the same emotions its products do.

You can shop for bags, accessories, shoes, and wallets. They also have seasonal campaigns on the website, where you can pick out items to fit a theme or season.

Shipping in Canada is free and can take between 2-6 days. There are also paid options for expedited shipping.

7. Alexander Wang 

Alexander Wang is a clothing brand by an American fashion designer of the same name. The company has an exclusive online store for Canadian customers.

Their product line includes t-shirts, tops, sweaters, sweatshirts, skirts, dresses, swimwear, and more. With options for men and women both. Most products have a distinctly rustic look for them and are made with premium quality. They usually also come with a heavy price tag.

Canadians can expect to get their orders delivered in 2-5 days. 

Best online homeware & appliances stores in Canada

8. Candian Tire 

Canadian Tire is a homeware brand that’s been in business for almost a hundred years. Their online shopping website has been live since the year 2000.

The company has products in categories such as Tools & Hardware, Sports, Pets, Outdoor Living, and auto parts. You’ll find almost anything home-related on Canadian Tire.

Shipping fees will vary according to your order value. Shipping starts at $4.99 and you can expect to have your products delivered in 1-2 business days.

9. Design Milk 

Design Milk is an online homeware store that sells in Canada. They’ve been in business since 2006.

They offer kitchens, outdoors, pets, offices, and wellness products. They also have an active blog that shows how some of their products can be used in everyday situations.

As it’s a designer store, you’ll pay a premium on most products. But the products are high in quality and have a unique aesthetic look and feel.

There is no free shipping for Canadian customers, and the price is automatically calculated at checkout.

10. Amazon Canada

Amazon Canada is a one-stop online store for all kinds of products. The company has been operating in Canada since the year 2000.

Amazon offers almost anything you can think of. There are electronics, homeware, hardware, fashion, gaming, and computer products, among a few categories. The best part about Amazon is, it’s easy to find deals. Sometimes there are discounts, while other times you can buy used versions of your desired product. Which cost a lot less than buying them new. But not only this, on Amazing you can also sell your own products and even start an online clothing brand.

Your shipping rate and time of delivery will depend on the products you select. You can choose standard shipping, which takes 3-6 days. Or One-day shipping, which costs more.

Amazon isn’t just limited to products. People can sell services too. If you’re interested in becoming an Amazon seller, check out our guide on how to make money with Amazon.

Best online Nutrition & Wellness stores in Canada

11. Healthy Planet Canada 

Healthy Planet Canada opened up their website for business in 2010. They sell health and wellness products all across Canada and have physical stores too.

The store offers vitamins, supplements, beauty products, herbs, kid products, and pet health products. They regularly have deals on their website and sometimes you can find attractive prices for all sorts of health products.

Healthy Planet offers free shipping on all orders in Canada, above $60. You can expect to get your orders delivered between 1-10 days.

12. Navafresh

Navafresh is a recent startup, starting business in 2021. They offer a range of nutritional products, along with health care items. 

Their line of nutritional products includes supplements, vitamins, sports products, healthy snacks, meat, and meat substitutes. You can also shop for healthy grocery items at Navafresh.

There is no free shipping for orders. The amount will depend on our checkout cart value. Most orders are delivered within 7-25 business days.

Best online stores in Canada – Get Shopping

Many Canadians are looking for the best online shopping sites to find deals on gifts for their loved ones. Whether you’re searching for the latest fashion trends, beauty products, home decor, or appliances, we’ve got you covered with our list of Canada’s best online department stores. 

Our top picks include some well-known names like Hudson’s Bay and Canadian Tire, as well as a few lesser-known gems like Design Milk and Gee Beauty. So whether you’re looking for last-minute gifts or want to start your holiday shopping early, read on for our recommendations on where to shop online in Canada.

The post The 12 Best Online Shopping Sites in Canada appeared first on ExpressPigeon.

In this article, we will discuss the features of the eBay Seller Hub and show you how to use it to your advantage. We’ll also cover some of the pros and cons of using this tool so that you can decide if it’s right for you. Let’s get started.

What is eBay Seller Hub?

eBay Seller Hub is an online tool for sellers to manage their businesses on eBay. It provides an overview of a seller’s sales, listings, and customer relationships, and it offers tools for managing inventory, orders, shipments, and payments.

eBay Seller Hub also provides access to marketing resources and analytics. By using eBay Seller Hub, sellers can save time and effort while also increasing their chances of success on eBay.

Is the eBay seller hub free?

eBay seller hub is free to use, and it’s available to all sellers with an eBay account. The seller hub makes it easy to track your sales, orders, and listings in one place. You can also use it to get the latest information on policies, fees, and features that can help you grow your business.

Whether you’re just getting started on eBay or you’re a seasoned pro, the seller hub can help you manage your business more efficiently and stay up-to-date on the latest news and information.

How can I get eBay Seller Hub?

To get eBay Seller Hub, you need to be a registered, active seller on eBay. Then, you can go to the “My eBay” drop-down menu and select “Selling.” From there, you will be taken to the Seller Hub home page, where you can explore all of the features and tools that are available to help you manage your business on eBay. If you are not an active seller on eBay, you will not be able to access Seller Hub.

How does eBay Seller Hub work?

The first tab Overview. Here, you can get an overview of your recent buyer activity, see your active listings, and get alerted to messages from buyers.

The second tab is Orders. In the Orders tab, you can track your sales, send invoices to buyers, and print shipping labels.

The third tab is Listings. This is where you can create and manage listings, as well as get insights into how your listings are performing.

The fourth tab is Marketing. In the Marketing tab, you can create and manage Promoted Listings campaigns.

The fifth tab is Performance. In the Performance tab, you can view your seller metrics, leave feedback for buyers, and view your seller level.

As you can see, the eBay Seller Hub is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. With just a few clicks, you can manage all aspects of your eBay business.

We’ll go over some of these in our next section.

eBay Seller Hub’s main features

The main features of the Seller Hub include listing management, order management, pricing and promotions, shipping and tracking, and reporting.

Tasks

This is where eBay draws sellers’ attention to unread messages or not yet done important actions. For example, you will be notified here about the buyer’s negative feedback, or you can also get here a suggestion to add some missed specifications in one of the listings. By having all of this information gathered in one place, it allows sellers to stay on top of their businesses and ensure that they are providing the best possible service to their customers.

Orders

eBay seller hub’s order page allows you to take action on your orders as soon as you receive them. You can print shipping labels and upload tracking information for the buyer so they know when their order is on the way.

The order page also provides an overview of your recent activity, including new orders, messages, and returns. You can use the drop-down menu to filter by status, such as shipped, unshipped, or paid.

You can also search for specific orders using the buyer’s name or the order ID. By staying organized and keeping track of eBay sales, you can provide a smooth and hassle-free buying experience for your customers.

Listings

The eBay Seller Hub Listings page is a powerful tool that can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to managing your listings. You can use the listings page to create new listings, edit existing listings, and even manage your listings in bulk.

The listings page makes it easy to keep track of your inventory and make changes as needed. You can also use the listings page to create custom listing templates that you can reuse in the future.

Marketing

eBay sellers can market their products on eBay Seller Hub. By using eBay’s tools, you can increase the number of sales you have and attract more buyers. You can also use eBay to reach a wider audience by including keywords in your listings that will help your products show up in search results. In addition, you can use eBay’s Promoted Listings feature to place your listings higher in search results.

Performance

The Performance page provides detailed information on the traffic to your site, where buyers are accessing your site from, and what they’re looking for. This information can be extremely helpful in understanding what’s working well and what needs improvement. The Seller Hub can help you track your progress over time so you can see how your efforts are paying off.

Traffic report

The report provides data on a number of key metrics, including impressions, click-through rate, page views, and sales conversion rate. This information can be used to identify areas where your shop may be underperforming and make necessary changes to improve your listings’ visibility and boost sales.

While the Traffic report is a valuable tool for all sellers, it is especially useful for those who are new to eBay or are looking to increase their listings’ traffic and conversions.

If you’re having problems with people visiting your website but not buying, you may want to read about abandoned cart emails.

Payments

This page provides an overview of the payments you’re receiving from your sales on eBay. You can also access information about fees, any pending conflicts with your orders, and other payment-related details pertaining to your transactions.

By understanding which payouts you’re receiving and how they’re generated, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your eBay sales. In addition, this page can help you resolve any issues that may arise in relation to your payments. Keep on top of your payments, so you can keep your eBay transactions running smoothly.

Conclusion: Start selling on eBay Seller Hub

If you’re selling on eBay, then you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the eBay Seller Hub. This is a great resource for keeping track of your sales and ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your transactions. With the seller hub, you can access information about your payouts, fees, performance, orders, and more.

You can also use the seller hub to resolve any issues that may come up with your payments. By staying on top of your payments, you can keep your eBay transactions running smoothly. So if you’re ready to step up your e-shop, be sure to check out the seller hub!

You may enjoy reading: How to Make Money on Amazon

The post eBay Seller Hub: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on ExpressPigeon.

You might also be thinking “How to get products for subscription boxes?” 

Well, this guide will tell you all about it. You’ll learn about different subscription box suppliers and ways to source them. If you’re looking to add products to your subscription boxes, you’ve come to the right place.

What are subscription boxes?

Subscription boxes are bundled products that are paid for and delivered to your customers every month. They are an affordable and convenient form for shoppers to get the items they want. And it is a great way to discover new products. 

Customers can try out new brands or products before buying them at the store. But how to find the right mix of products for your subscription box? Let’s dive in.

6 places to get products for subscription boxes 

Finding items for subscription boxes is difficult. Especially if you’re looking for a selection to keep people excited about their subscriptions. 

But it doesn’t have to be. There are a few places to find great items that work well in a subscription box. Here are 6 places to get products for your subscription box. 

1. Amazon

Amazon has a lot of products that can make your subscription box more exciting. From gadgets to toys, to beauty, to office supplies, there is something for everyone. It’s a great place to find new ideas.

Most marketers don’t think about Amazon when compiling their subscriptions box products. 

Amazon also offers subscription services themselves like Amazon beauty box. So you can draw product inspiration from them. These subscriptions you can find in the “subscribe and save section” on their website.

Tips for sourcing products from Amazon:

• You can search for products based on their categories and sub-categories on Amazon’s best sellers page.
• From a product’s selling info, you can determine what products can appeal to your subscribers. And make sure to choose products that are affordable.
• Verify product from authentic reviewers.

2. Online Search

Search is a great, endless source of product ideas. Google indexes almost everything and allows you to find good products for your customers. You can filter your search to get ideas using specific search queries.

Tips

• Search Google for your product category name in quotes, for instance “pets”. Then, add the word “subscription” after it. For instance “pets” “subscription”
• Click on Search. Check if there are any related keywords for the product.
• By using search operators like quotation marks, the words “or,” and “not,” you can quickly narrow your search to specific sites and remove a lot of search results that wouldn’t be interesting anyway.
• Browse and keep a list of the products you want to get for your subscription box, possibly ordering them or samples.
• Contact the seller or producer of the individual products.
• If you’re working with new producers, get a dropshipping tracking tool to avoid headaches

3. Trade fairs

Trade fairs are a great way to get an idea of what’s trending in your industry. Producers and wholesalers will show up with the latest products they are introducing in the coming period and their analysis of what’s the big next thing. They give you access to a lot of vendors gathered in one place. 

Directly chatting with the representatives there, also gets you in on a personal level. And possibly some exclusive or special deals with discounts for your promotional effort. Reps love to write business and get their quota at a tradeshow or convention. It’s a way to keep your subscription box unique and trendy.

Here are some ways to find the best products at trade fairs.

Tips

• Understand the needs of your subscribers,  so you don’t get what they won’t like.
• Go with a gameplan of who is exhibiting and preferably plan some meetings up front. 
• Research the trade fairs where you can find the right products.
• It is a perfect way to form long-term partnerships with exhibitors.

4. Subscription box marketplaces like Cratejoy

Cratejoy is a marketplace for businesses to sell subscription boxes. It’s also a great place to get product inspiration. You can browse all the available subscription boxes there, and get a feel for the competition. The platform has a lot of different types of products. 

Cratejoy also is a platform to launch and grow your own subscription business. They offer a lot of the necessary tools. You can build a product selection, promote and customize your branding. If you haven’t started any subscription box business yet, and you are looking to get started – this may be a way to consider being more hands-off/outsourced. 

Tips

• You can sort products based on categories, prices, and location.
• Reach out to the companies listing the products.

5. Local stores

If you’re short of product ideas for your subscription boxes, why not include products from local stores? An inquisitive sourcer can find many unique items at local shops.  It can make your product stand out and feel more “authentic” compared to the ones offered by large companies.

Adding products from a local store to your subscription box makes it more exciting, personal and gets you the sympathy vote. And you’ll also be supporting local businesses. 

Tips

• Use a local directory to find local stores.
• Know your subscribers’ product preferences.
• Seek long-term partnership with selected stores if they are a good fit.

6. Work with Vendors and Manufacturers

You can find quality and well-priced items for your subscription box business directly from manufacturers. They can give you a list of products and companies that sell what you’re looking for or possibly even source them directly from the factory.

There are many ways to promote your store and subscription boxes, so be sure the vendor allows you to add in your own (promotional) material and ship branded boxes. An insert can tell the story of your business and build relationships with subscribers.

Here are some tips for getting subscription box products from manufacturers.

Tips

• Compile an email list of potential vendors. This list should include all the types of products that would be appropriate for your box.
• Contact each vendor and ask them what type of pricing they have available. You can also ask for samples so you know exactly what the product is before ordering it.
• Once you’ve contacted all the vendors, make sure to compare their prices and quality level. Then pick which company will best suit your needs.

Bonus: Sellfy is an ecommerce platform where you can sell subscriptions and has print-on-demand. Combining the 2 you can create subscription boxes with your own products. Read this full Sellfy review to learn more about POD and subscription features.

Acquisition Price and sourcing  subscription box products

The monthly price of the subscription box is always pre-determined. And the flexibility you have in your pricing changes based on the product selection. As a business, you’ll have to consider the price of products you buy. 

Begin with the right product acquisition strategy and pricing agreements. Getting the purchase price right is the foundation of most successful subscription boxes. 

If the margin is big enough, you can use your gross profits to experiment. Offer incentives and rewards for customer acquisition, and invest in paid media. An effective product sourcing strategy weighs price and quality. 

When your products don’t meet expectations, customers won’t hesitate to cancel their subscriptions. Yet even more important is having enough markup to make a profit.

3 Types of subscription box suppliers

Choosing the right subscription box supplier is a time-consuming task if you don’t know what to look out for. There’s a lot of confusion about what suppliers are, how they work, and which ones will be best for you. 

But delivering boxes that meet customers’ needs is key to growing your subscription business.  If you’re not sure which one would work for your company, our list will guide you on how to find subscription box suppliers. 

1. Custom Product Makers

Custom products from manufacturers help you create subscription boxes with unique products. And you get to be a part of the production process. 

You can build an unforgettable customer experience because no one else would have these products. You deliver based on consumers’ preferences and needs. So your customers can be confident in what they’re purchasing.

Tips

• First, find out how many units of each product you will need and when you need them delivered. With custom products, especially produced far away delivery times can become quite long. 
• Let your suppliers know when it’s time for production so they can start making your order!
• Finally, package everything and ship them off.
• Bonus tip: Send a post-purchase SMS to get feedback about the products. This will give you tons of insights into what to get for future boxes.

Related reading: TextMagic SMS Marketing Tool Review 2022: Features, Prices, and Benefits

2. Ecommerce Stores

Ecommerce stores are a great way to get subscription boxes for your customers. It is easy to find what you want because of the search function on e-commerce platforms. 

This allows users to browse items by category or by brand name. And it’s easier to look for specific boxes. Ecommerce sites provide information about each product including price, size, weight, and availability.

3. Bulk distributors/wholesalers

Wholesalers allow you to meet the demands of your customers by filling your subscription boxes in bulk. This makes your subscription boxes affordable. 

Buying in wholesale results in better-quality products at low prices. But, they are best for businesses with a large volume of subscriptions.

Free vs. paid subscription box products

Some merchants have built subscription boxes with free goods. Manufacturers are often willing to give you free samples for introducing new products to consumers or to reach new markets.

There are also downsides to the free product model. You must partner with a series of manufacturers who see the benefits of giving free products each month. 

When your subscription box providers don’t get paid, it’s easy for them to give less priority to get your item. One innovative company went around it and created wholesale subscription boxes. This includes trade show demonstration samples in a box for retailers. 

Conclusion: How to get products for your subscription boxes?

To get products that fit your subscription boxes, consider what type of product would work best. What if my customers crave specific brands? Find out which ones they like so you can curate. 

In addition to sourcing, sampling, and getting deals inspired by your trend research, you could make the items yourself or buy them wholesale from a company that specializes in this niche. 

We hope our guide answers any questions you have about getting products for your subscription boxes.

4 most common questions about product sourcing

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