When ordering the update or development of an eCommerce store, the owners tend to make fatal mistakes which may lead to failures in online business.
It’s quite easy to develop an e-store nowadays, isn’t it? You just choose a CMS, certain design, a domain name and WOW, we can start selling! But there exists a list of typical mistakes which may lead to making a development even more expensive than you expected and having the unnecessary functionality on the online store.
I want to show you the most widespread mistakes when developing and launching an online store.
The features of chosen CMS are not properly examined
Everything is more than simple here: study all the possibilities of your future platform. There are cases when the engine is able to solve more tasks than you could imagine. Why does it happen? Lack of time to read the user guide of a purchased product.
It happens that the CMS of the online store already contains the tools for optimizing your work: analytics on sales and visits, quick order-processing, integration with useful services. Moreover, it can save your time on technical issues.You should have time for administrative questions and sales improvement after all.
No technical specification and no understanding of real customer’s needs
A typical situation occurs again and again. A client comes to the developer and there comes a long pause when it comes to details. You should have a clear vision of your future online store and it should be reflected in the technical specification. If it’s a little complicated, use the examples of other e-stores, but only as a background. Remember that the uniqueness of your brand is an advantage.
Why is it so crucial to mention all details in your technical specification? If you decide to add something sooner or later, you won’t do it for free.
Another option is to ask the developers to write the technical specification for you. But keep in mind that it’s not for free as well.
Focusing on rich design and functionality, not the real selling functions
This is one of my most favorite. How much money was spent on design and other things…Well, your design really matters, but there are more important things which are being ignored. Your online store is intended to SELL. Think of how it can sell and then get down to design and functionality.
Test your niche, start selling and then add the necessary functionality based on the market requirements.
No promotion, no sales
Sometimes it happens that the client says: “I have launched the store but it won’t sell. The week has passed!” It’s not a routine case, but such things do happen.
Some people think that their online stores can sell by themselves and no efforts are necessary. That’s why so many people close their stores day by day. No customers – no sales.
People should somehow find out about your product or service and you can achieve this by promoting the online store. Work on your brand awareness.
Just imagine what amount of information your client processes every day. So many efforts should be made for your advertising materials to work. Your competitors are struggling for the customer’s attention every day.
But do not confuse the marketing functionality of your store with promotion. Functionality will help to work with the customers, to stimulate sales and strengthen the loyalty. So, if you want the customers to be fully aware of your product’s value, pay much attention to promoting wisely.
Attempts to fix the functionality on your own
Let’s imagine the situation that you have tried to fix the code without in-depth knowledge in programming.
A widespread case is when an online store owner is searching for a contractor and is 100% sure that he will solve the challenges at a lower price. BUT: if your store has a complicated functionality, the freelancer may lack knowledge and competence to modify things in a proper way.
Underestimating the role of content on the resource
When I mention the word “content” I mean both written and visual. Grammar and spelling mistakes is a taboo if you don’t want your brand’s image to be spoiled. You may not believe, but if the content is of a high-quality, it may “hide” the small disadvantages.
Make sure that there are no 404 error pages. It’s worthwhile to check each tiny corner of the store. Think just like the customer and use the helpful tools.
I am more than sure that you know how to create comfortable conditions for your potential customers. Just recollect yourself doing shopping. What is usually necessary? Simple navigation through the product categories, simple request forms, full contact information of your company, etc.
Now you see the number of small but unpleasant details leading to painful failures. The majority of people tend to commit the same mistakes all the time. But this experience is extremely valuable for those who want to make things right. Having all this in mind, mistakes can be prevented. So, if you are about to start your online store from scratch – all in your hands. You have enough data to make things perfect.
