First of all, customers want a website that they can move around on. This means that you need to be active in fixing any broken links or error pages that they might encounter. If your customers can't click on something and be taken there, they might just leave.
With that being said, never publish a website or advertise a site that isn't ready. Even though you might be excited about getting it up and running, you shouldn't start sending customers to it until you've done a trial run on it and found it functional. If you send customers to it before it's in working order, they are not likely to return. After all, there are probably hundreds of websites out there already that sell the same products and those ARE working.
Secondly, the website should be designed for your customers, not for you. This means that you need to focus on creating a positive impression on your potential customers and a simple interface. The overall design of the site should be aimed at getting their interest, and then making it easy for them to make a purchase.
If your customers didn't have at least some interest in your site or products, then they wouldn't be visiting you. However, interest doesn't always translate into sales. What your website needs to do is pique that interest and then make it nearly impossible for your customers to want to walk away without purchasing anything.
How can you do this? By focusing on interesting content, providing detailed information as far as your products are concerned, and making your site accessible and user-friendly.
A user-friendly website will have a simple interface and be easy to maneuver. Many customers are turned off by having a lengthy registration process. In addition, customers are less likely to use a website that they find difficult to maneuver.
If you want to go a step beyond your customers' expectations, you can also personalize the website as well. Letting your customers save items, have a customized greeting, and receive recommendations from your company is one way to make their shopping experience feel more personalized.
Lastly, make sure that you're not paying too much for your web hosting. There are a variety of packages out there when it comes to websites and you shouldn't snap up the first one you find. In order to maximize your profits, you need to keep your overhead low.
By using these strategies and focusing on providing a functional website that includes quality information and services, you can maximize your profits.
Part 1: Lauch Your First Online Store
Part 2: Maximize Your Profits with a Great Looking Website
