It's been said that it's always easier to keep a customer than to get a new one. This axiom couldn't be more true in the Internet space. To be sure, once someone finally does purchase from your store online, you'd be well advised to take care of that customer and treat them as a valuable possession, because it's too easy for shoppers to go elsewhere if they're unhappy or if their expectations haven't been met.
But exactly how does a storeowner go about connecting with customers once a sale is completed?
In a zero-sum e-commerce world, the key differentiator often ends up being price, but it's a misnomer to think that is the ONLY thing a customer cares about. Being able to find a shop online that you consider respectable and willing to work with is worth its weight in gold.
It may seem trite to say it, but people appreciate being appreciated. Storeowners should never forget that customers have options when it comes to finding a place to purchase from. So, we need to make sure the customers know they are appreciated. Rewards Programs, special offers and the like are just a few ideas where you can let them know you value their business.
It seems silly right? But look at your bounce rate...if you're about 50% then chances are people are leaving because they can't find what they need. Some of this may have to do with bad traffic on unrelated keyword searches, but more times than not it seems to be a function of poor site layout and a lack of good User Interface usability.
Keeping in the same vein as site usability, many customers have problems checking out for one simple reason...cannot find the Checkout Button. Are we serious? Losing a sale after someone came to the site, found a product, put it in the basket, perhaps an estimated shipping calculation was completed and then lose the sale? Ease of shopping needs to be a primary focus for all storeowners, not an after thought.
It seems obvious, and yet so few storeowners actually market to customers where they are. If your principle audience is online, it doesn't make sense to buy TV ad time. There are some marketing tools that are extremely cost effective and would be considered your "low hanging fruit" options like email marketing, but if you have a terrible open rate and less visits, then it really doesn't make sense. We believe you use the right tool with the right strategy to produce results.
If you'd like to learn more about C2C and how it can help your store, you can contact us directly at or 1.866.400.2444 , or you can click on the Inquiry button at the bottom right of this page.
