Did you know that, according the Office for National Statistics, 72% of adults in the UK bought goods and services via the internet last year? That number is rising, and enabling your customers to buy from you online through your website is an excellent way to boost sales and get people talking about your products. Products can be shared online, reviewed and bought in a matter of clicks, giving your users a streamlined and convenient way to access your services.
Firstly, and most importantly, spend time on planning and preparation. Think about the products you will sell, how to price them, how to deliver them, what geographical area you will sell to, what kind of people are likely to buy the products, and so on. If you already have a business selling products either to […]
E-commerce can completely change the way that you do business, reducing your overheads, broadening your customer base and improving profitability. To make the most of your e-commerce site, it’s important to consider every part of the sales channel, from attracting customers to dealing with after-sales issues. If you make it easy for customers, you will […]
There are several ways to set up an e-commerce site. The best way for your business will depend on the type of products you are selling, and the resources you can devote to setting up the site. Using a marketplace The first decision is whether you will build your own e-commerce store or sell online […]
As with any business, an e-commerce venture needs careful planning and preparation. The first question to answer is whether e-commerce is the right strategy. Some businesses are not right for online trading, although very few can prosper without some web presence. Businesses that are best suited to selling online are those which have products or […]
Developing a good e-commerce business strategy starts with the same process of planning and preparation as any other business activity. Whether this is a new venture, or you want to get your existing business ready to trade online, you need to consider the following: Do you want to trade conventionally as well as online, or […]
Most businesses will benefit from an online presence, but they do not necessarily need an e-commerce solution. It is true that e-commerce is relatively straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it is right for every business. In many cases, an online presence can simply be an informative website. Answering these questions should help you decide whether […]
The design of an e-commerce website is very important in achieving success in the marketplace. A website that is confusing, difficult to use, unclear or unwelcoming is not likely to be successful. Bespoke or off-the-shelf? The choice between a bespoke e-commerce design or a standard solution will depend largely on the available budget. Bespoke designs […]
Keeping customers happy is essential for all businesses, but it is all the more important if selling using e-commerce, because the environment is so competitive. These tips will help to create a good customer experience throughout the online shopping process. Make it easy for the customer to find products Some visitors are happy to browse […]
Address Verification System (AVS): a system for verifying that a quoted billing address is the same as the one held by the card issuer. Acquirer: a bank or credit card company providing an internet merchant account, which is needed for an e-commerce business to accept credit and debit cards. Authorisation: permission from the card issuer […]
There are a number of fundamental differences between business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing, and many of these apply whether the marketing involves e-commerce or conventional routes to market. With e-commerce, much of the marketing media – pay-to-click advertising, emails, banners and PR – and the actual websites are similar for both B2B and B2C […]