Increase Online Sales in 2008!

Many retailers showed that they could increase onlne sales in 2007, but can they do it again in 2008? 

Indeed, it was a busy year in the retail industry - especially online.  At no other time was this more obvious than during this recent holiday season.  Consumers fed up with the hustle and bustle and sheer aggravation that the crowds at the brick and mortar stores can bring chose to take their business online.  I speak from experience when I say there is nothing better than sitting down with your computer, clicking thru a few websites, and having all your packages delivered!  I actually had fun doing my holiday shopping this year!

But, as 2007 came to a quick close, the National Retail Federation was already discussing what online retails will need to do to increase their online sales in 2008.  Why were they chatting?  Turns out the consumers have gotten pretty saavy when it comes to online shopping.  In fact, surveys show that consumers have changed their perceptions of what an online shopping experience should be; now the challenge for retailers is to keep up with the demands.  It seems that as online shopping has become more popular, the shoppers making the purchases have gotten more sophisticated; they want the stimulation they get on other popular sites, such as social networks, to spill over to their shopping experience as well.  The verdict of the NRF?

RETAILERS ARE GOING TO NEED TO STEP IT UP IN 2008, JUST TO KEEP THEIR CURRENT CUSTOMERS

Oh Snap! Did I really just say that?  Yes I did.  So, in an online retail market that's already bursting at the seams with competition, how do you get your game on and, not only gain a little market share, but keep your current customers happy and coming back for more?  First, you need to know what they want.  Fortunately for you, we're here to help.

Numero Uno, your customers want a quick in-and-out experience.  Now, I can already hear you saying, "Ok Fashion-Fox, that's great. But my site is streamlined and I've got lightning fast page loads. What more can I do?"  You can change your frame of mind.  Customers want their shopping to be, truly, as easy as the click of a mouse.  Give your products clear and to the point descriptions and organize your products in categories that make sense from a shoppers point of view. Link, and recommend, related items together.  Give them multiple shots so they can see the product from the side, back, bottom, upside down, whatever it takes; just make sure you've got all the angles covered!

Second, streamline the process for customers. Make it super fast to go from "look" to "buy." The preferred method is one click to drop their favorite items in their shopping carts. Enable modification to quantity, size, and color at the checkout when the customer is reviewing their order.

Finally, add a little pizzazz!  You're not a boring person and your products certainly aren't something to snore at, so why should your website lull your customers to sleep?  Gone are the days of flat and static sites; increased bandwidths mean using Flash is no longer a gamble.  A little video here and there never hurt anyone either, just ask American Eagle; make sure the media you choose is relevant and related to your brand.

2008 is shaping up to be a great year for ecommerce!  With so many players on the field, you have no choice but to pull out all the stops and make a shining appearance.  Take a look at your website and evaluate it from a shoppers point of view; heck, while you're at it, surf on over to your competitors! What are they up to? 

It's a new year; make it a profitable one!