Top 10 tips for your e-commerce website

With the continuing growth in e-commerce, it is vital that businesses drive the highest return on investment from their online activities. Making sites secure and easy to use sounds obvious, but too often e-commerce sites are not designed with these points in mind. e-lick Business Development Manager, JP Gordon, outlines 10 top tips to help avoid the common pitfalls.

1. Have a bank account specific to the e-commerce site and be certain you have the correct merchant account information from your bank
The bank account is simple to set up however getting the correct merchant account information can be more complicated, so seek expert advice.

2. Ensure that your website includes terms and conditions for selling
This is a legal requirement and usually requires a solicitor. You will not be able to get your merchant account without providing the bank with this information.

3. You must have ‘director identification’ or proof of corporate I.D. for the website
Consumers are, quite rightly, wary to divulge card details over the Internet. Proof of Corporate I.D. is therefore vital to give the consumer the confidence to purchase. Otherwise you run the risk of customers looking elsewhere.

4. Employ a web developer who specialises in bespoke online stores, using a third party payment provider
Web designers vary, so be certain to choose a designer who can provide you with specific e-commerce services which are right for your business. At e-lick we specialise in designing websites for e-commerce and have expertise in driving traffic to clients’ websites, encouraging visitors to return and purchase.

5. You need to have (1) a distribution partner and (2) distribution accounts set up with Royal Mail or other carriers to ensure you can fulfil customer orders quickly and securely with full traceability.

6. Consider the internal costs with that of outsourcing your e-commerce requirements
Sometimes outsourcing stacks up favourably and provides the added benefit of staff flexibility to cope with demand.

7. Set a realistic timescale for establishing an e-commerce business
Certain functions require longer lead times, and these should not be underestimated.

8. Decide who will handle the administration of the e-commerce shop
Ensure they have the facilities to manage customer queries and returns, and importantly, adequate storage and insurance for your stock.

9. Make sure the e-commerce site fits with the company branding generally
An e-commerce site must be functional but also an extension of the company’s brand identity and core values.

10. Know your market
How will you drive traffic to the website and ensure visitors purchase and return? Have you considered Search Engine Optimisation? e-lick specialises in all these areas, developing easy to use, creative and interactive websites and managing search engine optimisation where required.

Take a look at our website for more ideas and information at http://www.lick-uk.com/