Once you’ve set up your WordPress ecommerce site, then you have to start promoting. But, before you start, make sure your website is optimized for conversions.
If you are using Shopify or WooCommerce, key features are already built-in. They are both already Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant. That means they use “https” to keep your credit card information safe.
They both also have SEO optimization functionality, but you do have to actually use it. Once you have your site ready to go, then start promoting. Where do you start?
Social Media
The potential to reach an enormous market of buyers for your online business by using social media is huge. There are a ton of social media sites, so don’t spend too much time having a small presence on all the available sites – unless you have a large staff helping you.
If you want to, you can complete a profile with links to your website on some of the less popular social media sites to get more exposure. But pay attention to which networks send the most traffic to your site and of course, generate the most conversions.
It is better to focus your attention on the main social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+. Choose one as your primary and use the others to send people to your site and where you are most active.
Be sure to fill out your profiles on social media sites with links to your website and short bios. Also, take the time to upload your logo. Then you can start posting links and publishing content to attract your target audience.
Paid Advertising
Although paid advertising obviously costs money, it can be very effective. If you can achieve and maintain a high conversion rate, your costs will be more than paid for by getting more customers.
Facebook ads can provide a good resource for your website. It has strict guidelines and rules, in addition to changing frequently, so be sure to stay on top of the latest trends on the Facebook advertising platform.
You can also use pay-per-click advertising. This allows you to pay only when someone clicks a link directly to your site.
Once a potential customer comes to your store, it is your responsibility to convert them to buyers. Be sure you have a well-designed user experience and conversion process, so you can see positive results and get more sales.
Video Marketing
Using video in your marketing enables you to take advantage of a powerful opportunity to boost conversions and sales, improve ROI, build trust, engage your audience and encourage social shares. There are many different types of videos you can create.
If you are selling a physical product, you can create a video demonstrating how your product works.
It is relatively easy, and inexpensive, to record live video footage and to demonstrate a physical product in use.
Word-of-Mouth Advertising
Most people ask their friends and family about their experiences with something they are considering purchasing. Remember, people like to do business with people they know, like, and trust, so if they don’t know your business, they will look to get recommendations from people who do.
Getting testimonials and recommendations about your business goes a long way in helping build trust with your target market.
You can and should share these on social media.
Pay attention to your customer service. How you respond to customer service issues online is a good way to enhance your brand and increase sales.
Email Marketing
People often purchase products or services during their return visits to a store. The best way to get these return visits is by growing your email subscriber list.
You will want to apply email best practices to get the best open and click-through rates.
There are many ways to take advantage of email marketing to boost your sales. For instance, you can send out emails about a new product launch.
You can also build and improve your relationships with current customers by periodically sending out emails relevant and of interest to your customers.
Blogging
Many small business owners do not have the budget to spend on advertising but they still need and want to promote their business.
Blogging provides an effective, low-cost method to drive traffic to your website.
You can create blog posts about the actual product or service you are selling or to announce soon-to-be-released products or services.
Milestones, events or other company news are also excellent blog topic ideas.
You can also make use of the power of video and create video blogs, also known as vlogs. If you are comfortable in front of a video camera, using this technique adds that personal touch to your potential customers.
Don’t forget, just because you build it, doesn’t mean they will come. You have to market and promote your ecommerce site to increase your sales.
