15 eCommerce Mistakes that new sites make

The world of e-commerce has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and starting an online business can be an exciting and potentially profitable venture. However, many new e-commerce sites make critical mistakes that hinder their success and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Let’s explore 15 common ecommerce mistakes to avoid, along with real-world examples and Sunnyday Consulting’s practical solutions to help you avoid these pitfalls.

eCommerce problems and solutions

When it comes to e-commerce, there are various problems that businesses may encounter. One common issue is security concerns, as customers worry about the safety of their personal and financial information. Another challenge is the high competition and difficulty in standing out from the crowd. Additionally, logistics and supply chain management can pose problems, leading to delayed deliveries or inventory issues. However, there are solutions to these problems with ecommerce. Implementing robust security measures, offering unique value propositions, and optimizing logistics processes can address these challenges. Seeking expert guidance from e-commerce consultants, like Sunnyday Consulting, can provide valuable insights and tailored strategies to overcome problems with e-commerce and drive success.

#1 – Poor Website Design and Navigation:

Your ecommerce site’s design and navigation play a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. A cluttered layout, confusing menus, and slow-loading pages can drive visitors away. Fashion retailer Nasty Gal had a cluttered website design, making it difficult for customers to find products. After redesigning their website with a clean and intuitive interface, their conversion rates increased by 30%.

Solution – 

Invest in a user-friendly design, intuitive navigation, and fast-loading pages to enhance the user experience and increase conversion rates.

#2 – Lack of Mobile Optimization:

With the growing dominance of mobile devices, optimizing your e-commerce site for mobile is no longer optional. Neglecting mobile optimization can result in a poor user experience, leading to lost sales and lower search engine rankings.

According to a study by Google, 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than three seconds to load. Online shoe retailer Zappos witnessed a 6% increase in revenue after optimizing their site for mobile devices.

Solution – 

Embrace Mobile Responsiveness and Speed Optimization

#3 – Inadequate Product Descriptions and Images:

Product descriptions and images are vital in conveying information and enticing customers to make a purchase. Many new e-commerce sites fail to provide detailed descriptions or high-quality images, leaving potential buyers unsure about the product’s features and appearance.

Online marketplace Etsy offers product descriptions that include multiple high-quality images, specifications, and customer reviews, resulting in increased trust and higher conversion rates.

Solution – 

Improve product presentation by investing in high-quality photography and craft detailed descriptions that highlight the product’s features, benefits, and unique selling points.

#4 – Absence of Clear Call-to-Action (CTA):

A strong and visible call-to-action is essential for guiding customers through the purchasing process. Neglecting to include clear CTAs can confuse visitors and prevent them from completing their transactions.

Amazon strategically places prominent and persuasive CTAs throughout their website, contributing to their industry-leading conversion rates.

Solution –

Place clear and persuasive CTAs prominently on your website, using contrasting colors and compelling copy, and conduct A/B testing to optimize their effectiveness.

#5 – Complicated Checkout Process:

A lengthy and complicated checkout process can lead to shopping cart abandonment. Simplify the checkout process by minimizing the number of steps, allowing guest checkouts, and offering multiple payment options to increase conversion rates.

Online clothing retailer ASOS streamlined their checkout process by reducing the number of steps, resulting in a 50% decrease in cart abandonment rates.

Solution –

Simplify the checkout process by minimizing steps, allowing guest checkouts, and offering multiple payment options.

#6 – Insufficient Customer Support:

New e-commerce sites often overlook the importance of providing excellent customer support. Failing to address customer inquiries promptly and professionally can damage your reputation and hinder repeat business.

Online eyewear retailer Warby Parker offers live chat support, email assistance, and a comprehensive FAQ section, ensuring excellent customer support and satisfaction.

Solution –

Prioritize customer support by implementing live chat, email assistance, and a comprehensive FAQ section to address inquiries promptly and professionally.

#7 – Ignoring Search Engine Optimization (SEO):

Without proper SEO optimization, your e-commerce site may struggle to rank well in search engine results. Neglecting SEO can severely limit your visibility and organic traffic.

By implementing effective SEO strategies, online retailer Wayfair saw a 130% increase in organic traffic and a significant boost in revenue.

Solution –

Implement comprehensive SEO strategies including keyword research, on-page optimization, backlink building, and technical optimization to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic to your e-commerce site.

#8 – Limited Payment Options:

Providing a variety of payment options is crucial for accommodating diverse customer preferences. Failing to offer popular payment methods can result in lost sales.

Online marketplace eBay offers various payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and Apple Pay, ensuring convenience for their customers.

Solution –

Implement a diverse range of popular payment methods, such as PayPal, credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment options, to cater to customer preferences and maximize sales potential.

#9 – Poor Inventory Management:

Inaccurate inventory management can lead to disappointing customer experiences, such as products being out of stock or delayed deliveries. Implementing a robust inventory management system is vital to maintain accurate stock levels and meet customer expectations.

Outdoor retailer REI utilizes an advanced inventory management system that syncs real-time data across their online and offline stores, minimizing out-of-stock situations and ensuring timely order fulfillment.

Solution –

Implement a robust inventory management system to maintain accurate stock levels and meet customer expectations.

#10 – Neglecting Social Media Marketing:

Social media platforms offer tremendous opportunities for e-commerce businesses to engage with their target audience and drive traffic to their website. Failing to leverage social media marketing can result in missed brand exposure and potential customers.

Example: Fashion brand Fashion Nova has mastered social media marketing by actively engaging with their followers, utilizing influencer collaborations, and creating a strong brand community, leading to significant growth and success.

Solution –

Develop a comprehensive social media marketing strategy to engage with your target audience, increase brand exposure, and drive traffic to your e-commerce site.

#11 – Lack of Security Measures:

Customers are increasingly concerned about the security of their personal and financial information when shopping online. Failing to implement proper security measures can erode trust and deter potential buyers.

Online payment solution provider PayPal offers robust encryption and fraud protection measures, instilling confidence in their users and minimizing the risk of security breaches.

Solution –

Implement robust security measures such as SSL encryption, secure payment gateways, and regular security audits to protect customer data and build trust.

#12 – Slow Website Speed:

In today’s fast-paced digital world, customers expect websites to load quickly. Slow website speed not only frustrates visitors but also negatively impacts search engine rankings.

Retail giant Walmart improved their website speed, resulting in a 2% increase in conversions for every 1-second improvement in page load time.

Solution –

Optimize website speed by minimizing file sizes, leveraging caching techniques, and investing in a reliable hosting provider.

#13 – Lack of Personalization:

Personalized shopping experiences can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales. Neglecting to implement personalization tactics, such as product recommendations based on browsing history or tailored email marketing, can leave money on the table.

Online streaming platform Netflix excels in personalization by offering personalized recommendations based on user viewing patterns, contributing to their loyal customer base.

Solution –

Implement personalized shopping experiences through tactics such as product recommendations based on browsing history and tailored email marketing.

#14 – Inadequate Marketing Strategies:

Launching an e-commerce site without a well-defined marketing strategy can lead to a lack of visibility and low customer acquisition. Investing in digital marketing channels, such as search engine marketing (SEM), content marketing, and email marketing, is crucial for driving traffic and generating sales.

Online shoe retailer Zappos effectively utilizes email marketing campaigns, resulting in a 75% increase in repeat customer purchases.

Solution –

Develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that includes SEM, content marketing, and email marketing to drive traffic and increase customer acquisition.

#15 – Neglecting Analytics and Data Insights:

Without tracking and analyzing data, it’s challenging to understand customer behavior, identify trends, and make informed business decisions. Neglecting to leverage analytics tools can hinder your site’s growth potential.

E-commerce platform Shopify provides robust analytics and reporting features, allowing businesses to gain valuable insights into their performance and optimize their strategies accordingly.

Solution –

Implement robust analytics tools to track and analyze data, gaining valuable insights into customer behavior and optimizing business strategies.

To sum it up

Starting a new e-commerce site can be a rewarding endeavor, but avoiding common ecommerce mistakes is essential for achieving success. 

Supercharge your ecommerce site’s performance and leave your competition behind. Don’t fall victim to common ecommerce mistakes! Partner with Sunnyday Consulting for expert guidance and tailored solutions. Feel free to contact us at support@sunnydayconsulting.com or call us at (+91) 79777 31552.

Take the first step towards online success today!