Strategies For Maximizing Organic Traffic To Your Online Store
Published on 10/1/2018
Russ Colburn - Cart Partners CEO
Looking back to the mid-90s when Amazon and eBay got into business, online shopping was a rarity and now it’s the norm. Already in 2018 more than half the population has purchased something online, according to Statista.com. Needless to say, it’s more important than ever for online store owners to think beyond SEO and content creation to drive traffic to their store because the competition is fierce and will only continue to grow.
The strategies we utilize for our clients to maximize organic traffic to their online stores, which have helped improve conversion rates as much as 30%, begin with:
1. A responsive, easy to navigate website with a safe and secure shopping cart.
Today’s online shopper is incredibly savvy and doesn’t have time to waste and he or she will leave a shop that’s overly complicated and cluttered and find one that’s simple yet sophisticated. Let’s face it, there are lots of online stores selling the same or similar product for about the same price, so the deciding factor in who wins the customer will be the business with the best shopping experience. The website has to be fast and work on all devices.
2. Customized product descriptions.
It’s essential that each and every product in your store is described in a unique, customized way. Simply think about the product and put the description in your own words. This may seem time consuming but putting some thought and personality into the descriptions will result in a potential customer being drawn to your shop over the shop with regurgitated factory descriptions. Add to that, make sure any images or videos are engaging.
3. Reviews. Reviews. Reviews!
Requesting reviews after a sale is crucial to growing your business through organic traffic. Everyone looks at reviews, whether they’re 17 or 70, and reading reviews is the first step in deciding who to buy from after they deciding what to buy. Make sure your service is impeccable then send an email or text requesting a review a week or so after each sale. You have to give the customer time to use the product before expecting them to review it. Yes, reviews on social media are great but Google reviews are even better. Speaking of social media….
4. Include sharing buttons on products.
When a social media savvy person is shopping online and sees something they must have, it’s second nature to want to show it off to friends and family. Make it easy for them by adding sharing buttons that will allow the shopper to post the product on social media. When their friends and family click on the item on their social media page it will then take them to your store. Ta-da!
5. Create a related Facebook group.
Connect your customers and get them talking about what they want, love and need by creating a Facebook group about a shared interest. For example, if you sell workout clothes create a group titled Fitness Fun. That pretty much opens it up to anyone who wants to discuss their favorite workout, how they recover after a workout, nutrition tips, etc. Then you can chime in and share the latest about your clothing line and offer special discounts for group members.
To make a short story out of what really could be a marketing how-to manual, there are many sound strategies to maximize organic traffic to your online store but those are some to get you started. Cart Partners offers marketing services to clients and non-clients alike. If you’d like to discuss how we can help you improve your conversion rate, and marketing ROI, while reducing fees- give us a call at 1-855-265-2876.