July 11, 2011
By the ZippyCart Content Team
It hardly needs to be said that the more time and effort you pour into your ecommerce solution, the better it will perform and the better your conversion rate will be. You need a varied array of high quality products, good descriptions with lots of pictures, and customer service that keeps things running smoothly. Having a blog or other content marketing program in place is also helpful when it comes to driving traffic and keeping people involved in your store.
Many of the best ecommerce solutions have extensive knowledge bases to help you make sense of your store. If you are working with a new setup, or have had your online store for less than a year, chances are you’re not using all the capabilities that you have at your disposal. To help you get around this, many shopping cart solutions offer customer services, or even take it to the next level with a personal support representative.
The personal support rep is different than normal customer support because you have their direct number and personal e-mail. You can contact him or her directly with any technical issue that you may be having and they will help you solve it and maybe even throw in a handy improvement tip that can save you time and money while helping drive conversions.
If you have the time and money to go through a major store overhaul, then you might consider doing what SCOTTEVEST did – teaming up directly with the software company behind your chosen ecommerce solution. In partnership with Miva Merchant, SCOTTEVEST embarked on a journey of technological discovery wherein they revamped their entire online shopping cart store. They even made a testimonial video about it. SCOTTEVEST founder Scott Jordan has this to say:
“When we redesigned our site we worked with Miva Merchant on a daily basis to dial in the best features for our customers. Within a short amount of time, our checkout conversion rate went from 19% to averaging over 42%. That’s an amazing stat, and it’s allowed our business to continue to grow at an unprecedented rate.”
Doubling your conversion rate? That’s pretty amazing indeed. That’s not to say that every site overhaul is going to net every store such a huge jump in conversions. It’s also not a declaration that working closely with an ecommerce solution developer is guaranteed to get you these results, but think about it: who knows the software better then the people behind it? No one. If you have access to qualified support personnel who will help you supercharge your store, then take full advantage of them!
This comment from Miva Merchant President and COO Rick Wilson sums up their relationship with SCOTTEVEST:
“SCOTTEVEST is an ideal client for us. They sell high quality products through their own channel, and like to be on the cutting edge of their use of technology. We’re proud that our technology is able to power such a great website and is a key part of their underlying success.”
There you have it: start with a great product, build a strong business plan around it, find a good software platform, create a healthy relationship with the company, and reach for your dreams. Simple, no?
Jack Cieslak grew up in New York State where he attended the New School, emerging with a degree in Creative Writing. Seattle drew him in with its focus on personal health and fitness, as well as the environment, and of course the great weather. Three-thousand miles later he is all dug in and ready to throw himself wholeheartedly into writing of all types - including reporting new developments in e-commerce, and places where social media and e-commerce cross paths. Jack revels in a challenge, whether it's writing, running, or lifting heavy objects - Jack says "bring it."
