Among the questions we get here at Imagine Monkey, there are quite a few that we’ve become familiar with… How does my content management system work? How can I make updating my site easier? And, more and more frequently: How does my e-commerce website work?
At Imagine Monkey, we believe that knowing how to use your new website is critical to maintaining your online presence. With every site we design, we include personal, one-on-one training and an embedded video that covers all aspects of operating your custom business website. Among the most important things to know: how to manage your e-commerce website.
Elegance and simplicity are key
When it comes to operating your site, we believe in keeping it simple. The more difficult and burdensome it is for you to update your shop, the less likely you are to do it on a regular basis. As a result, your customers won’t see new content, they won’t be able to browse for new products and, ultimately, they will take their business elsewhere.
By making your e-commerce system intuitive and straightforward, it’s less intimidating and more approachable. Your site won’t fall by the wayside and, as a result, you’ll retain — and grow — a population of unique, returning visitors. Once you’ve managed that, regular expansions and additions to your online shop will help you convert those visitors into customers.
Having an online shop is only half the battle
Your online shopping website is just like a physical shop. Just like a brick and mortar store needs to be stocked, dusted and renovated, your online shop requires regular maintenance in the form of software updates, product additions and reorganization. To really take advantage of your e-commerce system, you’ve got to be familiar with its ins and outs and comfortable making changes.
For example, if you notice that a particular product is selling well, you should be comfortable logging into your system and setting that product as a featured item. Alternately, if a certain product isn’t selling, you may want to offer a discount on it. Not only does this kind of activity inform your customers that your shop is current, it generates more revenue by increasing your visitors’ awareness of top sellers and helping you unburden yourself of less popular products.
In the end, if you’re considering venturing into the e-commerce arena — or having trouble with your current system — be sure that you’re comfortable making changes to your new online shop. Remember that a shiny new storefront is only shiny for so long. If you plan on courting new customers — and keeping your old ones — it’s important that you maintain that shine by updating your product portfolio, merchandising your items and responding to your store’s sales trends.
