25% of Web Users Have Stopped Buying Online
Identity theft is a huge problem, anyone who has been unlucky enough to have had it happen will testify to the fact. I speak from experience.
A recent report from "Consumer Reports WebWatch" finds that nearly a third of those surveyed say they've reduced their overall website use. A majority of users asked say they've stopped giving out personal information on the web. 25% say that they have stopped buying online.
What does this mean?
It means that online consumers have a legitimate fear of giving out their personal information to websites to the extent that a 1/4 of them will no longer make a purchase from online retailers.
ECommerce basic Tip #1 - Make your customer feel comfortable making a purchase from your online store.
All the marketing in the world will not help you if your potential customer does not feel comfortable making a purchase from your website. There are some basic things you can do to help with this problem.
A recent report from "Consumer Reports WebWatch" finds that nearly a third of those surveyed say they've reduced their overall website use. A majority of users asked say they've stopped giving out personal information on the web. 25% say that they have stopped buying online.
What does this mean?
It means that online consumers have a legitimate fear of giving out their personal information to websites to the extent that a 1/4 of them will no longer make a purchase from online retailers.
ECommerce basic Tip #1 - Make your customer feel comfortable making a purchase from your online store.
All the marketing in the world will not help you if your potential customer does not feel comfortable making a purchase from your website. There are some basic things you can do to help with this problem.
- Display your Security Certificate Seal prominently on every page of your website
- Have a short paragraph on your front page describing your security methods with a link to your privacy policy. Have the same information available on the checkout page of your shopping cart.
- Modernize the overall look of your website. Does your website look like it was built in 1996? A professional looking website can make a big difference to your customers.
- Are you a member of the BBB? Put the seal on your website.
- Display your contact information on every page. Customers are more likely to trust a website that has nothing to hide. I've had many clients who prefer to pay over the telephone. Plus, you address is a searchable keyphrase that can really help with localized searches.
- How long have you been in business? How many customers have you served? Your longevity is a testament to your business practices. Promote the fact that you have been around for a while. There is a reason that McDonald's promoted "Over 1 Billion Served".
Once again, it may seem like common sense, however a majority of websites fail to deliver these very easy to do promotions that will help validate your business ethics.
Labels: tips
posted by Patrick Burke @ 3:56 PM
