How to Attract Customers to your e-Commerce Site

E-commerce is an exciting phenomenon, now accounting for a larger proportion of UK retail than ever before. With some 60% of Brits logging on to do their shopping, it's no surprise that online retailers are fighting to attract web users to their sites and away from their competitors'.

Just as in any other realm of business, luring customers towards your own business is a perfect mix of science and art. Here, we take a look at a handful of healthy tricks and techniques which can be used to boost your web traffic.

Prove yourself to be secure

E-commerce may have been around for some time now, but that doesn't mean that security concerns are a thing of the past. Fraudulent websites still exist, putting the online shopper at risk. It's understandable that shoppers expect online retailers to prove the power of their security.

Using a certificate from SSL certificate provider is a great way to show your customers that the connection, and your business, can be trusted. Without this, you can expect to lose a lot of savvy shoppers.

SEO

Online retail is different to high street retail in a number of ways. One of the most significant differences is in the ways you'll be putting your name out there. The search engine is obviously an incredibly important tool, and it's Google which still accounts for over 90% of UK searches.

Ensure that your site is properly optimised so that customers can find you through Google. Outperforming your competitors when it comes to SEO can make an incredible difference.

Email marketing

It's not unusual for e-commerce sites to encourage visitors to make an account. This is not only important for security, but it can be a great way for retailers to maintain an open dialogue with their customers, encouraging them to come back time and time again.

Email marketing campaigns allow you to tailor content to people you know have shopped with you before. If you're able to combine exclusive offers with the right balance of regularity, email marketing could be a hugely powerful tool for your online retail firm.