1. SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is vital to promoting your online store and that’s why we made it Number One. SEO is the process of making your site searchable online–the higher your SEO, the more searches you will appear in on search engines like Google and Bing. SEO has a particular formula and requirements such as keyword useage, sentence structure, meta description, etc. If you are confused about how to increase your SEO, consider hiring an expert.
2. Offer Deals
Who doesn’t love a deal? Customers are more likely to give something a try if the know they are receiving a discount. Offer deals frequently to gain attention, and then keep offering deals to your loyal customer base.
3. Use Social Media
Using social media is more than just creating a Facebook account or Twitter handle. Research the hashtags and keywords associated with your brand or product. Use these to increase your traffic. Follow/friend accounts that will be of benefit to your business. Social media is exactly like networking–it’s about introductions, connections, knowing who to talk to, and what to say.
4. Social Media Contests
One excellent way to use social media is by promoting contests and competitions. You can promote actions such as “the first ten customers to retweet this link will receive a 10% discount” or perhaps “tell us your best customer service experience for a chance to win a [insert item]!” Be creative and fun.
5. Create a Regular Mailing List
No one wants to end up in someone’s Spam folder, but having a regular mailing list is useful to staying on customers’ minds. Email customers regularly about deals or special happenings with your business. Send the emails frequent enough that customers are interested, but not so frequent that they are annoyed.
6. Start a Blog
Blogs are a great way to keep customers informed. You can post “behind the scenes” happenings or you can celebrate a recent accomplishment within your business or industry. You can write the blogs yourself, hire a writer, or include guest posts. Whatever you do: make sure the posts are on-brand, written well, and engaging.
7. Add Your Website URL to Your Email Signature
Adding your website URL to your email signature may seem like a trivial detail, but it can have a big impact. Adding your URL to your email signature will constantly remind email recipients of your business. It can also create intrigue and email recipients will click on the URL to learn more about your business.
8. Promotional “First” Item
When a customer first purchases something from your website, consider giving them a promotional gift as a thank you. Some companies may offer “50% off your first purchase” or “receive a free tote bag with your first purchase.” Customers like to feel appreciated. What better way to show your appreciation than by offering a gift?
9. Hire a Google AdWords Professional
A Google AdWords Professional is an expert in the phrases, keywords, and strategy you need to boost the traffic to your website. They are experienced in marketing and advertising, and will strategically implement a number of Google advertising strategies, custom tailored to meet any of your campaign goals. A Google AdWords Professional can be hired remotely, meaning your company can be in LA, but hire someone from Toronto if that person is the best AdWords professional in the business! For example, here is a Melbourne pay per click management company.
10. Keep It Personal
Don’t just send emails and messages “To Whom It May Concern.” Make sure your emails use each customer’s name. Look at the items a customer has purchased and, based on those choices, recommend other products they may like. Take extra steps to let your customers know that you appreciate each and every one of them.