Running an online store is a challenge in many ways. You've got to get customers to your site, and get them to look at what you have to offer. The most challenging part, though, is getting them to actually buy from you. There are ways to improve your conversion that you can implement on your site. Here are 10 tips for improving your sales.

1. Optimize your website

If a visitor comes to your site for the first time, they need to be able to see exactly what it is you can offer them. Use a neat layout to give them a summarization of your store. Try showing them some of your most popular products, or some of the categories of products that you sell. This can show them what you do, and help them decide if they want what you're selling.

2. Give plenty of trust signals

There are lots of customers out there that have been burned before when it comes to online shopping. You need to show that you're a trustworthy place to buy from. You can do this in lots of ways, including customer reviews, site security certificates, and cancellation and return policies.

3. Proofread your site

It's important to proofread everything you write on your site, especially if you're selling. This is because a properly proofread and edited site looks more professional, making customers more likely to buy from you. Try enlisting cost-effective using proofreading services to help you do this.

4. Don't neglect the 'about us' section

You may think this isn't important, but customers want to know who they're buying from. Update your 'about us' section, and give them a good idea of your values and ethics.

5. Show related content when customers buy

The checkout is the most anxiety-inducing part of buying, so that's not the time to try and cross or up-sell. Instead, once the checkout process is complete, show the customer related deals and offers. They'll be at their most excited, so are more likely to respond.

6. Display product review tables

Product reviews were mentioned in point 2, but they're worth talking about as they're so important. When you implement them well, you're showing customers that your products are good quality and worth buying.

7. Focus on the people who are likely to buy

You want 100% traffic conversion, but at least at first that won't be possible. Instead, focus on the customers who will buy from you. Give them what they want, and you'll have a portion of traffic that's reliable before you focus on the rest.

8. Personalize messages

Many customers may come to just to browse your products, compare to other sites, and maybe wish list a few items for later. If you want to keep them, the best thing to do is to send them a personalized message as they leave. This can help keep them on the site and buying.

9. Create good content

Excellent content is the cornerstone of any online store. It needs to be compelling, interesting, and give the customer what they need. If you need help with your content, check out to writing blogs like State Of Writing and Via Writing.

10. Incentivise social sharing

You want your customers to share their experiences with you, so incentivize it. Offer a discount, or access to a special sale.

These 10 tips will help your conversion soar. Give them a try, and you'll see just what a difference they can make.

--

Mary Walton is a professional editor and online tutor, currently living in Santa Monica. She helps with content management at review sites like Best Australian Writers and UK Top Writers. She enjoys writing for students and creating online courses for writers.