How to make an online shop your customers will love

Would you say you’re offering customers an unbeatable experience every time they interact with your business online? If you want to keep growing, and stand out against competitors along the way, you should always keep this top of mind.

Before you jump in, it’s first important to understand what goes into creating standout online shopping experiences. We’ve broken it down.

Getting to know your customer

Did you know customers respond well when a brand is consistent? What we mean by this is that they feel like they’re getting to know a person, rather than a business – and no matter how many times they come across your company, they know what to expect. So, you should speak the same (are you light-hearted or serious?), look the same (what colours do you use?), and always give the same experience – whether through your website, on social media, or in person.

Delivering personalisation

It’s no longer enough to present your products or services to customers, they expect personalisation. Whether that’s being called by their name, directed to the most relevant information/products for them, or through the tailored deals you offer, it’s a huge part of the customer experience. For example, if a customer lives in a flat, you could recommend potted plants. Or discount clothes based on the size they’ve bought before. So, if you want to keep up, you shouldn’t see personalisation as a nice-to-have for your business.

Solving problems before they come up

When you’re shopping online, is there anything more annoying than when something is broken? You add your shopping to the basket, and when you go to check out something’s gone. Or the payment process simply just doesn’t work. How long do you try for before giving up?

You want your customers to have the easiest experience possible. By fine-tuning your website, you’ll help keep customers on their journey.

That sounds great, but how can you put all this into practice?

You can make all this, and so much more, possible by using a content management system (also known as a CMS).

At its core, CMS is tech that lets you create and manage your website, but it can do a lot more than you might expect.

Working away in the background, it’s something your customers won’t even know you’re using, but it can help you deliver a seamless, exceptional journey – which turns into a great customer experience.

What are your options?

There are a few CMS platforms to choose from, although many may require previous knowledge of CMS systems. However, Vodafone Business has recently launched a digital package Business Boost which offers customers a website or webshop builder, along with 24/7 technical support.

Business Boost offers seven different packages - varying from basic web presence to an advanced e-commerce site selling up to 1000 products. You may also choose from a DIY version in which you design and build your website through the portal provided or there is an option to choose a design expert included in your package meaning all building and design time is covered by an expert, curating your perfect website for you. Domain registration is also included in each package.

Throughout each customer’s journey, they’re likely to come across your business at least a few times. That’s why the customer experience and CMS go hand in hand. By choosing the platform that will give your business the best chance of capturing your customers’ attention and turning initial awareness into delight, you’ll be ticking all the boxes of an excellent online business before you know it.

If you’re now keen to explore our Business Boost offer and begin to build your dream business website, click here.