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3 Strategies for establishing a successful e-commerce website

Today's consumers are increasingly utilizing mobile and other devices for online shopping in favor of visiting brick-and-mortar stores. As this trend grows, a number of individuals and organizations have launched e-commerce websites in response to customer demands for Web-based purchasing portals. However, not all of these Web pages prosper in the current competitive e-commerce environment. By implementing a few proven strategies, online business operators can help ensure the success of their ventures as well as the satisfaction of their customers.

Test the relevance and interest of the business idea
Before establishing the business, entrepreneurs should be sure to test the waters when it comes to consumer interest in the idea, stated Location180. This step will help individuals prove the business worth to investors, and prevent company failure later on. The source advised starting with a blog as a means to connect with potential customers and spread the word about the coming e-commerce page. Judging by website traffic, comments and other blog information, individuals can have a better picture of overall interest, as well as strategies to better suit client needs.

Establish a unique brand
One of the first steps to e-commerce prosperity is to create a unique brand and overall company presence. HongKiat suggested creating a clear logo that can be utilized to connect a wide range of company resources, including the organization's webpage, employee business cards and advertising. A logo can consist simply of the group's name in a memorable font. Some companies have also leveraged the business name initials, a symbol or mascot that best represents the services or products being provided. This way, when consumers shop on the webpage, they get a better sense of the overall aim and feel of the company and will be more likely to remember the organization the next time they need the product or service.

Furthermore, once the company name and logo has been established, this will make the creation of the Web page that much easier. Online branding is key to a successful online project, and the name of the organization, along with its logo, should be utilized at every chance. These efforts can begin with the URL, which should be a simple, easily-remembered address. Driving Business Online suggested making the website URL the name of the business to make the page easily accessible for clients.

Safeguard customer information
A main pitfall that leads to e-commerce failure occurs when website operators do not adequately protect client information. Individuals will be much less likely to make a purchase if they fear for the safety of their personal data like their address, card number, and other information that could potentially be used for fraudulent purposes. In this way, owners must be sure to create a safe environment for transmitting this data with the use of an SSL certificate. This type of protection measure provides encryption for sensitive customer information, effectively preventing it from falling into the wrong hands.

Additionally, a green address bar, a small lock graphic and other SSL certificate indicators can inspire customer trust, which is critical for growing the brand.

"[W]ith SSL enabled, people will feel a sense of safety, thus they are more likely to trust your website and then buy things they want," wrote Best Hosting Search contributor Ariel Tang.

Protect data in transit with an SSL certificate today. 

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