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No online store will work without customers. Someone has to buy in order for the store to give profits. However, these days, when there are a whole lot of stores and more keep popping up, it’s not easy to get those customers. Customers are more and more demanding and expect more and more. So it takes a lot of effort to make them want to buy something. How to attract customers in 2023? Here are 10 of our tips.
1. understand customer expectations in 2023
Understanding what customers currently expect, and what they are fed up with, is the basis for appropriate marketing efforts. First and foremost, customers expect a personalized and tailored experience. They want to feel special and appreciated. It’s worthwhile to create a customer journey map, which is a visualization of the customer’s behavior, thoughts and emotions while shopping. You can also step into their shoes and look at how they shop for themselves.
User experience on the site and on different devices is very important. The site should have a simple layout, easy-to-use navigation and not be overwhelmed by an excess of information on the main pages. The site must also be optimized for mobile devices. People are increasingly making purchases on smartphones. There should also be a focus on minimalism and “blending,” i.e. pages free of intrusive ads and pop-ups. Obligations related to RODO, cookies or privacy policies can be fulfilled in other ways than 10 pop-ups and blocking the use of the site. It is also worth betting on video content, which attracts more than static text and photos or graphics.
Customers also expect companies to have a good reputation, inspire trust and be socially responsible, i.e. take care to minimize pollution, use recycling, promote social activities or donate a portion of profits to charity.
2. show the satisfaction of other customers
Social Proof is a now widely known technique that will continue to be very important for attracting customers. It involves showing reviews of other customers and companies that have bought products or used services. It’s also a good idea to brag about statistics – how many people are shopping at any given time. This is an excellent way to inspire trust and convince new customers about products and services. Social proof is characterized by high effectiveness and shows the store in a good light.
3. show matched views
A store or company with similar views or value system as customers seems more personalized and credible. However, it is important to show these views and values in a non-intrusive way. It is worth creating at least a small community. The ideal tool for this is social media, where you can publish various content and involve users in the actions you create. Another way is through newsletters, i.e. sending regular emails to people who sign up through a form on the website. It is also essential to show that you are listening to your customers. Responding to messages, comments, sharing posts with a show of agreement on certain issues make customers appreciate the brand and become attached to it. Thus, they are more likely to visit your store.
4. give customers something of yourself
Customers like all kinds of discounts, rebates, promotions or freebies. In addition, if the promotion has a short term or the discount code or coupon is valid for a short time, the customer will strive to use it in time. You can also encourage customers with small gifts. This will make them more willing to visit the store, and will make them feel distinguished, special and close to the brand. A good idea is, for example, a birthday discount or something for new customers or those who buy regularly. Such tricks show that you care about your customers.
5. influencer relations
Marketing can be free, where people simply write about the company and share its content. However, it can also be paid, in the form of cooperation with an influencer. Such a person maintains accounts on various social media and publishes content on a specific topic. It’s worth finding someone like this, related to the industry in which you operate. Influencers have a devoted following, who use the products or services they recommend. An influencer can pass on information, discount codes and thus convince their followers to buy. You, on the other hand, gain not only more sales, but also spread brand awareness, build trust, reach the right target audience, generate leads, etc. In 2023, however, lasting relationships with influencers will count, becoming brand ambassadors.
6. video content and live broadcasts
All the while, video content is only growing in importance. They attract viewers for longer periods of time than static ones. Statistics show that video content will reign supreme in the years to come. Videos on YouTube, TikTok, as well as testimonials and reels on Facebook or Instagram increase engagement and brand awareness among Generation Z and Millenials. Live streaming is also an effective marketing trend. In 2021, consumers will spend 548 billion hours streaming on mobile devices. Combining this with influencer marketing yields amazing results. This is because it allows you to connect with an influencer, talk about products and shop while watching the broadcast.
7. take care of the first impression
A customer’s first impression is formed in different ways, depending on what activity the customer performs. If he sends a message first, his first impression will be formed by the response, especially its speed. If, on the other hand, he goes to the website first, it must make a positive first impression with its appearance. It must look professional and classy, and navigation should be easy and pleasant. There must be no problems searching for products, because whoever comes across it will quickly flee the store. The customer should know in the first seconds that it is worth shopping in your store.
8. create excitement in users
You’re browsing Facebook and see a fundraising ad for a sick child. You feel sorry for him, so you click and donate a small amount or think about it. Do you know it? You are then driven by emotions triggered by a photo of a child covered in plasters, all scarred, bandaged, wired, or a poignant text written by the parents. Transfer this to your store. Try to evoke emotions in your potential customers. All you need is a photo or description that evokes the right feelings and interest in the product.
9. set two prices next to the product
Promotions tempt customers the most. You yourself, when you see a bargain, are sure to wonder how profitable it will be. That’s why it’s worth showing it to customers. The best way to do this is to juxtapose prices – higher and lower. This will look like an unusual promotion that the customer just has to take advantage of. Such tricks are used, for example, during Black Friday. Despite its ubiquity, this method is still effective.
10. give customers a choice
Customers like to have choices, especially since they have different preferences. You need to offer something for everyone, and it’s not just about product variety. It’s worth giving customers a choice, first of all, of payment forms or delivery methods. Transfer and card are not enough today. You need to give a choice of instant BLIK, PayPal or other online payment providers. If you sell expensive items, such as electronics, offer payment in installments or delayed payment, allowing customers who don’t have the funds at the moment but would like to buy the product to make a purchase. Likewise for deliveries, postal and InPost parcel machines are not everything. There are other types of parcel machines, other courier companies, as well as numerous pick-up points, as more and more stores are offering postal services to open on non-trading Sundays. This makes most people have some sort of pickup point almost right outside their homes, so it makes sense to offer, as many delivery methods as possible, so that every customer can choose a convenient one.
Remember to feel safe
Finally, you need to know that customers appreciate a sense of security. They like to be sure that they will not be cheated. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure your website is secure, meaning a good Internet connection that you use to operate your store. A trusted hosting and domain is the basis of a site running smoothly and without problems. Therefore, it is very important to work with a trusted network and hosting and domain provider. ITH Group is one of the largest telecommunications companies. It includes the KRU company that offers domains and hosting. If you care about the smooth operation of the Internet, the site and security, we invite you to cooperate with us. Make a good decision and enjoy a good and secure business.