Launching an online store might seem straightforward–pick a platform, upload products, and watch the sales roll in. But the truth is that building a successful e-commerce business is anything but effortless.

In fact, a staggering 80% of e-commerce businesses fail, and 25% don’t even make it past their first year. So, what’s the catch? In the e-commerce space, it’s not just the fierce competition that captures 18% of global retail sales; it’s the sneaky mistakes many businesses make without even realizing it.

High cart abandonment rates, low traffic, and poor conversions often stem from avoidable mistakes. But the good part is that you don’t have to be part of the failure statistics. By understanding the common pitfalls of creating an online store, you can sidestep them and set your business up for success.

Common E-Commerce Mistakes You Are Probably Making

Running a successful e-commerce store requires more than offering high-quality products or a vast selection. Your customers need a seamless, enjoyable experience from the moment they land on your website to the time they check out.

Mistakes happen—and they happen to everyone, even the biggest names in the e-commerce industry. So, don’t worry, you’re not alone. 

If you’re a beginner on the lookout to create an impressive website, we’re here to help you tackle the challenges that come along.

1. Not Knowing Your Product or Audience

You must’ve heard: ‘If you build it, they will come,’ that’s terrible business advice. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Have you taken the time to understand your product and your audience? If not, you’re probably guessing that our customers will want what you’re offering. And the results? Missed sales, wasted time, and a lot of frustration.

The key is to pinpoint a real need in the market. Dig deep into what your audience truly wants or what frustrates them about existing options. Then, you can create a solution they’ll rush to buy.

1. Your Store Isn’t Mobile-Optimized

Did you know that over half of all online traffic comes from mobile devices? If your store isn’t mobile-friendly, let us tell you, you’re missing out—big time.

Building an online store with mobile users in mind is a necessity. A mobile-first approach ensures your store runs seamlessly on smartphones and tablets, meeting your customers where they spend most of their time. Plus, Google rewards mobile-friendly sites with higher rankings in search results, boosting your visibility and potential traffic.

Mobile optimization is your gateway to reaching today’s tech-savvy shoppers and securing a competitive edge.

1. Ignoring SEO and CRO

Are you relying solely on PPC and social media for promotions? It’s time to rethink. Many e-commerce brands overlook two game-changing strategies: SEO and CRO.

SEO ensures your site ranks higher organically but requires more than just product descriptions. Add compelling, informative content that answers your audience’s questions and aligns with search intent. Consider integrating a blog to boost rankable content.

Meanwhile, CRO ensures that the traffic you attract through SEO converts into actions like purchases or sign-ups. Website builders that are optimized for SEO can streamline these efforts, helping you grow both visibly and revenue effectively.

1. Improper Product Pages

Your product pages are the heart of your online store, yet they’re often the most overlooked. They must be clear, concise, and up-to-date. 

A poorly designed page with missing details or poor visuals can send potential buyers clicking away. Common missteps include a weak mix of media that fails to showcase products through vibrant images, videos, or 360-degree views. 

To captivate and convert, ensure your pages are visually engaging, packed with relevant details, and optimized to answer every question your shopper might have before clicking “Add to Cart.”

1. Failing to Offer an Intuitive Experience  

Have you ever felt frustrated over a website because it fails to offer a decent user experience? Most likely, we’ve all been there. An underwhelming UX can lead to higher bounce rates and lost sales. Because who even stays at a site after a couple of mishaps? 

The key to solving this is making every step of the shopping journey seamless. Focus on these aspects:

• Improve Navigation: To simplify the customer journey, ensure that product pages and FAQs are easily accessible through a clear menu.
• Categorize Products: Organize products into logical categories to encourage exploration and upselling opportunities.
• Optimize Checkout Page: Simplify the checkout process to reduce bounce rates and improve conversion rates.
• Include Guest Checkouts: Offer hassle-free purchasing for one-time buyers without requiring account creation.

1. Absence of Payment/Shipping Options 

We live in an era of prompt action, and anything that slows us down is frustrating. Suppose your cart is full of products you want to buy, but the online store doesn’t support your preferred payment mode. Frustrating, right?

Not supporting the potential customer’s payment mode can drive them away for good. And let’s be honest, no one will open an account just to place an order.

To fix these cart abandonment cases, make sure to include multiple payment and shipping options for a hassle-free experience.

The Final Takeaway

Mistakes are a part of every journey, especially in e-commerce, where the stakes are high. But ignoring them can cause real damage. Even minor missteps can snowball into bigger issues if left unchecked.

The key is to stay customer-focused. Your business thrives when customers’ experiences are seamless. Avoid the common pitfalls discussed above to set yourself up for long-term growth and success. Remember, it takes time, effort, and constant learning. So, start today!

• Country: United Kingdom