StepFront » online retail

9 Tips That Will Make Your Website Convert Like Crazy

Farhan Kamal — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:46:53 +0000

Get your website designed by a professional. Good companies might charge slightly more than your friend’s cousin, but in the long run, the benefits are multifold and directly affect the conversion ratio.
Don’t rush to launch your website unless it’s checked, proofed and gets an okay from the QA department.
Design the ordering process keeping in mind the most average of your potential customers with minimal internet skills.
Call to action, such as asking to place the order, or sign-up for email should be used intelligently at every possible conversion point.
Make the information about ordering the product is easy to understand and find.
Place the questions that your visitor might ask in the FAQ section or as small tips during the ordering process
Write copy that instantly connects the visitor and speaks in a personalize and persuasive way
Make your web forms short, sweet and easy to fill. Most importantly, do not ask for unnecessary information.
Place endorsements from reputable organizations to build customers trust.

5 Ways to Imrove Website Crediblity

Farhan Kamal — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:42:47 +0000

GrokDotCom has a great feature on how to improve your websites credibility. In short those are

Test your contact info
Test different images
Test your Point of Action assurances
Test your ‘About Us’ content.
Substantiate your claims

read the full article here

Free Webinar by Google on How to Use Website Optimizer

Farhan Kamal — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:18:37 +0000

There’s a free webinar on improving site conversion rates by Google. You can view it right at your desktop and it’s completely free. Google reps will show you how to use the Google Website Optimizer tool. Be sure to register yourself here.

Register today

Who cares about conversion rates?

Farhan Kamal — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:35:35 +0000

I do and anyone involved in online retail will tell you how important conversion rates are. Since online advertising in Pakistan is now gradually picking up, with a lot large businesses advertising on online properties like Facebook, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Mail, I feel the importance to press my point about measuring conversion.

Often when I meet clients and ask about their conversion rates, they have no clue what I am talking about. To my utter surprise many don’t even have a FREE Google Analytics installed on their website. So what makes them think that something’s wrong? Well to be honest, they just “feel” that their website needs a facial lift and makeover so their sales numbers can improve.

I have been advising clients to not take the sleek and beautiful design for any merit other than how well it converts. As an online retailer, what would you want? More sales and profits or a sleek looking website? Obviously you would answer the former, if you spend time and money to bring those customers on your website and expect to make some decent profits online.

So let’s leave the “gut feelings” aside and get real. Google now also provides a free A/B testing tool. Play around with it and figure out what needs to stay and what needs to be changed on your website.

UK’s Top 50 Online Retailers

Farhan Kamal — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:24:31 +0000

I thought to share this list of top 50 online retail stores in UK, which could be helpful if you are running or are associated with an online store in Pakistan. The ratings are based on sales and conversions and compiled by Hitwise UK

1. Amazon UK
2. Play.com
3. Argos
4. Tesco.com
5. Apple Computer
6. Dell EMEA
7. Amazon.com
8. Marks & Spencer
9. Tesco Direct
10. Next
11. HMV.co.uk
12. Expedia.co.uk
13. Thomson Holidays
14. lastminute.com
15. Currys
16. Ticketmaster UK
17. John Lewis
18. RyanAir
19. easyJet
20. British Airways
21. Comet UK
22. Woolworths UK
23. GAME
24. PC World
25. Boots
26. O2 Shop
27. Symantec Store
28. Debenhams
29. ASOS
30. Ebuyer
31. Toys ‘R’ Us – UK
32. B&Q
33. The Orange Shop
34. Littlewoods
35. QVCUK.com
36. ASDA
37. Carphone Warehouse
38. Topshop
39. Odeon Cinemas
40. Screwfix Direct
41. HP
42. River Island
43. IKEA
44. M and M Direct
45. Sainsbury’s
46. Dixons
47. Apple iTunes
48. Thomas Cook
49. bmibaby
50. Thomsonfly