There is a sizable group of new online store owners who struggle to get their sales of the ground.I looked at hundreds of websites and they mostly have these issues in common:
1. Amateur graphic design. It takes skill and talent to make something look nice, balanced, and professional. Most of us can't even see it but we can all feel it. Not everyone was born with talent to make things look nice. If you can't see it then you can't make it. Many sites I look at have a home made feel to their store. What this does is it register in visitors mind as an amateur store and it immediately gets a low rating on trust scale. It really pays off to engage a designer to tidy up your store. It does not need to be expensive or extravagant - just make it look clean and professional.
2. Many stores lack essential product descriptions. When I see a hoodie, no matter how nice, and it costs same as similar one that I can but at Macy's, but I can't see what it is made off, I'll pass. Products need to be sold, and pretty images and only some basic info are in most cases just not enough.
3. Shipping policy is either not listed or it isn't attractive. It is a fact that drop-shippers from Ali Express and other overseas suppliers are at a disadvantage because many people want their products much faster. But it is not the end of the world as long as it can be compensated with good prices, original products, and everything else I talk about here.
4. Products have no reviews. not much you can do here if you want to stay honest. Its a chicken and egg problem. No reviews no sales. Its a disadvantage but not a store killer. Eventually you will overcome it and get sales and reviews.
5. Store lacks a concept. You need a strong case to establish yourself on the block. If you just sell stuff it is very hard life on the web. Amazon and everyone else is just one click away. You need to be different. Find an audience and serve it better than everyone else does. Being a generalist, you can't focus well on everyone's needs because there are too many and too different. Sharpen your spear and focus on your niche.
6. Store lacks confidence. Like in dating you can't sell if you don't believe in your product. This comes across in anemic messages, faint product descriptions, lack of original content.
7. All that being said, as new store owner you still have a problem. I need a very good reason to buy from a new store and enter my billing and shipping information. This is a specially strong obstacle if I am visiting your store on my mobile device. Without giving me a good reason to buy from you, I may just click over to Amazon and check if they have it and order it with one click.
I could probably find more reasons why people don't buy from your new store, but these are most common. It is not easy to successfully launch a new store on the web and start making sales. Making some advertising, building a store, and listing some products that you like or think others will like is just the beginning. You may need to do some more work in marketing, setup, and making it look nice at be sure that you don't make mistakes from above.
