SEO, Social Media & eCommerce Talk @RTMLWise

Idea no 1: Use social networks to increase reach

Just because you are an ecommerce site does not mean that social networks won’t work for you. After all, social networking sites can provide free advertisement for you. There used to be feeling that Facebook and MySpace only cater to the Y generation. But several studies have shown that it’s not true. Consumers from all age groups are now active on these sites. This means you can unravel and harvest a huge customer base from these sites. I say harvest because they are ripe for picking. You only have to make sure that you hit the right cord. As an icing on the cake , your profile on these social networking sites will give your SEO effort a big push. So go ahead and engage customers on social sites.

Idea no 2: Ask satisfied customers to post a review

Have you ever made a purchase on EBay? For me, reviews, I mean positive reviews have always worked. I bet it does for everyone. EBay and Amazon use reviews quite effectively and it does not cost them a penny. In fact, to be eligible to post a review you must first make a purchase on these sites. Why are reviews so popular? I believe it to be a question of assurance. If someone else has purchased a product and posted a positive review, the product must be good. Same goes for your ecommerce site. If someone has enjoyed transacting through your site, even others may do the same. The lesson is simple- go get as many reviews as possible.

Idea no 3: Use press releases

A press release can do wonders to your image. There are many paid and free sites where you can send your press releases. I would recommend that you go for some popular paid sites .It is worth the effort. You will find that traffic to your site will increase greatly with each press release. Just make sure that your message is clear and you offer something unique and attractive in each of the Press releases. The information should be topical, interesting and grab the attention of readers. In one word, your press release should be compelling.

Idea no 4: Content is king

This should have come at the top of the list. Anyway, have you ever thought about the content on your site? Is it meaningful? Does it convey anything? Do the readers get a sense of fulfillment when they read your stuff? Let’s not forget- content is king. Write something relevant and meaningful in your home page. Focus has to be right- you must let your customers know what you have to offer- without beating around the bush.

Idea no 5: Tell your readers about security level

The most important reason why buyers don’t buy from an ecommerce site is because they are afraid that their passwords and credit card numbers would be stolen. Obviously, you would be doing a great service to yourself if you let people know your SSL security level. For that matter you must enlist all accreditations and certifications. For example “Chosen as the most secure site of the year by Newsweek”, can do wonders to the confidence of your customers. Remember that more than fifty percent of your prospects don’t make a purchase on your site because they are afraid of their data being stolen. I don’t blame them because I would do the same and so would you.