Getting E-Commerce Websites Ready for Xmas
Statista predicts that there will be a 3% decline in retail spending this Christmas, as consumers tighten their belts in response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. That said, consumers are still set to spend a massive £82.2 billion. What this means for online retailers is that they have to be ready for increased competition as savvy consumers look for the best deals and the best user experience when choosing a website to purchase from.
In this edition of the Brickweb blog, we share with you some crucial things you need to do to make sure that your e-commerce website is fully prepared to welcome Christmas customers and provide them with a service that is better than that of your competitors.
Firstly, you need to make sure that your shipping policy is fully updated, giving your customers clear notice of when they need to order by to ensure that their purchases are delivered in time for Christmas. It's a great idea to include information about the last posting date and to encourage customers to order before then.
Don't forget that, in common with a number of other professions, employees at Royal Mail will be taking part in industrial action on Thursday 24th November, Friday 25th November, Wednesday 30th November and Thursday 1st December. More strikes may yet be called so make sure that you stay informed and keep your website updated.
You should also ensure that your returns policy is clearly displayed on your website. Naturally, the amount of returns increases in the days and weeks immediately following Christmas as people need to return unwanted or unsuitable gifts. A clear, simple returns policy will encourage customers to make purchases.
If you have a brick-and-mortar store as well as an e-commerce website, you would be well advised to offer a click-and-collect service. The amount of consumers using these services increased dramatically during the pandemic and the trend looks set to continue: Statista has predicted that retail sales made via click-and-collect options will keep rising at a yearly rate of over 15% until 2024.
It's likely that you will be running promotions in the lead-up to Christmas, offering special deals and discounts to tempt potential customers. Information about such promotions and offers should be given prime position on e-commerce websites and one of the best ways to do this is with a banner. If you need an eye-catching banner for your website, get in touch with Brickweb and ask about our creative design studio: the expert team of graphic designers at our leading e-commerce development company will provide you with a world-class personal service.
Find out more about Brickweb services and solutions on our website!