Optimizing Your Online Store

Online selling has now become a trend for small business start-ups. It’s easy to set up and maintain. However, not all would succeed, especially those who think that posting online would automatically attract people and generate sales. There are a lot of things to consider, ranging from simple like posting photos and sharing, to complicated like taking advantage of techniques to show up more on Google and paying

Here are some quick tips to improve your online store:

1. Use tags. In searching online, we type in “key words” like “toy” or “clothes,” etc., and the search engine goes to look for contents with the same words/contents as the key words. This is why it is important to include tags to your posts and ads online. If you are selling boots, you can use “shoes,” “boots,” and “footwear” as tags. Use specific keywords like “swimwear,” and a few closes general descriptions like “sports attire.”

Using hashtag will also help your ad be searchable in a few social networking sites. Just make sure that you don’t flood your post too much with tags, or else it would be unsightly. Keep it to a maximum of three.

2. Use good quality but small file size for photos. Our country is known to have one of the slowest Internet connections to date. As entrepreneurs, we have to adapt. In posting your product photos online, make sure that you only post in small file sizes so they load faster

Quick tip: Reducing megapixel file sizes does no significant changes in the quality of the photo, only its size. If you are going to post online, lower your camera’s picture size to at most postcard size, and take the photo in an area that has a good lighting. It should produce the same output for lower file sizes. For those of you who are knowledgeable in photo-editing, you can opt to lower it by using the “save for web” function. Megapixel-sized pictures are only useful if you are going to make big images like posters.

3. Help shoppers decide. There are many times when online vendors forget that there are physical qualities that cannot be perceived online. For example, to differentiate clothing sizes online (small, medium, large) is vague because the item could not be worn physical to check if it fits. Do not forget the missing qualities so that you may plan a suitable substitute.

4. Choose convenient payment methods. In our society where obtaining a bank-issued card is not always convenient or at least, ideal, choose or implement other payment methods. You lose potential buyers if you choose complicated payment systems. Traditional online sellers ask for the clients to take a photo of their deposit slips to confirm payment. Others prefer meet-ups — which is counterproductive and very risky on both parties involved).

It may be convenient for you to use websites that accommodate credit card payments, but be willing to accept bank deposits. You can also partner up with companies that will allow you to use their payment gateways, such as G-Cash and Smart Money. You don’t have to get all of the possible payment methods. Just choose those that you think are suitable for your target clients. Remember: Choose clients’ payment convenience over your recording convenience.

5. Be active with your clients. Online stores do not have the luxury of closing times to make delayed replies justifiable. Your store is basically an open business that any client could just go into and inquire. Subscribing to mobile data promos, using a pocket Wi-Fi or staying connected to DSL connections should be part of your daily routine as you would need it to be active in your Facebook account, Viber, and all other online selling accounts you use. Potential buyers will pop up with inquiries any time of the day, and their interest in buying decreases time passes. Make sure you respond to them as soon as you are available.

For dedicated online sellers, a quick tip in handling customer queries is to adjust your waking hours. Take note that majority of the population are online at night, and that is when you should be responding in real time. Make sure you are physically and mentally awake by 7:00 p.m. when people are starting to go online. No need to wake up early.

To all online sellers, you are entrepreneurs. The challenges you will face in the market is the same as any other company. Be competitive and strategic online. Be updated with the latest online trends and interact with your clients. With proper implementation, you can even beat established brands for targeted premium ads.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin, C-6, Sunday, July 17, 2016. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.