E-commerce: Is my online store secure and reliable?

Let your customers know that your online store is a secure e-commerce and that their information will be safe on your site. Here’s how to create a trustworthy online store.

Have you ever wondered why some websites make you think if you would ever buy something with them? Why, after having done your research you actually find a website that carries the product that you’re looking for, but something tells you no, better look somewhere else.

This happens because this website doesn’t feel secure, something makes this website feel that is not safe. Then you just move on and go to another site. If you were the owner of this website, you just lost a customer and this is simply not acceptable.

Well if you have experienced something like this, it is probably likely that your customers have also experienced it. And if it happened while they were browsing an online store, then there could be a problem. Of course, it can likely be fixed.

Ok, we have already seen some reasons why an e-commerce website might not be able to make the sale. Now, let’s go in detail over the necessary options that will make your online store reachable by your customers.

E-commerce safety: what does it really mean?

What does it really mean when we say an e-commerce is secure? When we say that an online shopping store is reliable, where your personal information and credit card details can be entered without a risk.

We say a company is trustworthy when its website or e-commerce reflects the reliability of it, and it can be made perfectly clear by taking care of some aspects internally and externally in the website or e-commerce. Let’s go over, more in detail, on how we can create a reliable e-commerce website.

A secure e-commerce hosting server

First things first. To start, you will need to make sure that your online store is hosted on a secure server. What is a secure server you may ask? A secure server is basically a computer that encrypts its information, making it harder to reach by people trying to get access to it.

Simply put, it is when you go to a website, and you see the https on the website’s URL with a padlock next to it. Some browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox recognize this and mark those websites as unsafe or risky.

Once you are sure your e-commerce is hosted on a secure server you can make the information available to your users for safe browsing.

Why is Online User Experience so Important?

An easy-to-navigate website that is fast and intuitive transmits security and professionalism. On the other side, an e-commerce website that loads slowly or has images missing does not reflect confidence, will appear sloppy, and the user will tend not to trust it, especially if he/she has to enter sensitive information like a credit card.

Payment, returns, and shipping: express them clearly

Payment methods. Use the most reliable and popular forms of payment in your e-commerce. To make your e-commerce even more secure, you can use payment with two-factor authentication. Tell your users how payments and refunds are made.

Shipping. Explain in detail how shipments are made, if there is tracking information, which couriers you use, the times and how they will receive notifications if the package is about to be delivered, or is delayed, or the delivery is missed due to the absence of the customer in the address indicated.

Remember to also enter the shipping costs: if within a certain radius they are free, if there is an extra cost for specific places or at a particular time of the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Summer, etc.)

Returns. Dedicate a page where you explain in detail how to return purchased items. The most frequently asked questions are: how is the refund done? How long does it take? Is there a return shipment or restocking fee?

Importance of the online presence of your e-commerce

As mentioned above, to reassure the user of the safety and reliability of your e-commerce, it is also necessary to take a look outside the website itself and take care of one’s digital reputation.

Your Facebook, Instagram, Google My Business, and any other social media page you have, should match the professionalism shown on your e-commerce. Things like corporate colors, design elements and photography should be equally respected on and off of your website.

Monitor your online reputation

First, identify with your user persona. Let’s imagine that we are looking for a specific product, and we finally find it. We don’t know the company we just landed on, we are browsing this website for the first time.

The e-commerce is easily navigated and we have found all the necessary information regarding shipping, payments, returns, etc. So we ask ourselves the questions: who is this company? Is it as reliable as it looks?

This is where online reviews come in. Your Google My Business (GMB), Yelp, Facebook, and any other online reviews sites need to show your company is trustworthy.

Always ask your customers for reviews, and always monitor them. Reply to them, find out why they gave you that good or bad score, take it as a chance to start a conversation.

Where can I find answers? Google, of course

A user who lands on an e-commerce site for the first time will look for information about the company on the Internet: Google, Social Media pages, review sites, etc.

For this, it is necessary to meet the customer’s needs and take care of one’s digital presence with an online communication strategy that is up to standards with the nature of the company.

Dedicate yourself to the management of social media pages by building an editorial calendar that is based on the engagement of users on social networks, and consider the idea of curating a company blog in which you talk about your products and their use or in which you share your news and events.

Keep a good line of communication with your customers.

Don’t forget the reviews

Don’t forget the reviews. Whether they are on Google, on social networks, or on the appropriate platforms, take some time to respond, if not to all, at least to some. Especially when it comes to negative reviews, respond by asking in detail the reason for the discontent, then check with your team, and take action.

Responding to reviews will communicate efficiency, professionalism, and customer focus. In this way, the user will be reassured and will trust to buy on your e-commerce site.

Start your e-commerce now!

Want to become an established business? Start online! A fast-loading and reliable e-commerce site is the way to start. The worldwide web is the perfect place to sell your products.

Still in doubt? We are currently offering a Free Website Mockup of your website. Click here to find out more about the offer and learn more about the quality of our services.

If you are ready to start with your online shop e-commerce adventure or have any questions about the e-commerce development process, contact us at WebDesign-Miami, we will help you figure out effective ways to reach your audience.