Companies that want to sell products and services over the internet don’t necessarily have to worry about creating their own online store. There are now numerous online store agencies that can help. Of course, it is important to take a little time and compare to find out which service provider best meets your expectations.
In this article, we will discuss the details that make a good e-commerce agency. We will also explain what to look for when creating an online store. With this information in mind, it should be easy to find a good online store agency for your needs.
What makes a good e-commerce agency?
A reliable e-commerce agency focuses entirely on the online shops of its customers. There is no question that it is important to choose an expert here. After all, when it comes to online shopping, first impressions often determine whether the shopping cart is filled or whether the customer visits a competitor’s site first.
There are some details that distinguish a good e-commerce agency. If you are unsure whether you are about to choose the right partner, the following is a kind of “checklist”. A reliable online shop agency is characterized by the following services/details:
· an extensive service portfolio
· individual advice
· transparent pricing
· a customer-friendly price-performance ratio
· a long list of references so that potential new customers can get an impression of what the respective end results might look like
· a friendly team that often makes the famous “gut feeling” right
· competent contact persons who are characterized by good accessibility and who are willing to answer questions.
Ultimately, of course, it is up to each individual to decide what makes a good e-commerce agency. However, it is clear that the points mentioned above are criteria that virtually no one should do without. When the collaboration is a good fit for both sides, long-term business relationships often develop.
Creating an online shop: What you need to watch out for!
Whether a company wants to sell “just a few items” or present an extensive range, creating and developing an online shop can quickly become a complex undertaking. This requires not only creativity and imagination, but also technical know-how. It is important to always keep in mind that the online store should reflect the brand. It is therefore understandable that customers should ideally feel comfortable here from the very first second.
To ensure just that, the following points are almost essential:
· A clear menu
Many people who regularly shop in online stores are comparatively impatient and, if they have a precise idea of what they are looking for, have no desire to invest a lot of time. This is exactly what needs to be considered when creating an online store. Meaningful categories and product descriptions help customers to quickly find their way around. And, of course, those who are in a particular hurry should always be able to access a search field.
· A high level of user convenience
Whether a customer feels comfortable in an online store or not depends above all on the level of user convenience offered. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to optimize this. Among other things, fast loading times ensure that shopping is never boring.
· An appealing design
The design of the online shop should match the respective brand and be authentic accordingly. At the same time, the motto “less is more” often applies here. Simple yet appealing colors are easy on the eye and do not distract from the essentials.
A page in responsive design
Meanwhile, many people attach importance to being able to view a website (and accordingly an online store) on mobile devices, such as a tablet or smartphone. Therefore, it definitely makes sense to use a page that has been designed in a responsive design to ensure that the display adapts to the smaller displays, thus eliminating the need for complex zooming and scrolling.
The right shop system
Every shop system is characterized by individual functions and features. It makes sense to choose a solution that offers a lot of customization options. This way, the online shop in question will not be just one of many, but will certainly become a popular place to shop.
Various integration options
Linking payment and logistics tools to your online store can save a lot of time and effort. While on the one hand it ensures that – above a certain minimum quantity – reorders are perhaps even placed automatically, customers ideally have the option of benefiting from a wide range of payment options.
How to find a good online store agency
Are you looking for a good online store agency but don’t know what to look out for? The following tips will help!
· Take a look at the services offered by the provider and find out whether the agency in question can offer you what you expect. Many e-commerce agencies have focused on a specific area, while others offer all-in-one solutions. It is up to you to determine what you want to outsource and what you want to keep in-house.
Ask the agencies on your shortlist for references. This will give you an idea of the possible end results.
Decide on a budget for yourself and find out which agency best suits your needs and your financial means.
Ask explicitly about skills and certificates. Many providers are relatively transparent about such issues.
Avoid spontaneous decisions. If you set up your online shop quickly because you want to “showcase something” to your target group, you run the risk of ruining your reputation prematurely. Even if every day is relevant to sales, it may be worth investing a little more time in the search for the “perfect provider”.
