1. Know and think like your audience & customer

Each and every business, even online, has a key following of customers. Like all business models it is critical to know who those customers are, what they want and of course what they don’t. One of the many ways to do this is to conduct research. Put out a survey on your social media sites. If you don’t use social media, sign up now. Social media is the best and easiest way to directly access your customer base. When seeking information, be sure to remember to think like they do. Morph and construct how your business speaks, sells, and looks like to their desires and needs. Very successful companies tailor their business to their customers.

2. Keep it simple and focus

Sometimes when businesses develop an online presence, the assumption is to sell a variety of products that appeal to a variety of consumers. However, when you really are trying to grow a business, you have to focus. You need to know what products are your specialty or sell the best early in the process and put that product(s) on a high pedestal. Of course, you can still sell all types of objects, but often enough when consumers think of a business they think about one or a few main items they sell or are known for.

3. Time is money and customer happiness

One of the hardest things to capture is someone’s time and money. Customers are constantly seeking faster and cheaper ways to access their goods. Now, for most businesses it is really hard to lower prices enough to compete with major corporations, but what you can provide is great customer service and delivery speed. Using a third party logistics company can provide an online business with a way to ensure precision in fulfilling a customer’s order and shipping it out with speed. Keeping at least one of these areas in the forefront of your business model can keep your company growing, and more importantly your customers happy and returning.

4. Update and stay relevant

In the past ten years or so, the online world has changed immensely. Websites are in the billions and web design is a growing. It is key to any ecommerce site to always be on new trends in the world of web design and content. Make sure to have a well designed and functional website because for most customers, it is easier to find the product elsewhere rather than trying to understand a poorly designed website. Generate constant content, as well. Put out promotions, start a blog, and engage in social media. These tactics can really change how consumers view your business and will pass on the word to others.

5. Develop partnerships and network

It is a known fact that success often comes from networking and having key partners by your side. This goes for physical companies and the ones that live on the web. Use services and the skills of the people you know. Join a local networking group. Often enough, a referral or a strong partnership can boost your online sales. Engaging with professionals around you can truly boost both credibility and the bottom line.