Shopping Cart Abandonment: Are Customers Bailing Out On Your Checkout Page?
February 19, 2009
“Why am I not making more money online?”
If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re not alone.
But to get an answer that is REAL- not just someone’s fluffy opinion, you need to answer your question with another, more appropriate question:
“What do the numbers tell me about why I’m not making more money online?”
If you don’t have any data to look at… well, now you’re honing in on the bigger issue. Without tracking, your original question is impossible to answer.
It’s common (and essential) to measure things like traffic, signups, purchases, etc., but one very revealing (and often overlooked) stat is something called “shopping cart abandonment”.
This is where people reach your site, follow the “Buy” link- and then click away before actually making a purchase.
A recent study by Consumer Experience Management (CEM) evaluated the experiences of 719 consumers, and why they left a site’s checkout without making a purchase. Here are the top reasons:
1. High shipping prices (72%)
2. Comparison shopping or browsing (61%)
3. Changed mind (56%)
4. Saving items for later purchase (51%)
5. Total cost of items is too high (43%)
6. Checkout process is too long (41%)
7. Checkout needs too much personal info (35%)
8. Registration needed before purchase (34%)
9. Site is unstable or unreliable (31%)
10. Checkout process is confusing (27%)
This information is extremely useful for CORRECTING this problem, if you know that it actually IS a problem. Don’t rely on your gut here. Rely on the data.
For example, I recently took a look at a client’s numbers, and had to report some tough news: they had a 72.5% abandonment rate. Yikes.
Philadelphia Self Storage: Our Google Ranking Project
November 20, 2008
Finally, SEO stuff is getting fun for me.
A good friend, Fred Gleeck, recently proposed a joint project. One of his niche areas is marketing to self storage owners. And with some great foresight, 8 years ago he reserved the domain PhiladelphiaSelfStorage.com…. and 20 other identical domains- with different cities.
His plan- sell ad space on each of them to the self storage companies in each city. The selling point- “We’re ranked #1 on Google for the search phrase “Philadelphia Self Storage”.
So the our Google Adventure began… build the perfect SEO site, and track the progress to the top.
And now, after 6 weeks- we’ve reached the #4 spot!
Once we get it to the top, we’re going to roll out all 21 sites… and see what happens from there.
Also, we thought it might be a helpful exercise to keep a journal of everything we’ve done, and track the rise up the charts. Interested in getting the report when it’s finished?
I’d be happy to share it- no charge- but there is one thing you could do to earn it. One of the key things to get your site to the top is inbound links.
So, if you put a link to our site like this:
and let me know- I’ll make sure you get the eBook when it comes out!
Look for more blog updates about our ascent to the top of Google!
Those long, ugly URLS….
August 27, 2008
If you use WebMarketingMagic (1ShoppingCart) for your online business, you’ve probably dealt with the long string of characters they force you to use you product links, opt-ins, etc. Ever wish they were a little more elegant?
“Autographing” your site
August 27, 2008
I’m sure you’ve seen it before.
You visit someone’s web site and down near the bottom of their intro page, after the “Sincerely”, is their actual signature. As if they pulled out a Sharpie and signed the web page themselves. Something like this..
 |
Does this increase the website sales and conversions? Who knows. Test it out. But let’s face it, it’s kind of cool, and adds a bit of class.
NOTE:
I’ve seen lots of people with their “actual” signature on their site- probably by writing on a white sheet of paper, scanning it, and inserting it as an image. Don’t call me paranoid…. but with all the check-forging evil identity thieves out there, do you really want them to have such easy access to your signature? I’m just sayin’.
So, in about 15 minutes, you could have your own computer generated “signature” on your site.
Click here to watch the tutorial:
HOW TO: “Autograph” Your Website
June 23, 2008
I’m sure you’ve seen it before.
You visit someone’s web site and down near the bottom of their intro page, after the “Sincerely”, is their actual signature.
As if they pulled out a Sharpie and signed the web page themselves. Something like this..
To Your Financial Independence,
.
...
Does this increase the website sales and conversions? Who knows. Test it out. But let’s face it, it’s kind of cool, and adds a bit of class.
And, in less than 15 minutes, you could have one on your site.
VIDEO: “Autographing” Your Site
August 27, 2007
This video demonstrates how to create a cool, customized “signature” to add to your website.
Read more
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About Dave
Dave Hamilton has a passion for helping normal, non-techie people find success in the online marketing world. His highly sough after "Web Marketing Magician" consulting services combine his 20+ years of technical experience with his love of helping individuals and small businesses achieve their online dreams.
Dave resides in Tampa, Florida with his beautiful wife and three outrageously funny kids.
