For entrepreneurs and small business owners, the ecommerce boom represents a huge opportunity to start a business with a low initial investment. Whether you run a beauty salon, a boutique, or are just starting your first venture, creating an ecommerce website has never been easier or more affordable.

This guide walks you through how to start an online store step-by-step using Webnode, fast and without coding.

What you’ll learn:

• When is it time to start selling online
• What to look for in an ecommerce platform
• How to create an online store step-by-step
• How much does a Webnode ecommerce website cost
• How to promote your ecommerce website after launch
• Webnode’s ecommerce solution FAQ

When is it time to start selling online

The global ecommerce market is growing. Imagine you are the owner of a beauty salon who is looking for opportunities to grow your business. Maybe you’re wondering how to create an ecommerce website from scratch – or if you should at all.

Here are a series of questions to ask yourself when thinking about whether you should expand online

• Customers ask for It:
  If your clients keep asking “Where can I buy your shampoo?”, it’s a sign you should offer an online shop.
  
• Too many phone orders:
  When taking orders over the phone has you pulling your hair out, an online store can make things easier for you and your customers.
  
• Social media interest:
  If you’re promoting your products on Instagram or Facebook and getting lots of comments or messages, it’s time to have a simple website where people can order.
  
• Convenience for everyone:
  An online shop lets customers order at any time, even outside salon open hours, which can help boost your sales.
  
• Growing customer base:
  If more and more people are showing interest in your products, an online store helps you reach new customers who might not visit your physical location.
  
• Lack of organization and efficiency:
  An online store helps you track which products are popular, so you can manage your stock better and avoid running out of best-sellers.

What to look for in an ecommerce platform

Don’t close your eyes and pick an ecommerce platform blindly. Not all businesses face the same challenges. It’s important to choose a platform that suits your needs and the needs of your business. 

What’s the top ecommerce website builder for you? Here are some factors to consider:

• Ease of use: Look for a system that’s as simple as posting on social media — easy steps to add your products and update prices.
  
• Affordable pricing:
  Make sure the cost fits your budget, with clear monthly fees and no hidden charges.
  
• Mobile-friendly:
  Many of your customers use their phones, so the online shop should look great on both mobile devices and computers.
  
• Helpful customer support:
  Choose a platform that offers friendly support to help you if you ever have questions or run into issues.
  
• Secure for your customers:
  It should protect your customers’ personal and payment information so they feel safe buying from you.
  
• Flexible payment options:
  Ensure it accepts different ways to pay (like credit cards or PayPal) so your customers have choices.
  
• Simple product management:
  It should be easy to add and organize your products without any complex steps.
  
• Easy customization:
  The platform should let you add your own style — colors, logos, and photos — to make it feel like your personal brand.
  
• Scalable solution:
  Choose a platform that can grow with your business. As you start selling more products and add new lines or services, the platform should handle the extra traffic and orders without any problems.
  
• Ecommerce website templates:
  Take a closer look at the platform’s ecommerce website templates and examples of ecommerce websites.
  
• Try It Out First:
  Look for a free trial so you can test it out before you decide to commit.

Ready to start selling online? With Webnode’s ecommerce website builder, launching your professional online store is easier than you think.

How to create an online store for an affordable price with Webnode

Follow our simple step-by-step guide and set up your shop in just a few clicks.

1. Getting started with Webnode

Registering with Webnode takes only a few minutes, and you’ll be on your way to building the website of your dreams. 

• Go to Webnode and enter your Website Name, Your Email Address, and a Password. Then, click the ‘Register & Create’ button.

When you choose your website’s name, this name will be part of your web address. For example, your web address might be mywebsite.webnode.page.

However, if someone else is already using that name, we’ll automatically add a number to your web address to make it unique. So, it might become something like mywebsite12.webnode.page.

That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a name that’s unique and, if possible, short and easy to remember.

Picking a name for your ecommerce store

You don’t have a fully formed brand until your store has a name. A cleverly chosen domain name and good reputation can put you at the forefront of everyone’s mind. When you think of books for example, one of the first names to pop into your head will probably be Amazon. A bad or uninspired name, however, can sink your business.

For an online store, it’s advisable to use a custom domain (mywebsite.com, for example). This is a paid feature and it comes with several benefits:

A more professional image – A custom domain makes your website look more credible and trustworthy.

Easier to remember – Customers are more likely to recall and return to your site.

If you’re serious about building a strong online presence, having your own domain is a valuable investment that can pay off in the long run.

Tip: Webnode’s paid plans include a free custom domain for the first year

2. Choose your website template

Your store should have a personality that attracts new customers and makes loyal customers proud to be associated with you. Choosing the right template is an important step in creating your website. Webnode offers a wide variety of free website templates designed to suit your business needs. 

• Explore the gallery – Webnode provides an interactive preview, allowing you to see how the menu, footer, and header function before making a selection.
  
• Pick based on design – Choose a template based on its layout and color scheme, then customize it to match your brand.
  
• Full customization – You can personalize all text, images, colors, and fonts to create a unique look.

All Webnode templates are free to use and fully mobile-friendly, ensuring a smooth experience on any device. While you can’t switch templates after selecting one, you can customize it extensively to fit any concept. Simply choose the one you love and make it your own.

3. Customize your design

Now that you’ve chosen your template, it’s time to make it your own. Customizing your website in Webnode is easy and intuitive, allowing you to tailor every detail to match your brand.

What You Can Customize:

• Colors & Fonts – Adjust the color scheme and typography to reflect your style.
  
• Layout & Sections – Rearrange elements, add new sections, or remove anything you don’t need.
  
• Buttons & CTAs – Customize call-to-action buttons to encourage visitors to take action.
  
• Logos & Icons – Upload your brand logo and select icons that enhance your website’s personality.

If you would like to add more motion to your webpage, premium package subscribers can take advantage of our video background feature.

No experience in web design? No worries. Webnode’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create a professional-looking website. Plus, you can find useful tips and inspiration in our web design guide to help you make the most of your site’s look.

4. Plan your store layout

Imagine once again that you are the owner of a beauty salon. Think of your online store like a well-organized boutique.

You have different sections for hair styling and combs, and for manicure and pedicure products, etc. Customers will browse through virtual shopping aisles to look at what’s on the shelves. 

Online, this is called information architecture (IA), and it’s simply the way you organize your website–grouping products into clear categories, setting up simple menus, and planning where everything goes.

A straightforward, logical layout helps satisfied customers easily find what they’re looking for, making their shopping experience smooth and enjoyable – and that, in turn, boosts your sales.

5. Create your website content

Once you have chosen a template and taken care of the design, it’s time to add content that moves your customers toward you making a sale. This is the most important part of any e-shop, blog, or website.

Key Elements to Include:

• Clear and compelling headlines that instantly communicate what you do.
  
• Calls to action (CTAs) like “Try Our Bestsellers”, “Get 10% Off Your First Purchase”, or “Shop Now”.
  
• Contact forms & touchpoints so customers can easily reach you.

Not everyone has the budget for a professional copywriter, but great content is still possible with AI. Webnode’s AI assistant generates personalised text and designs page layouts within your new or existing website. Just generate content to quickly build your website copy, then tweak and refine it to make it truly yours.

Generally, shoppers go through these stages before they buy a product:

The content of your online store should help the visitor advance through the shopping process outlined above.

When working on the content of your store, think about the stage your visitor is currently in and how that particular content will help move them toward a sale.

Add images and videos of your products

Online stores face a serious disadvantage when compared to physical ones – potential customers cannot directly touch your products.

To overcome this obstacle, images and videos on your product pages are crucial. It’s highly recommended to use professionally taken images from different angles. If you can’t hire a professional, take the photos yourself in a well-lit environment and use a quality camera.

Video is an excellent way to present a product in more detail. The more professional the video, the better. However, there is more wiggle room for video quality on your product page when compared to images. Customers are getting used to seeing amateur product demonstrations on YouTube and social media.

If you have a short video presenting your product, place it at the top of the page. Longer videos with additional information are better suited for the bottom of a product page.

6. Set up payment methods

Once you have convinced a visitor to press the buy button, it’s important they’re able to complete their order easily. If there’s a problem, a few customers might try to contact you. Most, however, will simply shop somewhere else and you will lose the sale.

With Webnode, you don’t have to worry about how the payment process works. Our system is designed by experts to make shopping easy. Among other things:

• A customer doesn’t have to register to make a purchase
• The process is shown step-by-step during checkout
• It’s compatible with smartphones and other devices
• And includes boxes that need to be checked in accordance with data privacy laws – allowing you to comply with regulations without any complicated setup.

Shoppers today favor payment methods that are easy to use, trustworthy, and flexible. Digital wallets lead the way globally, followed by credit and debit cards, while in some regions bank transfers or cash on delivery remain common. Buy Now, Pay Later is also on the rise, especially among younger customers.

1. Go to Store Settings → Payment Methods in your Webnode dashboard.
2. Choose the methods you want: e.g. PayPal, Stripe, bank transfer, etc.
3. Set them up / connect with the external provider (PayPal account, bank credentials, etc.).
4. Test your checkout flow on desktop and mobile to ensure everything works.

Tip: you might wish to offer customers additional payment methods or rewards at checkout. View Webnode’s support page for instructions on how to implement discounts, vouchers, or free delivery.

Data Privacy 

When someone buys from your online store or fills out a form, they are trusting you with their personal information. That is why it is important to protect their privacy and follow the legal rules. This helps you avoid problems like fines or legal issues.

Webnode gives you tools to manage this, but the rules can change depending on where your visitors are located.

For example, if someone visits your site from California, you need to:

• Clearly explain what data you collect, especially on forms like a newsletter sign-up
• Include a link or button that says “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information”
• Respect browser settings like Global Privacy Control if the visitor has them turned on

You only need to ask for permission with a checkbox if you are collecting sensitive information or targeting children.

In other parts of the world, like the European Union, you must ask for permission before collecting personal information. This usually means adding a checkbox that says “I agree to the privacy policy.

Tip: If you want to keep it simple, use the EU-style checkbox for all visitors. It’s a good all-in-one solution to stay compliant.

7. Set up shipping options 

Logistics is one of the most important parts of setting up an online store. Not only does it influence the cost of sales but also the shopping experience. Receiving a product in a week simply isn’t as satisfying as getting it the next day.

Approximately 25% of your turnover will go to the company providing your logistics. You must take into account that this company will also be perceived as the ‘face’ of your company when a customer receives your product.

Therefore, along with the product niche you sell, the choice of logistics company is one of the most important decisions for the success of your online store.

What customers expect and what works best

• At least one affordable “standard” shipping option.
• An option to get their order faster, even if it costs more.
• Clear pricing (by weight, by location) so they know up front what shipping will cost.
• Possibly free shipping above a certain order amount.
• Tracking info so they can check where their package is.

Shipping options Webnode supports

Here are the key shipping features you can enable in Webnode:

• Add and edit shipping methods (name, price, VAT, tracking) for each method.
• Set shipping price by weight of the order.
• Use different shipping rates for different countries or regions. (Note: shipping by country/region require the Profi plan or superior)
• Free delivery / free shipping for orders over a set amount.
• Package tracking: some carriers have tracking built in; with others, you can set up tracking manually.

Quick setup steps in Webnode

1. In your Webnode dashboard, go to Store → Shipping methods. 
2. Use a pre‑defined method or create a new one. Set the name, price, and tracking URL if available.
3. If you have different regions or countries you ship to, add shipping prices for each.
4. If your products vary widely in weight/size, enable shipping by weight.
5. Consider setting “free delivery” above a certain order total to motivate customers.
6. Always test the checkout process yourself: select different shipping options, different addresses, weights, etc., to see how prices differ.

8. Launch Your Website  

You’re almost there. Before you go live, do a final review to ensure everything looks and functions perfectly.

Final checklist before publishing:

• Check all text and images for accuracy
• Test navigation, links, and buttons
• Make sure your CTAs (call-to-action buttons) are clear and engaging
• Add your social media links to connect with visitors beyond your website

Once everything looks great, hit “Publish” and share your site with the world.

How much does Webnode charge for ecommerce

Now, all you bargain hunters out there are probably wondering how to start an online store with no money. You can try Webnode’s solution and create a website for free, allowing you to familiarize yourself with our tools.

However, the cost to build an online store and actually run that online store requires one of our ecommerce plans. Set up your online store and get in touch with us to activate your Premium plan.

Webnode offers three different ecommerce plans for entrepreneurs, all of which include a free domain:

Promote your Ecommerce website after launch

You’ve opened a brand new online store. To be successful, you will need to attract paying visitors.

This is where platforms like Webnode shine. By saving hours on maintenance and programming, you can maximize the time spent promoting your business – an activity that has a high impact on sales.

Here are some of the ways you might manage marketing and promote yourself to get new customers through your door:

Listings, Reviews & Social Proof

Tip: Focus on Google Merchant Center and a trusted review tool first. They’re the easiest way to build visibility and trust without extra fees.

Pay per click (PPC) – Online Ads

Many shoppers use search engines such as Google, Bing or Yahoo as their first step to find the products they need. Placing an ad on a search engine results page puts your product in front of many potential customers.

This method of advertising is called PPC because you pay for every time a potential customer clicks on your ad. 

Invest in products that sell the most (or you expect to sell the most) in the geographical areas where it’s easy and cheap for you to ship.

Remember, the cost of the ad campaign, plus the cost of the product and shipping, should be low enough to give you sufficient profit margin.

If you’re new to PPC, it can be a bit tricky to set up effective campaigns. To make sure you’re not wasting your budget and that you’re targeting the right people who are likely to become your customers, it’s often a good idea to consider hiring a specialist for the initial setup of your campaigns. They can help you optimize your spending and ensure you’re getting the best results.

Content marketing

Creating valuable content on the topics that interest people is a great way to engage with potential customers who are looking for products or services.

You’re not directly selling with this approach, but rather creating and promoting content that excites your target customer. This can include informative blog posts, videos, or social media posts that help educate, address pain points, and demonstrate why your product is needed. This should be done indirectly without forcing a sale.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Ecommerce website optimization is essential. Good SEO is when your online store is optimized with keywords so that Google and other search engines show your products in organic search results. This type of traffic is free, but it can require a good deal of time and work to perfect.

When people shop online and type a query into a search engine, they rarely look further than the result’s page – sometimes they might not scroll lower than the first few links offered. For this reason, your web content and keywords need to be planned carefully.

Thankfully, Webnode takes care of all those crucial, technical aspects on your website on your behalf. This way, you’re free to focus on the SEO of your website content.

Be sure to include keywords that target what customers are searching for or that provide answers to their questions. Webnode makes it easy to add a blog to your shop.

Social Media 

Social media platforms are great places to build an audience of raving fans who are interested in your company and products. Posting engaging education or entertainment content can help build your ‘know, like, trust’ factor with potential customers.

Where US-based e-commerce brands should invest their social time in 2026: 

Tip: Focus on 1–2 platforms where your audience spends the most time, and where your content (visual, video, etc.) fits naturally.

Email campaigns 

Email Campaigns are a powerful promotional tool as you’re advertising to people who have already expressed an interest in your store by signing up for emails that go directly to their inbox. Through email marketing, you’ll be able to reach them with direct messaging, offer exclusive discounts, and retarget previous customers.

Google Analytics 

Without data you’re just guessing – install Google Analytics from day one so you can see exactly how shoppers find, engage, and convert on your site.

This way you can find out how people came to your shop (e.g. through email, Google, Facebook, etc), which pages they visit most, and which products are bought most often. You will be able to see if more sales come through organic or paid traffic and which landing pages are performing best.

To ensure you make the best marketing investments, Webnode allows you to connect your online store with Google Analytics in some easily laid out steps. 

Customer service 

Responsive customer service is an essential part of creating an online store and shouldn’t be overlooked. How well you handle customer questions, concerns, and issues can directly impact your reputation, for better or worse.

Be sure to make an FAQ page (frequently asked questions) where potential customers can find useful information.

Implementing a live chat function is also beneficial, as this makes it possible for any customer questions to be dealt with immediately. This can be done manually or with the help of AI Chatbot tools. In today’s world, the quicker you’re able to provide thorough support, the happier the customer will be.

Conclusion

Building an online store no longer requires a big budget or technical expertise. From choosing the right template and setting up payments to customizing your design and promoting your store, Webnode makes every step simple and accessible.

You can launch you professional ecommerce website in just a few clicks. Start today and bring your business online with Webnode.

Webnode’s ecommerce solution FAQ

Is there a money-back guarantee for a Premium Plan?

Absolutely. You can try one of our Premium Services worry-free. If you find your plan doesn’t suit your needs within the first 15 days after your first order, we will refund 100% of your money.

Do I need technical knowledge to use it? 

It’s easy to make an online store with our website builder. You don’t need any code or web design knowledge. If you are comfortable using a point and click program like MS Word or Powerpoint, you will be able to build your store with Webnode

Can the platform grow with my business? 

Of course. If you’re getting more and more traffic and you need more storage, bandwidth, emails, analytics and more tools than the Webnode Mini Plan has to offer, you can upgrade to Standard or PROFI as needed to scale up your business.

What payment options are available? 

PayPal, Stripe, bank transfers, credit card payments, and cash on delivery options are available. More details about payment methods can be found at our help center.

What shipping options are available? 

Webnode offers a variety of shipping methods for online store owners that may differ by region. This includes predefined methods such as in-store pickup or delivery options. You are able to customize shipping name, price, and Vat.

Can I add discount codes and promotions? 

Yes, you can. Use discount codes or take advantage of promotions when they are available.

Do I need to worry about taxes? 

As a store owner, it’s important to understand and follow the tax regulations in your country or region, including any specific rules that apply to the products you sell. We recommend consulting a local tax advisor or accountant to ensure you meet all legal obligations.

With Webnode, you can easily set up tax rates for your e-shop. The Business package also includes invoicing software and the option to enable automatic invoicing, making tax management even easier.

Can I connect my store to social media? 

Yes, you can use social media widgets with the editable website header.

Can I update my store easily once it’s live? 

Yes, you can update your store to meet the growing needs of your business.

Can I change the template if I don’t like it? 

Once you pick a template, can’t switch it for another one. However, you can remake it in just about any way you want to make it unique.

Does Webnode have customer support?

Webnode’s experts are here to support you. Use our contact form and we will do our best to resolve your inquiry within 24 hours.

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X

Jamie Faulkner writes and edits copy to build community, inform, and inspire action through blogs, newsletters, and email strategy. He is particularly interested in sustainability, technology, travel, health and fitness, and education. Above all, he is passionate about storytelling—both in the marketing world, helping brands connect with their audiences, and through his published short fiction. Jamie is also the co-founder of education provider Discourse Hub, where he teaches and creates content for blogs, newsletters, and social media.

The post From Clicks to Customers: Create an Ecommerce Website with Ease appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Email marketing is powerful because it reaches people who actually want to hear from you. While traditional ads can be expensive and unpredictable, email is a smart, budget-friendly way to get customers.

Learn how to do email marketing. This guide shows how to build an email list, write emails that get read, and grow trust with your customers.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

• What Email Marketing Is and How It Works
• Key Benefits of Email Marketing for Your Business
• How to Start Email Marketing Step-by-Step
• How Your Website Can Boost Email Marketing Results
• Collecting Emails with Your Webnode Website

What Is Email Marketing

Email marketing is a great way to connect with your audience directly. Think of it as a simple, continuous process: you attract interested people, turn them into subscribers, keep them engaged with valuable content, and then guide them to become customers.

Unlike social media, where your posts might only reach a tiny fraction of your followers, emails land right in your subscribers’ inboxes. That’s why emails get opened more often, around 36% compared to the 2-5% reach of social media posts.

How Does Email Marketing Work

The process is straightforward:

1. Collect emails on your website from interested visitors.
2. Organize your email list into groups — for example, based on what topics they’re interested in, or what products they clicked on.
3. Send relevant content to your email list that builds relationships with your visitors.

Email marketing platforms do most of this automatically. For instance, they can instantly send welcome messages to your new subscribers or follow-up emails based on specific actions.

This works great because it’s permission-based. This means that people have chosen to hear from you, making your audience highly engaged and receptive.

Benefits of Email Marketing for Your Business

Email marketing is one of the most budget-friendly tools available, and that’s great news for small businesses. With just a small investment, you can reach hundreds or even thousands of people who are already interested in what you offer.

It levels the playing field, giving you a chance to build strong relationships with customers, just like the big brands do, without needing a big budget.

Here are some other reasons why email marketing can benefit your business:

• Higher Engagement and Stronger Relationships: Your messages land directly in personal inboxes. This creates a more intimate and direct way to communicate than other digital channels like social media.
• You Own Your Audience: Unlike social media platforms that can change their rules or even disappear, your email list belongs to you forever. No platform can take it away or limit who sees your messages.
• Growing Website Visits and Sales: Email is a direct channel to encourage subscribers to visit your website, explore products, or complete a purchase. By sending targeted offers and valuable content, you can effectively guide the purchase process.
• Won’t break the bank: After the initial setup, sending emails can cost just pennies per message, making it an accessible marketing tool no matter your budget.

How to Start Email Marketing Step-by-Step

To kick off your email marketing efforts, you’ll need a few key pieces working together. This includes understanding how to create an email list effectively, ensuring you follow all legal rules for data, creating engaging content to send, and using a professional email address to build trust.

This way your emails don’t just land in inboxes, but actually get opened by potential customers.

Let’s see how to do email marketing step-by-step.

1. Get Your Own Domain for Professional Email

If you set up a professional email address, it can instantly boost your credibility with subscribers. Emails from “yourname@yourdomain.com” appear far more trustworthy than generic email addresses, such as those from Gmail. Having your own domain leads to:

• Higher open rates
• Less chance of landing in spam folders
• Stronger brand recognition
• A more professional overall appearance

Registering your own domain name (like yourbusiness.com) goes beyond just email. It becomes your central online address, supporting all your marketing efforts and building your brand across every channel.

Tip: You can learn more about domains in our previous article: Why You Better Register Your Domain Name.

2. Choose Your E-mail Marketing Platform

You might wonder why not just use your domain’s regular email service for newsletters. While it seems a convenient solution, these servers aren’t built for mass mailings and also have sending limits.

Regular email services also lack features like open and click tracking, list management, and automation tools. Dedicated email marketing platforms can be a better choice. They’re specifically built for this purpose and help ensure reliable delivery. They also help your emails land in inboxes — not in spam folders — which is called “email deliverability.”

When it comes to choosing an email marketing platform, popular options include:

• Mailchimp: Great for beginners with easy-to-use templates.
• Constant Contact: Perfect for small businesses.
• ConvertKit: Designed specifically for content creators.

Each email service provider offers different features and pricing, so pick the one that best fits your business needs and budget.

Tip: To ensure your emails land in inboxes and not in spam, configure your DNS records properly. If you’re using Webnode, contact our support team, and we’ll help you get this set up.

3. Set Up a Cookie Bar

You need people’s permission before collecting their email addresses. Privacy rules like GDPR in Europe, LGPD in Brazil, and CCPA in the US all require consent before you can collect personal data, including emails.

Set up a simple consent message on your website. When visitors use your signup forms, they need to agree first. This keeps you legal and builds trust.

Your signup forms may track how many people see and fill them out. To use these tracking tools, you need to ask visitors for permission, especially if they’re in the EU or other regions with privacy laws.

Specialized tools like iubenda Compliance Solution can help you set this up automatically and create all the legal notices you need. Learn more about how to purchase the iubenda Plugin.

4. Build Your Email List

Building your email list usually starts with offering something valuable in return for an email address. This is called a “lead magnet” — a free, helpful resource that you offer in exchange for someone’s email address

The best lead magnets solve your audience’s immediate problems with specific, actionable solutions:

• Exclusive content (like special articles or reports)
• Industry insights
• Discount codes or special offers
• Free resources such as guides or templates
• Early access to new products or services

For example, you could offer “The 15-Minute HIIT Workout That Burns Fat Without Equipment” for a fitness site – it promises a clear outcome and removes common barriers.

As a marketing consultant, you might share “5 Subject Lines That Doubled My Client’s Email Open Rates” because it’s specific and results-focused.

For your e-commerce store, create urgency with “25% Off + Free Shipping (Next 48 Hours Only)” to drive immediate action. Focus on the exact transformation your audience will experience and ensure they can use your lead magnet within minutes of downloading it.

You’ll want to add sign-up forms in several places on your website, like your homepage, blog posts, and even during the checkout process. Each form should clearly explain what subscribers will get and how often you’ll email them.

Tip: When creating an email list, quality often beats quantity. A smaller list of people genuinely interested in your content usually performs better than a huge list of unengaged individuals. Focus on attracting your ideal customers.

5. Create Engaging Email Content

The best email content always focuses on your subscribers’ needs first, with promotions coming second. Sending regular newsletters is an excellent way to stay in touch, sharing valuable information like:

• Industry trends and insights
• Company news and behind-the-scenes glimpses
• Helpful tips related to your expertise
• Exclusive offers just for subscribers

Different types of email marketing serve various goals:

• Welcome emails introduce your brand to new subscribers.
• Educational content builds your authority and their trust.
• Promotional emails drive sales.
• Re-engagement campaigns help win back inactive subscribers.

Write your emails in a tone that feels like you — whether that’s friendly, professional, or casual. Focus on helping your subscribers solve a problem, learn something useful, or simply get a bit of inspiration. The goal is to make people look forward to your next message.

How a Website Can Boost Your Email Marketing

Your own website offers you several opportunities to gather email addresses and turn visitors into subscribers. For example, take a look at how Leaf naif uses a simple newsletter banner at the bottom of their page with the message “Would you like to receive our promotions, news and exclusive content?” This approach feels natural and non-intrusive while clearly communicating the value subscribers will get.

Every page can become a point where someone decides to join your list.

• Drives Sign-ups: Pages built specifically to collect emails on your website perform much better than general forms. They clearly highlight your value and smoothly guide visitors to subscribe.
• Builds Trust & Credibility: Your website can help people feel comfortable sharing their email. A professional design, clear contact details, and helpful content show your business is legitimate.
• Attracts Subscribers: Content marketing through blogs draws in visitors actively looking for your solutions. These prospects are more likely to subscribe because they’re already engaging with your expertise.
• Provides Analytics: You can easily track what’s working. You can access detailed metrics showing which messages your visitors like the most.

Create your website and start collecting emails from day one

How to Collect Emails for Email Marketing with Your Webnode Website

Webnode makes gathering emails straightforward thanks to its built-in form builders and integrations.

Here are your main options:

Add a Newsletter Form: Use Webnode’s built-in form builder to create newsletter sign-up forms. You can customize colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand, then place them on key pages like your homepage, about page, and blog posts.

Add a Banner from an External Platform: If you’re already using an email marketing platform like Mailchimp, you can embed their signup forms directly into your Webnode site using HTML code. This creates a seamless connection between your website and your email platform. 

Tip: Position your signup forms and banners where they’re easy to see — like your website’s header or in sidebar widgets. You can also place them at the end of articles as a bonus spot, but keep in mind that not everyone scrolls that far. Try to avoid pop-up forms, as these can sometimes frustrate mobile users.

Export Your Email List to Send Your Newsletter: Once you’ve collected emails through your Webnode forms, you can export your subscriber list to use with your chosen email marketing platform. This ensures all your collected contacts are ready for your campaigns.

Conclusion

Email marketing gives you direct access to people interested in hearing from you. It’s affordable, measurable, and works better than most other marketing methods.

Start with the basics: build your email list with valuable offers, follow privacy laws, create helpful content, use a professional email address, and choose a reliable email marketing platform to send your newsletters. These steps create a strong foundation for growing your business.

Your website is key to making this work. It’s where people discover you and decide to join your list.

Create your website and connect with your first subscribers

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X

Csilla Huszárik has 8 years of content writing experience, combining her passion for storytelling with a tech background. She specializes in translating complex technical concepts into user-friendly, benefit-oriented content that delivers value while converting well. Having lived in multiple countries, she speaks and writes in four languages and loves exploring new destinations.

The post Email Marketing Made Simple: Practical Tips for Beginners appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

These brands leave no stone unturned to make their users’ lives easier and fulfill their wants across touchpoints, from awareness to retention.

Learn strategies to boost customer engagement, improve retention, and drive higher profits with an optimized digital customer journey.

What is the digital customer journey?

The digital customer journey is the process a customer goes through when interacting with a brand online, from first awareness of a product or service to the final purchase and return. It maps the steps and touchpoints that customers experience as part of their decision-making process.

These include websites, social media platforms, email campaigns, search engine results, chatbots, mobile apps, and digital ads. A well-designed digital journey ensures that all of these marketing channels are cohesive and aligned with customer expectations.

Stages of the digital customer journey

Your customers embark on a journey from the discovery stage (point A) to the purchase (point B) point. Along the way, they interact with your brand to guide their decision, forming the basis for the digital customer journey.

For instance, your potential customers start their digital customer journey by becoming aware of your products and services. Through a series of virtual interactions, they learn more about your company, what you do best, and how you fare against your competitors before making a purchase.

To understand the digital customer journey, let’s explore its different stages, including: 

• Awareness: the first step in the digital customer journey is kick-started when an individual realizes a need for a product or service, like a new pair of sneakers or house cleaning. This need encourages them to go online and become aware of digital brands poised to fulfill their needs and desires. 
• Consideration: by this point, the individual has an inkling of what you do and is considering your company. So, they might engage with your brand, ask questions, and research further.
• Decision: when the individual decides to move forward with your brand, they make a purchase or complete a transaction and go from a qualifying lead to a paying customer.

• Retention: customer retention is the stage where companies offer post-sale service and ask customers for their feedback or leave a review, to turn them loyal and retain them for the foreseeable future.

Dive deep to discover your customers’ pain points and the decision paralysis keeping them from completing the cycle. However, not every customer will face similar issues or falter at the finish line for the same reasons. That’s where the personalization and digital footprint solution comes in.

Tips and tricks to improve the digital customer journey

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your customers always have a seamless digital customer journey.

1. Integrate CRM systems for better customer data management

Integrating CRM (customer relationship management) tools with customer mapping solutions will provide valuable insights. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek at their needs, wants, and preferences, ensuring your online advertising budget is put to good use and enhances your conversion rates.

Simultaneously, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their points of contention. These insights will help you troubleshoot the issues, tweak the touchpoints based on consumer feedback, and offer customized solutions to users on the fence.

2. Create seamless transitions between channels

Although you want to meet your customers where they are and engage with them to drive awareness and boost conversion rates, a disconnect between your digital channels, like your social media channels and email marketing, can lead to confused users. You could also integrate social media into your website to enhance success.

To ensure your users have a seamless transaction each time, your digital channels must all work in tandem. Additionally, you don’t want to miss lucrative opportunities to answer their queries or engage with them, so be active and interact with your customers every step of the way.

3. Collecting feedback in the customer journey

You can follow the customer mapping journey best practices and still not see the desired results if you aren’t collecting feedback regularly. Make it a practice to share feedback forms with customers to discover the things you need to refine.

Go a step further and conduct interactive surveys with potential and existing customers to find their pain points in general and improve their digital journey with confidence.

4. Use A/B testing to optimize digital touchpoints

Want to become a customer-focused brand? Conduct split testing, aka A/B testing, and put forward two versions of your digital touchpoints for your users to test and vote on. 

Segregate them into two groups and expose each group to one variation of your ad, UX, or another digital touchpoint to gather data about which variation performs the best. As an example, you can test your cookie banner to find the version that gains the most consent and collects more customer data.

5. Incorporate reviews and social proof to build trust at critical stages

Incorporate reviews and social proof to build trust at critical stages and make it easier for your customers to make actionable decisions. This will help you build trust, ease their concerns, and show them how happy your existing customers are with your product or service, encouraging them to take similar action.

Common pitfalls to avoid in digital customer journeys

To anticipate and fulfill customers’ demands and stop your e-shop from losing customers, businesses must avoid common pitfalls. 

For instance, not optimizing their site for mobile devices. Ignoring to optimize your site for phones can become a glaring issue for your consumers.

Similarly, avoid overcomplicating the checkout process. Try to make it as smooth and seamless as possible. Offer one-click checkouts if possible.

You also don’t want to lose any opportunities to personalize communication, like various types of pop-ups, emails, or special offers, for different buyer personas. 

KPIs for digital customer journeys

While following a few tips and tricks will improve your customer’s digital journey, how do you measure their success? Through KPIs (key performance indicators) like: 

• Conversion rate: shows the number of website visitors that reach the fulfillment stage.
• CLTV (customer lifetime value): it measures the earnings of your company from a customer during the course (lifetime) of their account with you.
• CAC (customer acquisition cost): refers to the amount you spend to acquire a new consumer.
• Bounce rate: highlights the number of website visitors who leave without taking the desired action.
• CSAT (customer satisfaction score): this score conveys whether your product, service, and mapped digital journey satisfy user needs.
• Cart abandonment rate: computes the number of consumers who add your products to their shopping cart but leave without placing an order.
• NPS (net promoter score): this indicator looks at your customers’ willingness to recommend your business to their social circle to quantify customer loyalty.

Conclusion

By understanding the stages of the customer journey, from awareness to advocacy, businesses can deliver personalized experiences that meet customer expectations at every touchpoint.

An optimized customer journey isn’t just about driving sales; it’s about fostering loyalty and trust. By focusing on the customer needs and pain points, you can build lasting relationships, and keep customers satisfied.

The post Digital Customer Journey: Stages, and How to Optimize It for Sales appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

In this post, we’re diving into 18 e-commerce features that can take your online store from average to thriving. By implementing these essential features, you can significantly reduce shopping cart abandonment, streamline your checkout process, and create a seamless shopping journey that keeps customers coming back. 

Boost Your Business with E-Commerce Website Features

With more people shopping online than ever before, having a well-designed e-commerce website isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.

There are over 24 million e-commerce sites globally and new ones popping up daily, so your website’s features can be the make-or-break factor for your e-commerce business. It’s not enough to just list your products; you need to create an experience that makes shopping easy, enjoyable, and secure for your customers. 

Here’s why having the right e-commerce features is so critical: 

• Builds Brand Credibility: A sleek, professional-looking website instantly makes your e-commerce business appear more trustworthy. People are far more willing to shop when they feel secure and confident in your brand.

• Encourages Customer Loyalty: An e-commerce website that is designed well doesn’t just attract first-time buyers—it encourages them to return. By delivering a consistent and enjoyable shopping experience, you increase the chances of repeat purchases.

• Drives Sales Growth: Optimized e-commerce features streamline the buying process, reducing obstacles for customers and making it more likely for them to complete their purchases, ultimately boosting your sales.

• Increases Visibility: When your website is optimized for search engines, more people find you. This leads to more organic traffic, expanding your reach and increasing the chances of attracting new customers.

Crucial E-commerce Website Features for More Conversions

In this section, we’ll break down crucial e-commerce features to look for when creating an online store. Not only do they enhance the user experience, but also directly contribute to higher conversions. So, what do you need to consider when choosing an E-commerce platform?

1. Site Search

A seemingly subtle but impactful feature of e-commerce websites is site search. When customers visit your e-commerce website, they don’t always want to browse through categories—they often know exactly what they’re looking for. That’s where an efficient internal search feature, or a search as a service platform, comes into play. 

A powerful search bar helps users quickly find specific products without having to navigate through multiple pages. In fact, 69% of e-commerce visitors use the search bar and 80% leave due to a poor experience. 

Nordstrom sets a great example with their advanced search feature, offering product suggestions and autocomplete options to help customers find items faster. 

Source

Additionally, their search function includes filters like brand, size, and price range, making it even easier for users to pinpoint exactly what they need.

In Webnode: YES – Profi and Business Premium Plan

2. User Accounts

User accounts are key to building a personalized shopping experience and boosting customer retention. When customers create accounts, they can save shipping information, view order histories, and receive personalized product recommendations, which makes future shopping faster and more enjoyable. 

It also allows businesses to foster loyalty through rewards programs, special discounts, and tailored offers based on users’ purchase history.

A great example is Myntra, which uses user accounts effectively by offering features like wishlists, order tracking, and personalized product recommendations based on browsing history. Customers can also save their payment details for faster checkouts, making the shopping process quicker and more efficient. 

Source

In Webnode: NO

3. Customizable Product Pages

A detailed product page is critical because it’s where potential customers make their purchasing decisions. It doesn’t just list the product—it tells a story about it, giving customers everything they need to feel confident about their purchase. 

Why is this important? Because customers are less likely to return products if they know exactly what they’re getting. In fact, 87% of online shoppers say that detailed product content is a key factor when deciding to make a purchase. 

This includes high-quality images, detailed descriptions, dimensions, customer reviews, and even videos or tutorials.

For example, IKEA is known for its highly informative product pages. Every product includes multiple images, a detailed description of materials and dimensions, and even assembly instructions. 

Source

They go the extra mile by including customer reviews and related product suggestions, making it easier for shoppers to get all the information they need to feel confident about their purchase.

Source

Customers who feel informed are more likely to buy and less likely to return items. By providing all necessary details up front, you build trust and reduce post-purchase regret.

In Webnode: YES – All E-commerce Premium Plans

4. Product Variants

Offering product variants is crucial for e-commerce sites because it allows customers to choose different options like size, color, material, or model without searching for separate listings. 

This not only enhances the shopping experience but also makes it more convenient for customers to find exactly what they need. Having all product options under one listing reduces friction and simplifies the decision-making process.

Source

This seamless experience keeps shoppers engaged and prevents them from leaving your site to search for alternatives.

In Webnode: YES – Profi and Business Premium Plan

5. Product Reviews

93% of consumers say that online reviews impact their purchasing choices. Allowing customers to share their honest feedback gives potential buyers social proof that your product delivers on its promises. Reviews provide authentic insight into the product, often answering questions that aren’t covered in the product description.

Including a review system on your e-commerce website builds trust and also increases conversion rates, making it an essential feature for any store looking to boost sales.

In Webnode: Only manual adding by HTML

6. Product Videos

Videos provide a dynamic way to showcase your products in action, allowing customers to get a better sense of the product’s features, functionality, and real-world use. They also improve engagement—visitors are more likely to stay on the page longer when there’s a video to watch, which increases the likelihood of making a purchase.

This is especially useful for products that benefit from visual demonstrations, such as electronics, clothing, or home goods. 

Zappos does a great job of integrating product videos into their listings. For most of their shoes, they include short video clips where a representative explains the product, its key features, and shows it in motion. 

Source

This allows potential buyers to get a closer look at the product, which can help reduce uncertainty and lead to higher conversion rates. Besides increasing browsing experience and sales, product videos also level up the quality of SEO content of your product pages, helping you get more organic traffic and revenue.

In Webnode: YES – All E-commerce Premium Plans

7. Product Feed

A product feed is a dynamic and essential tool that allows your e-commerce store to showcase your products across various platforms and marketplaces.

By integrating a product feed, you can automatically share updated product information like titles, descriptions, prices, and images with external channels and marketplaces. This not only saves time but also ensures your product listings remain accurate and consistent across multiple sales channels.

For example, Webnode’s product feed feature makes it simple to connect your online store to platforms like Google Merchant Center or Meta Commerce Manager (Facebook). This helps boost your store’s visibility and attracts customers who are actively searching for the products you sell.

In Webnode: YES – Profi and Business Premium Plan

8. Discounts and Promo Codes

Shoppers love the feeling of getting a deal, and limited-time offers or special discounts create a sense of urgency, encouraging them to buy now rather than later. Promo codes also give you an opportunity to reward loyal customers, encourage new buyers, and even reactivate abandoned shopping carts. 

ASOS is an excellent example of how discounts and promo codes can be effectively utilized. They frequently offer student discounts, seasonal promo codes, and exclusive app-only offers, which not only entice new users but also keep regular customers coming back for more. 

Source

By offering easy-to-apply promo codes at checkout, ASOS ensures that customers feel they’re getting added value with their purchase.

However, the key to success with discounts and promo codes is to balance enticing offers with clear communication. Make sure the discount is easy to apply and the terms are transparent to avoid frustrating customers. 

In Webnode: YES – Profi and Business Premium Plan

9. Clear Call to Action (CTA) Buttons

A well-designed Call to Action (CTA) button can make all the difference between a visitor and a buyer. The importance of clear CTAs is huge, with studies showing that specific, clear CTA can increase conversions by up to 161%. 

If your CTA buttons are unclear or hidden, you risk losing potential customers who might not know what to do next. On the other hand, CTAs like “Buy Now,” “Add to Cart,” or “Sign Up” guide users toward the next step in their shopping journey.

To optimize your CTA buttons, ensure they are easy to spot, use direct language, and are strategically placed throughout the user journey to encourage customers to take action.

In Webnode: YES – All E-commerce Premium Plans

10. Membership Registration

Membership registration allows you to lock individual pages of your website. This function is useful if you need pages for registered users only. By registering, customers can access exclusive content.

For instance, membership registration enables you to offer perks like early access to sales, members-only discounts, and personalized emails that showcase products relevant to the customer’s interests. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

In Webnode: YES – Page locking is possible with all plans, including free, but registration and allowing access to users is only possible with the Premium Plans – Standard (100 users), Profi and Business (Unlimited)

11. Multiple Language Versions 

Reaching a global audience is essential for scaling your e-commerce business, and offering multiple language versions of your site is a powerful way to achieve this. By providing content in your customers’ native languages, you create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience.

Webnode allows you to create multiple language versions of your website, enabling you to connect with customers from different regions effortlessly. This feature helps you cater to diverse markets and build stronger relationships with your international audience, ensuring no potential customer feels left out due to language barriers.

In Webnode: YES – Standard, Profi and Business Premium Plan

12. International Shipping

Expanding your e-commerce store’s reach means enabling international shipping. This feature allows you to sell products globally, unlocking a larger customer base and boosting your revenue potential. Customers expect transparent information about shipping costs, delivery times, and options.

Webnode’s international shipping feature simplifies the process by allowing you to set shipping zones and rates, ensuring accurate calculations for each order. Different shipping methods and rates can be set for different continents or countries around the world. The price is then automatically recalculated for the e-commerce customer based on the address they choose for delivery.

In Webnode: YES – Profi and Business Premium Plan

13. Multiple Currencies 

Offering multiple currencies on your e-commerce website is a must for global shoppers. It removes the hassle of manual currency conversions and enhances the trustworthiness of your store, as customers feel more comfortable purchasing in their local currency.

Webnode ensures that currencies automatically adjust based on the customer’s location, creating a seamless and localized shopping experience. This small but significant adjustment helps reduce friction and shopping cart abandonment, increasing your chances of closing international sales.

In Webnode: YES – Business Premium Plan

14. Secure Payment Gateway

E-commerce fraud is on the rise, and 17% of customers will abandon their shopping cart if the payment page looks untrustworthy. 

A secure payment gateway ensures that your customers’ sensitive data—like credit card information—is safely encrypted and protected from fraud. When customers feel confident that their transactions are secure, they’re far more likely to complete a purchase. 

Webnode offers multiple secure payment gateway options, including PayPal, Stripe, Paytrail, or Klarna, which use SSL encryption to protect customer data.

Using a reliable payment gateway helps build trust, encourages repeat purchases, and ensures your customers feel safe shopping on your site. Implementing features like SSL certificates and displaying trusted payment badges (logos) can further reassure customers that their transactions are secure​. 

Source

In Webnode: YES – Standard, Profi and Business Premium Plan

15. Easy Checkout Process

A smooth and easy checkout process is essential for converting visitors into buyers. If your checkout process is too complicated, long, or requires too much information, customers are likely to abandon their shopping carts. 

Simplifying the steps, offering guest checkout, and providing auto-fill features can make the experience quick and hassle-free, encouraging customers to complete their purchase.

Apple provides one of the best examples of a streamlined checkout process. They allow customers to check out as a guest, provide multiple payment options, and use auto-fill features to make form-filling effortless. Additionally, the entire process is clearly laid out, which reduces confusion and helps customers feel confident that their purchase will go through without a hitch.

Source

Additionally, the entire process is clearly laid out, which reduces confusion and helps customers feel confident that their purchase will go through without a hitch.

In Webnode: YES – Standard, Profi and Business Premium Plan

16. Automatic Invoicing 

Automating the invoicing process saves time and minimizes errors, offering a professional touch to your e-commerce operations. With automatic invoicing, customers receive accurate and detailed receipts immediately after completing their purchase, enhancing their trust and satisfaction.

Webnode generates invoices with all the necessary details, such as order numbers, products, prices, and tax information, making it easier for customers to keep track of their transactions. For businesses, it simplifies bookkeeping and ensures compliance with financial regulations.

In Webnode: YES – Business Premium Plan

17. Automatic Notifications

Keeping customers informed at every stage of their purchase journey is key to building trust and providing a smooth shopping experience. Automatic notifications ensure that your customers receive timely updates, from order confirmation and shipping updates to delivery notifications.

Webnode allows you to send customized emails or messages at critical touchpoints, reducing customer inquiries like “Where’s my order?” and improving overall satisfaction. These notifications not only enhance the post-purchase experience but also create opportunities to engage customers further, such as sending thank-you emails or suggesting related products.

In Webnode: YES – Business Premium Plan

18. Order Tracking

97% of customers want to be able to track their orders at all times. Order tracking enhances the post-purchase experience and provides customers with peace of mind. 

By allowing customers to track their package from the moment it’s shipped until it arrives at their doorstep, you reduce anxiety and build trust. This transparency also cuts down on “Where’s my order?” inquiries, leading to fewer customer service calls and emails.

Myntra provides excellent order tracking through its app and website, allowing customers to follow their order at each stage of the delivery process. Customers receive notifications when their package is shipped, in transit, out for delivery, and successfully delivered. 

Source

Myntra even offers real-time delivery updates, showing customers exactly when their package is expected to arrive, making the experience smoother and more reliable.

In Webnode: YES – All E-commerce Premium Plans

Empower your Online Store with Webnode’s E-commerce Features

Compare Webnode’s premium plans and e-commerce features and choose the best one for you. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade, Webnode’s e-commerce features make it easy to build an e-shop that sells.

The Key to E-Commerce Success: It’s All in the Details and Features

E-commerce is constantly evolving, and to keep up with it, it’s essential to have the right features in place. From site search to order tracking, each element we’ve discussed plays a crucial role in enhancing the customer experience and driving sales. 

By optimizing your website with these features, you not only improve usability but also build trust, encourage engagement, and increase conversions.

Ready to take your e-commerce business to the next level? Start with Webnode, where you can easily create a professional online store.

Author’s Bio:

Vanya Gupta is a content writer writing in various niches but has experience in SaaS and marketing niches. She is currently helping SaaS companies enhance their visibility through SEO optimized content. In her spare time, she enjoys improving her writing skills.

The post 18 E-commerce Website Features for a Thriving Online Store appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Learn how to implement SEO and attract the attention of your market. This article will provide SEO strategies with the highest impact to help you with ecommerce website optimization.

What is Ecommerce Website Optimization?

E-commerce SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing an online store to improve its visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This involves optimizing product pages, category pages, the homepage, blog content, and technical elements of a website to drive organic (non-paid) traffic.

The goal is to make it easier for potential customers to find your products through search engines. Ecommerce SEO organically attracts and converts customers. It provides a long-term, sustainable way to grow your business and improve brand awareness.

How to Do SEO for an Ecommerce Website

SEO for an e-commerce website involves a combination of strategies to optimize your site for search engines, improve user experience, and drive targeted traffic.

1. Optimize Product Pages

Customers will spend most of their time on product pages. As a business looking to attract customers, you should optimize these pages to be searchable, informative, and descriptive. Here are some ways you can achieve ecommerce website optimization on your product pages:

• Meta Titles and Descriptions: Think of meta titles and descriptions as your opportunity to make a first impression. They’re what your customers see even before they click on the link. Keep them short and interesting. Integrate your keywords naturally to achieve higher rankings while telling your customers exactly what they’ll find on your page.

• Product Descriptions: Your customers need to know what they’re buying and whether it’s worth their hard-earned money. This is where the product detail page matters. To optimize your descriptions for SEO value, write a description detailing what your product is, how it differs from competitors, and how your customers can benefit. Also, use primary and long-tail SEO keywords, but don’t overcompensate.

• Image Optimization: Product images show your customers what they’re buying and allow you to increase your search engine ranking. You can use keyword-optimized titles and file names. You can also use ALT tags that tell the search engine what your image is.

• Internal Links: You can keep your customers’s attention on your website and brand by using internal links to promote related products or posts. These links keep your customers on your page. They also tell search engines how your pages are related and structured, allowing them to recommend high-value pages on your site.

2. Leverage User-Generated Content

User-generated content, like customer reviews and testimonials, proves to search engines and other potential customers that your business can be trusted. Here’s how you can invite your customers or users to create content for you:

• Customer Reviews: When a customer publishes feedback on your product page, they improve your site’s SEO. They introduce new keywords, address common potential customer questions, and improve rankings. You can ask customers to leave a review on your product page to generate this content.

• Social Proof Widgets: Publishing testimonials and photos of your customer’s experience with your product makes your page more optimized for conversions and rankings. Beyond new keywords, this type of content also inspires trust. It also makes Google and other search engines more likely to recommend your page.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Answering common customer questions through a dedicated FAQ section on your page allows you to use long-tail keywords. Though customers might not be specifically looking for a product, a search engine can still recommend your e-commerce site because it answers a question.

3. Utilize Long-Tail and Voice Search Keywords

According to Google’s statistics on marketing strategies, 20% of searches are conducted through voice. Long-tail and voice search keywords target these types of searches, and integrating them into your e-commerce website can increase your traffic and conversion. Here’s how you can maximize this trend:

• Research Long-Tail Keywords: Platforms like Google Keyword Planner can help you discover long-tail keywords relevant to your products and services. You can sort through the results by relevance or competition to identify the most applicable long-tail keywords that you can use in your blog posts, product pages, and other content.

• Voice Search Optimization: Using everyday, conversational language for your content makes it more likely to be recommended by search engines for voice-based queries. You can use long-tail or question keywords, though questions may be more likely to improve your rankings. Your answers should be clear and straight to the point.

• Featured Snippets & Answer Boxes: Utilizing featured snippets and answer boxes signals search engines that your page has the answer to question keywords. It’s more likely to be recommended to users.

4. Do Technical SEO for E-Commerce

Ecommerce website optimization involves more than using SEO keywords in your content. It also includes all the work that goes into ensuring an excellent customer experience, from browsing to checking out. Here are some technical strategies:

• Mobile Optimization: Most adults today own a smartphone. As a result, Google and other search engines rank websites optimized for mobile higher than their counterparts. Ensure your customers can navigate your e-commerce site through their smartphones.

• SSL Certification: Search engines consider an SSL certification, or an HTTPS, as part of their algorithm when choosing which pages to recommend to users. They prioritize their users’ safety and secure connection. Get an SSL certification for your online store.

• Site Speed & Performance: If your page loads slowly, your customers will likely look elsewhere for the information they need. Search engines, too, may overlook your pages because of your site’s performance. You can improve this by compressing your images, using browser caches, and minimizing JavaScript.

• Crawlability & Indexation: Search engines need to understand your website structure to recommend pages to their users. Creating an XML sitemap and submitting it to the Google Search Console ensures the search engine can crawl your site and provide visibility for all your essential pages.

5. Build High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are an SEO element that establishes your authority on related topics, products, or services. Search engines will increase your rankings if credible websites mention your e-commerce page as a source.

Many of the top ecommerce platforms offer built-in tools to help streamline backlink strategies and ensure your content reaches the right audiences. Here are tips to get relevant backlinks for your online store.

• Outreach Strategies: Identify your niche and determine the websites likely to use your backlinks to support their content. If your online store sells car parts, reputable online vehicle magazines can use your backlinks. Have valuable content like research and statistics on your website.

• Partnering with Influencers: You can reach out to influencers within your niche. You can request content featuring your products or services to create promotions and backlink usage opportunities. Consider your brand and choose influencers who align with your identity.

• Guest Posts and Content Contributions: Some reputable and high-authority websites can accept content you write. Check their guidelines for submission, as well as domain and page authority scores, and incorporate your links into the content to lead users to your online store.

6. Create SEO-Optimized Content

You should have SEO-optimized content outside your product pages. Examples of content you can use to improve your rankings and reach a wider audience include blog posts, guides, and videos. Here are some tips for each type of content:

• Blog Posts & Buying Guides: Launching a blog where you can post relevant content and buying guides offers space to introduce your own keywords and internal links. Post regularly and promote your content to drive organic website traffic. Buying guides are particularly attractive to your target audience as an e-commerce business.

• Product Comparisons and How-To Guides: Well-written, long-form content keeps your readers on your site longer, increasing your page’s engagement metrics. Comparisons and how-to guides allow you to delve deeper into related topics and use various keywords, including long-tail, question, and competitive keywords. Be engaging and use images and visualizations to break up your content.

• Videos: Product demos, walkthroughs, and user interviews may be better presented through videos. Optimizing this content for SEO involves using keywords in video titles, links in descriptions, and publishing transcriptions.

7. Implement Structured Data

Structured data gives search engines extra information about your products and content. It’s a type of code that enables search engines to include details like pricing, availability, and star ratings when your products appear on the results page. Here’s how you can use it for your ecommerce website:

• Structured Data Platforms: You can use structured data platforms to submit this code to search engines. E-commerce platforms like Shopify and its alternatives like WooCommerce provide plugins that automate lifting and adding structured data from your product pages. Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper generates the code for your product pages.

• Relevant Information: Beyond pricing, availability, and ratings, you can include product images. Google supports image carousels, allowing potential customers to browse your product on the results page. You can also include structured data on where your product is on your site to enable your customers to see if clicking on the link will lead to similar products or categories.

• Monitoring: Check how your rich snippet compares to competitors on the results page. See if you can display more competitive pricing to increase click-through rates (CTR). Choose the best review to display on your snippet to make your product a more attractive choice. Update your structured data as necessary.

8. Let AI SEO tools help you

With more than 330 million e-commerce users expected by 2029, you should put your best foot ahead of the competition. Considering all the SEO strategies you can implement, you may need to explore AI and automation tools to streamline the process and reduce errors. Here are some that may apply to you:

• AI SEO Tools: There are tools available today that streamline keyword research. Platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs provide keywords you can use, competitive analysis data, and suggestions for your content. These tools use machine learning to provide accurate and actionable results.

• SEO Audits: To ensure your e-commerce website’s optimization at all times, conduct regular audits to check technical SEO strategies, especially crawlability and indexation. Leveraging reliable website optimization tools like Sitebulb can help you save time and effort during these essential audits.

• AI Chatbots: Despite your FAQ and long-form content, you could miss out on customer engagement because you haven’t explored specific topics. Implementing a chatbot on your online store resolves this issue by addressing customer queries and allowing you to mine content ideas from customer interactions.

9. Use SEO for New Product Launches

Starting an online store means launching new products and implementing SEO strategies for your pages. Planning how you’ll achieve this can ensure success before, during, and after launch. Here are some tips you can implement at every stage of your new product launch:

• Pre-Launch: Inspire customer interest by publishing content related to your new product. You could create blog posts that address topics related to your new product. You could also publish teaser posts on your page or create landing pages to countdown your launch.

• During Launch: Collect customer feedback as they come in and choose the snippets and testimonials you can add to your page and structured data. You can also monitor questions and conversations to get content ideas and possible keywords.

• Post-Launch: Maintain momentum by publishing SEO content based on the results of your research during launch. Address customer questions through long-form content and publish tutorials for any pain points that come up. Keep promoting customer testimonials and engaging with your customers through social posts.

• Seasonal Planning: E-commerce businesses can leverage seasons and holidays for competitive pricing, discounts, and events. Understand your target audience by knowing when your products are most relevant.

Conclusion

Ecommerce website optimization enhances visibility, engages customers, and drives sales. It’s an ongoing process that requires you to combine technical skills and creative thinking. Adapt to the new requirements of search engine algorithms and SEO trends, and pay attention to the quality of your content.

Apply SEO strategies from product page optimization to technical SEO and backlink building to help you attract more customers and increase rankings.

Want to make the most of SEO? Learn about how to do SEO yourself

The post Ecommerce Website Optimization: Strategies to Drive Sales appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

But diving into the online craft marketplace raises a lot of questions. Where should I sell my crafts? How can I stand out in a competitive market? and What types of products to sell? are common hurdles for beginners. In this article, we give you the answers. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to develop your craft business.

How to Sell Crafts Online

Before you start to sell your crafts online, it is crucial to identify your niche, work on your brand, choose a suitable selling platform, and think about the pricing. Let’s look at each point in detail.

1) Identify your niche

What are the specific crafts that you enjoy making? Is there a niche for you already, and if so, what could make you stand out? Sometimes it takes a bit of research, honing your skills, and expanding your interests in order to respond to market demand.

You might even consider doing a survey online or a quiz on social media to see what crafts might be in demand at this moment or in your area. Once you combine what you are passionate about with what the market needs, you are on the right track.

2) Establish your brand

When your niche and your range of products are set, it’s time to select a company name, logo, and brand colors to give your future shop a distinct character. Building a brand is crucial—think of it as your visual business card. It’s how you present yourself and your products to the world.

Look at your competitors—analyze their approach and think about what would make you stand out. Your brand should reflect your story, your unique approach, and your values.

3) Create an Online Store

Now it’s time to choose the best platform to promote and sell your products. In deciding which platform to use, consider how easy it is to use, the options for customization, and the price. 

When you create your online store, make sure you have high-quality product photos and appealing descriptions. Your customers should feel inspired right away to click on your unique products. Not sure which provider is best for you?

Let’s have a look at Webnode’s advantages:

1. Interface that is easy to use: Regardless of technical proficiency, anyone can easily develop a professional-looking website for their craft company with Webnode’s user-friendly platform.
2. Options for Customization: Webnode makes it simple to alter the look of your website to fit your brand identity and best present your distinctive crafts. 
3. Integrated E-commerce services: Product catalogs, easy store management, and the ability to apply discounts are just a few of the integrated e-commerce services that Webnode provides. Additional features like product variations, site search to locate products, and secure payment gateways make it easy to sell your products online. View our premium e-commerce plans.
4. Tools for SEO: Regarding search engine optimization, Webnode has you covered, offering resources to assist you in making your website more search engine friendly so that prospective clients can quickly locate your company online.

4) Pricing Your Crafts

In order to price your products, it is crucial to take into consideration the cost of materials, your own work, and a potential profit margin. Don’t forget to add any other costs, such as shipping, packaging, and other overhead costs.

Before you settle on a final price tag, look at your competitors with similar products and their pricing to make sure your prices are competitive.

Where to Sell Crafts Online

Now you may be wondering where to sell your products. If you have an active social media account, like on Instagram or TikTok, you might start off right there. Let your online community know that you’ve delved into a new business. This way, you can also directly connect with an existing potential target audience.

Online Marketplaces

In addition to promoting your products via social media channels, you may want to venture out to online marketplaces such as Folksy, Etsy, or ArtFire. Certain features and restrictions come with the territory when joining some of these platforms, such as the way the products are listed, the payment options, and customer support.

Your Own E-shop

If you’ve started selling online but feel like you still aren’t reaching your full potential, online might be a potential way to expand your reach. Your own online store would also allow you to have full control over how you promote and showcase your products. Also, using a professional invoice receipt template can boost your business’s credibility.

When optimized for SEO, it could bring you substantial traffic. This is a piece of cake with Webnode. As we mentioned earlier, Webnode is extremely user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to add products, a blog, an invoicing setup, and more to your e-commerce website for reasonable prices.

Tip: Check out our post on how to create an online store if you need additional help

Online Marketplaces vs. Own E-shop

With all the different ways you can sell your crafts, you might be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are for each option. The advantage of online marketplaces, for example, is that you get to join an already existing community. This might make it easier to attract customers, but it has its limitations as well.

However, your own e-shop will allow you to build your own brand; you can optimize it for search engines, add new content, and even have a blog about your products, which will allow you to grow long-term.

Social Media Platforms

While having your own e-shop is great, combining it with social media channels is even more crucial if you want to target the young generations that have a knack for handmade products and support sustainable materials.

Connect your e-shop to Instagram, TikTok, or even Pinterest, where you can share photos and videos of your products. You can also give your audience a sneak peek behind the scenes—share your savoir-faire, how you pick the materials, or make a tour video of your studio. People love to share and see the unique creative process that is connected to your inspiring products.

Another option is also YouTube, which has become increasingly popular with Gen Z for seeking tutorials, product demos, and vlogs. You can create, for instance, how-to tutorials and become a credible source in your sector. This will allow you to establish your online presence, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to your e-shop. It will also allow you to build a strong, loyal customer base.

Most Profitable Crafts to Make and Sell

What craft products are the best-selling and in-demand? Get inspired by trends and ideas.

Trends in Crafting

When you are in the craft business, it is always crucial to be open and available to respond to the trends. Trends are ever-evolving, yet when you get ahead of the curve and offer your customers what they are looking for, you will find success. Whether it is eco-friendly products or products crafted from sustainable materials, the sustainability trend is here.

People often buy handmade products because they feel they symbolize a unique part of themselves, and from there stems the desire to customize the products. Custom-painted mugs and embroidered pillows are examples of personalized presents that are highly sought after since they showcase the recipient’s distinct interests and preferences.

Craft business ideas

• Jewelry 

A profitable niche for people who are passionate about materials and design is jewelry creation. Jewelry that is built to order, according to specific tastes, is especially popular.

Another favorite option is beaded jewelry, which offers countless variations in terms of color, texture, and style. A genuinely unique object can be produced by hand using materials such as metals, jewels, or even natural elements.

• Home decor 

Since the pandemic, people started paying more attention to their interior design and the objects they surround themselves with. Home decor is a growing market, and from creating wall art, paintings, or hand-woven tapestries, there is a target audience for everyone.

Handmade candles, often with the possibility to customize designs and scents, have been very popular recently. As with jewelry, reusing materials, for example, for furniture, is trending as well, as customers search for originality and uniqueness in every piece while adhering to sustainable living.

• Accessories

In the spirit of upcycling and eco-friendly fashion, among popular accessories are bags, scarves, and other knick-knacks made from recycled materials. Upcycled accessories are experiencing growth and are expected to increase annually over the next few years.

When looking for accessories from a variety of materials, such as hats, belts, or jewelry, customers seek the synergy of functional and fashionable.

• Health and wellness

In line with customized accessories or home decor pieces, health and wellness products are also a growing market. People gravitate towards vegan and eco-friendly products even in this market niche. You can offer handmade soaps that are infused with special essential oils or fragrances for baths.

Aromatherapy is also a growing market, as are natural skincare products that use, for instance, shea butter and coconut oil. Customers prefer natural ingredients with no animal testing as a sustainable alternative to commercial products.

• Personalized gifts 

Personalized gifts are on the rise as people seek genuine ways to connect with each other. Not sure what crafts could be personalized? The platform Etsy has a whole array of examples. Whether it is printed bags with your name or a quote that characterizes you, handmade jewelry, towels, or mugs, you name it, there are no limits to the artistic imagination.

Very often, personalized gifts are crafted for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries. In case your company gifts are lacking inspiration, you can also consider customized gifts for clients and loyal customers.

• Seasonal crafts

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with handmade decorations, crafted ornaments, wreaths, or stockings?

During Easter, there are a myriad of ways to decorate eggs, bunnies, and any additional decorations to welcome the spring season. Seasonal crafts are a recurring market, and every year you can add new product lines and expand your product portfolio

Conclusion

Selling crafts online can be a very rewarding journey and a great way to channel your artistic talents. You may realize that customers are often willing to pay extra for customized items. It is crucial to define your unique selling point and offer special craft products.

Online marketplaces offer an easy way to get started. However, as your business grows, relying solely on these platforms can limit your potential. Creating your own e-shop offers an opportunity to take full control of your business.

Take the next step in your journey as a craft entrepreneur. Empower yourself by creating your own e-shop, and unlock the freedom to grow your business on your own terms. Your creativity deserves a platform that’s as unique and limitless as you are.

Take Control of Your Craft Business with Your Own E-Shop

The post Selling Crafts Online: How, Where and What to sell appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

Explore the best e-commerce tips for beginners to help you set up and sustain your business. 

9 E-commerce Tips for Successful Business

“The keys to success are patience, persistence, and obsessive attention to detail.” 

– Jeff Bezos

Successful business owners identify with this statement more than new entrepreneurs. It’s because they understand the importance of not giving up, making mistakes, but being persistent in their efforts. Also is good to know the following e-commerce tricks.

1. Understanding E-commerce Basics

E-commerce basics are the fundamental principles about which you must have a solid understanding to build a successful online store. Be clear about the differences between different business models, delivery models, setting up a platform, business goals, and product research. 

Furthermore, you should be familiar with, if not have expertise in, the art of product visualization, product descriptions, e-commerce marketing, and SEO. While you are still in the research phase, know all about e-commerce store analytics and customer service setup. Understanding the fundamentals helps lay the groundwork and create a strong foundation to build your online store. 

2. Choosing the Right E-commerce Platform

You need a good platform to build, run, and manage your online shop. While offering all the required e-commerce features, the platform must be easy to use and help manage everything from adding products to payments and analytics. 

Spend some time on finding an all-inclusive platform with the following features;

• Content Management System (CMS)
• Add product media and descriptions
• Multiple payment options
• Robust security features
• Marketing integration (social media and email)
• Inventory management
• Business analytics and reporting
• Customer support

Tip: Webnode offers an intuitive e-commerce website builder to help you create an online store quickly. Use the power of artificial intelligence and several in-built features to create websites in just few minutes, or use one of the responsive e-commerce templates and customize it to your liking and requirements. 

3. Optimizing Your Website’s User Experience

It took 8.25 seconds in 2023 for a human being to lose their attention span, a number which has come down from 12 seconds in 2020.

Even more alarming is that it takes only 50 milliseconds for a human to form an opinion.

Since you can’t risk losing a potential customer’s attention and them forming a negative opinion of your store, make sure you streamline it. Optimizing includes everything from having clear images to well-written product descriptions to an intuitive design, smooth functionality, and a seamless workflow. 

One of the important points here is not to overdo or focus too much on beautification. Your e-commerce store doesn’t have to be fancy, but it must be simple, functional, and easy to navigate. 

4. Following Strategic Marketing Methods

Until 2023, there were 26.5 million ecommerce stores operating worldwide. Don’t expect people to start visiting your digital storefront as soon as you launch. Without effective marketing, your store can go unnoticed, leading to low traffic and sales. 

To promote your store, build a robust e-commerce marketing strategy and practice the following;

• Use e-comerce SEO practices (keyword research, backlinks, and optimized product descriptions) to improve rankings.
• Establish a strong social media presence. 
• Invest in email marketing, ad campaigns, and influencer marketing. 
• Product valuable and customer-centric content like blog posts, videos, etc. 
• Focus on marketing tools for B2B marketers.
• Run referral and affiliate programs to get more traffic. 

While implementing marketing strategies account for the shopping behavior of the target audience. The GenZ cohort of your customers may have different opinions than millennials. So, instead of building a general marketing strategy, divide your total addressable market into different categories and align your strategies with their preferences. 

Source

5. Having High-Quality Product Photos and Descriptions

In online shopping, customers have limited options to check and feel the product. So, they base the decisions on visual cues and detailed product descriptions. 

When you add high-quality images, it creates a positive visual appeal. High-resolution images make it easier to showcase product features and materials while adding to the product’s trustworthiness. 

Step into a customer’s shoes and see for yourself. Would you buy if the product photo is blurry and clicked on a dark background? Such images won’t help anyone know the details, which are crucial to make a decision. 

As opposed to considering a high-quality product image (as shown in the image above) which shows every product detail. When such images are complemented with detailed product descriptions, it helps customers understand the product and make a decision. 

High-quality images and descriptions also reduce post-purchase queries and product returns. 

6. Experimenting with Social Media Platforms

Social media will let you connect with potential and existing customers, promote your products, and direct traffic to your website. Build your social media on the same networks where your customers are most active and start posting relevant content. 

Source

Work on building a community through engaging content, customer interaction, contests, and giveaways. Promote your products with high-quality visuals while asking customers to share their personal experiences while using your products.

GenZ customers emphasize social proof more than any other cohort. So, while doing strategy development for Gen Z e-commerce, it’s imperative to leverage social media and user-generated content. 

Run social media ads on different networks, but know that this will require substantial investment. So, you must work with a marketing strategy rather than creating ads without any precedents. 

7. Finding Your Unique Selling Point (USP)

Small businesses need to find their USP. It’s difficult to find a USP when there are thousands of businesses selling similar products. However, to compete with them, finding your USP is crucial. 

Analyze your competitors and identify what they don’t have and what you can deliver. Even if you can add a single unique aspect to your store, it can make a lot of difference. 

Source

For instance, Bonobos introduced Guideshops in addition to their online stores. While customers can browse Bonobos, which deals in men’s attire, they can also visit Guideshops to find their right style and fit. “Guides” in these shops help customers try different clothes, take the right order, and ship the product to the customer’s address. 

8. Managing Logistics and Shipping

For a new e-commerce business, efficient logistics and shipping management are important for timely product delivery and minimizing costs. To achieve this,

• Choose the right fulfillment method, like choosing between in-house fulfillment (which requires substantial upfront investment) or 3rd-Party logistics (3PL) provider.  

Source

• Ask for volume discounts from the carrier and consider working with regional carriers rather than global ones, as they can offer more competitive rates. 

• Use a minimalist mindset when it comes to packaging while ensuring your products are adequately packaged to minimize damage and returns. 

• Use shipping-related key performance indicators (KPIs), which are often integrated into e-commerce platforms for retail and wholesale businesses, to understand logistics performance.

While you are preparing for everything here, consider offering free shipping to your customers. 82% of online shoppers consider free shipping as an important factor for choosing a business to buy from on the web.

9. Understanding and Complying with Legal Aspects

It’s essential to understand and comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements. For legal and compliance requirements, consider the following;

• The legal and compliance requirements differ with sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, and corporation. 

• Account for taxation. Although several countries, in the hope of promoting startup culture, offer tax holidays, make sure you consult with an expert before launching. 

• Get all business licenses and permits required for your business to run smoothly. For permissions and licenses, consider local, regional, and national requirements. 

• Understand the consumer protection laws in your industry and ensure all your claims, products, and services comply with the requirements. 

• Since you are running an online business, account for PCI DSS compliance, data security, and privacy requirements. 

For all legal matters, ensure you consult with a legal professional who can guide you and help ensure compliance in all matters. 

Growing Your E-commerce Business

E-commerce is a booming industry offering plenty of opportunities for online shops to succeed. However, success in this industry depends on your approach and strategies. 

One of the e-commerce tips for small businesses that will help you grow is providing excellent customer service. Customers are more likely to return to a business that has good customer service. 

Source

Another way of entering the e-commerce industry is by dropshipping. It’s a business model where you can sell products without keeping a stock and shipping them.

All you have to build is a platform your customers can use, add products others are selling on your website, receive orders, and pass them on to the seller. Alternatively, you could also consider using an existing platform: TikTok dropshipping, for example, can work really well.

You pay less and get more, which becomes your profit margin. Offering a few unique products from popular dropshipping niches can boost your profit margin to a larger extent.

Conclusion

To build a successful e-commerce business, you should be familiar with all the basics. Use the right platform to build your website, optimize the store to enhance user experience, and promote your store with effective marketing. Using these e-commerce tips for small businesses, you can build the right foundation for your online store.

See also what are the best products to sell online

Alex is a Content Marketing Specialist with over two years of experience. She helps SaaS businesses drive organic growth through SEO and data-driven content marketing strategies. When she’s not experimenting with new strategies, she can be found traveling and exploring new places.

The post E-commerce Tips for Beginners and Small Businesses appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

In this newest edition of the Webnode Blog, we introduce you to iubenda, a clever compliance solution that integrates smoothly into your Webnode website. Discover why iubenda should be your ultimate choice for guaranteeing global data privacy compliance.

Why do you need to make your website compliant?

With the introduction of regulations for online data privacy in Europe (GDPR), Brazil (LGDP), and the US (CCPA), in addition to the updated Google Consent Mode, website owners like you are probably already aware that data privacy is as serious as the judge’s gavel.

Every time your online store, blog, or website is opened, scrolled, and clicked through, data is transferred and tracked in the form of cookies. Your website visitors have the right to know and decide how their data is used in what way.

This is done by displaying a consent or cookie banner that pops up as soon as the visitor opens your website. By agreeing or disagreeing with the form of data processing and cookie tracking, the power is in the visitors hands, ehmm… clicks.

Moreover, by explaining how their data is used, you show transparency. This will not only make you a fair player but also a more credible and trustworthy person.

What are these cookies again?

Cookies are small data files saved in your browser whenever you open a website. There are “good and bad cookies“. The “good ones” make it possible to fully see the web content in any browser (necessary function cookies). The “bad ones” transfer information (like your IP addresses, and demographics) to analyze the collected data further (with Google Analytics) for the website owners’ specific purposes.

What does a consent solution contain?

Apart from the cookie consent opt-in and out buttons, a consent banner’s purpose is to inform and educate the visitor. It highlights which cookies are used for what reason and includes a more detailed cookie policy.

Furthermore, it links to other legally important policies, such as your data privacy policy where you reveal if you collect personal information, such as email addresses for newsletters or form data.

Laws about data consent are still shaping, and regulations vary from country to country. This is why Webnode has decided to offer a new smart multi-compliance solution that automatically adjusts whenever the rules change.

Advantages of iubenda Compliance Solution

iubenda is a data compliance solution that understands your website. It adapts to your (website’s) purpose. Here is why it is so essential:

1. iubenda lets you define your target audiences by country.
2. Your cookie banner, as well as the automatically generated cookie policy, are created according to your selected target groups. For example, if your e-commerce business focuses on Brazilian customers, it automatically follows the LGDP.
3. It adjusts to your website type, e.g. a blog, an online store, or a portfolio.
4. iubenda automatically detects which third-party services you use on your website, for example, social media icons, or calendar plug-ins.
5. You can design the look of your consent banner to match the look of your site. Choose your colors and add your logo for better branding.

And most importantly, it updates when the law updates, so you no longer need to worry about being compliant!

Everyone who has a website project with Webnode, whether Premium or free, can activate the iubenda plug-in. We have a detailed description of how you can activate the iubenda Compliance Solution in our knowledge base. The iubenda plug-in is an exclusive add-on and is available starting at 5.50 USD per year.

Make your website or online store compliant

The post iubenda Compliance Solution for your Website and E-commerce Business appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

First, the good news: Webnode has already implemented the new technical parameters of Google Consent Mode v2, so you do not need to do anything. However, we recommend that you check the settings of these tools in your website interface by following the instructions below.

What is the Digital Markets Act?

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is the European law that came into force in 2022 and regulates the protection of user privacy in the online environment. At the same time, it is one of the legal documents that regulates the powers of the largest digital companies. It prevents the big online platforms, the so-called gatekeepers (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.), from abusing their market power and empowers end users to decide how their personal data is used.

A few examples of the DMA’s key obligations and regulations:

• Prohibition on combining data: Gatekeepers may not combine the data extraction process from different sources. For example, Meta must not combine data from Facebook and WhatsApp.

• User protection: Gatekeepers must protect users of their platforms, including advertisers and publishers. This includes privacy, transparency, and fair treatment.

• Prohibition of favoring own products: Gatekeepers must not favor their own products or services to the detriment of others. For example, Google cannot favor Google products in its search engine.

What is Google Consent Mode v2?

Google Consent Mode v2 is an updated version of the tool that responds to the legislative changes to data protection resulting from the DMA described above. It helps sites communicate to Google how individual website visitors have consented to the use of cookies and the tracking and sharing of personal data. This gives end users more control over what personal data they share.

What is the deadline to implement Google Consent Mode v2?

The deadline is March 6, 2024. After this date, Google will start requiring stricter cookie bar data collection rules in its services, such as Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads. This change will ensure that Google’s services comply with current regulations governing the processing of personal data in digital marketing.

Changes in practice:

•  End users will have more control over how Google uses their data.
•  Advertisers will be required to obtain cookie consent in a more transparent manner.
•  Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads will work with these new rules in mind.

Do you need a cookie bar to use Consent Mode v2?

Yes. The cookie bar and Google Consent Mode v2 go hand-in-hand. The cookie bar serves as an interface to obtain consent from users to store cookies and track their activity on the website. Google Consent Mode v2 then passes this consent to individual Google services such as Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads.

In this way, the cookie bar communicates with website visitors and allows them to control the processing of their own personal information. Consent Mode v2 is a technical solution that communicates with Google in the background and passes on information about the user’s decision from the cookie bar.

What are the new key differences of Google Consent Mode v2?

Google Consent Mode v2 gives your website visitors more control over how Google collects and uses personal data from end users. The main difference between the old and new versions of the consent mode is the addition of two new consent parameters:

• ad_user_data: controls whether non-anonymized data can be used in advertising systems (e.g., Google Ads).
• ad_personalization: controls whether user data can be collected from remarketing audiences.

The previous parameters (analytics_storage and ad_storage) were only about data collection, while the new parameters are about how to use and share data.

Google also offers two modes to choose from:

1. Basic Mode

•  Allows users to simply select “yes” or “no” to consent to data collection.  
• If you opt out, Google will not collect the information.

2. Advanced Mode

• A detailed setting that allows users to control what information Google can collect about end users.
•  Site visitors have the ability to control what information Google uses and for what purpose.

It is recommended to use Advanced Mode for better accuracy of your remarketing campaigns.

How to implement Google Consent Mode v2 on a website?

Webnode has already set up both parameters for proper data collection for Google services (Google Analytics, Google Ads, etc.). You can easily check the settings in the editor interface.

If you are looking directly at the site code, look for the following parameters:  

• ad_user_data 
• ad_personalization

You can also adjust the visual side of the cookie bar to give your visitors full control over the data you collect about them and may send to Google services such as Google Ads or Google Analytics 4.

Click on Advanced Cookie Settings.

Here, you can customize your cookie bar settings.

The cookie bar design may look like this:

What if a website does not have Google Consent Mode v2 implemented?

Google may restrict certain features of its online marketing tools if you do not comply with the legal requirements.  

• Google Remarketing is broken: Without consent, users cannot be included in remarketing audiences. This means you can’t show them ads based on their past web behavior. 

• Disabling conversion modeling in Google Ads: Conversion modeling allows you to calculate conversions from users who have not consented to cookies. Without Consent Mode V2, this feature will not work properly. 

Google does not explicitly state what other features may be restricted. However, there is a risk that not implementing Google Consent Mode V2 may affect other data and the functioning of Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads.

Implementing Google Consent Mode V2 is a necessary change to ensure that your marketing activities based on the collection of user data function properly. Without Google Consent Mode V2, this data will be significantly limited and skewed, affecting the accuracy of some of the features of Google’s analytics tools (particularly GA4 and Google Ads).

The post Google Consent Mode v2: What is changing for your website, analytics, and marketing? appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.

What’s the next step for your e-commerce? Take a moment to review the tree diagram below, it will lead you to the resources to help you find the most profitable products for your e-commerce:

Are you just about to start your online store? Or are you already familiar with the world of e-commerce? The following section holds insights that could significantly enhance your range and appeal. If you’ve already got a specific item in mind, feel free to skip ahead to the product research below.

Passion for your products

A good product with a detailed convincing description will not sell on its own! It is only as good as the seller thinks it is. Be passionate and be the expert on your goods. Stand 100% behind them.  

Consider your personal interests and hobbies. What brings you joy? Things you are passionate about are more likely to keep you excited and engaged. By extracting aspects of your favorite activities, you can create products that resonate with both you and your customers. The questions below will give you some ideas about possible goods that you will love selling to others:

Product ideas

If you haven’t already, start by downloading the product idea list (above) to investigate which products sell best for you. The goal is to identify the products that resonate most with you.

Start by listing your favorite genres, hobbies, interests, or activities, at the top of each column. The key is to focus on something that truly excites you. Now, as you think about each activity or hobby, in the list, fill out the rows with ideas that come to mind. Let your creativity flow! What are you thinking about? I am thinking about a versatile champagne bottle holder, which can be used in a bathtub. Double bubble. 😉

Consider the connections between these ideas. Can some of them serve multiple purposes or be combined with one another? If the answer is yes, you’ve got a keeper! 

What not to sell

Your spirit is high, and you are in the flow, but -if you are a novice in selling online- let’s take a moment to navigate some common pitfalls.

Question all your products that exhibit the following habits:

• Oh, I am fragile and break easy! 
• No, do not wrap me! I go moldy in 2 days! 
• I am a flower, don’t move me! 
• Someone like Einstein invented me, and only he can sell me. 
• I kill peoples’ headaches and I am responsible for other sensations.

Fly-trap carnivorous plant from “The Little Shop of Horrors” does not want to be packed or moved. 

In other words, be careful with medications, harmful items, and perishables. Check online if products are patented or trademarked. Also, be careful with possible import restrictions. More detailed information will give you the international shipping article. 

Now, as you’ve crossed the impossible ideas out, have a look at your list again. Perhaps you come up with a synthesis of a completely new item or spot a market gap? Compare your product idea list with what the competitors are doing.

Product research

Back to those who are already navigating the e-commerce world: Perhaps your assortment needs an update to optimize sales? Time to tackle the product research list (download above), which will help you with analysis.

To complete this list, go ahead with these steps: 

• Use Google Trends to envision future demand  
• Check the keyword search to understand how people search for what they need 
• Identify who is the top seller of the product (or a very similar) that you want to sell on Amazon, Etsy, or other marketplaces. 
• Search for your goods on social media to see trends and demands 

In a world where we seek familiarity, where people tend to copy and remake, totally unique products are rare. Finding a niche that caters to a specific community, people you share the same hobby with, for example, is easier to find. 

Your research revealed that some of your existing products are no longer in need? Find new products that complement existing ones by going back to the idea sheet and filling it out with activities related to your existing products. 

How to know if the product is profitable

You have your list, have done your research, and have found a unique, high-demand product. Perfect. It’s time to weigh the numbers and assess your product’s potential profitability.

Decide on your product price

If your competition sells a similar or same product for XYZ, going cheaper is not always the solution. Make your offer better by clearly highlighting its advantages. Offer subscriptions or add little extras that will raise the price slightly.

The diagram to define your price

Price is not profit

If the goods are profitable for you, depends on the following: 

• Will you create the product yourself or others?
  • Evaluate if you are going to spend the needed amount of money and energy to create the dream product or if others could make it for you. And if so, how much this will cost you. 
• How much money can you make selling your products?
  • Products that are easy to produce, have little shipping cost (because they are light). Products that sell for a higher price than production cost have a good profit margin. This margin depends on the income you like to reach. Let’s say you invested 63 USD in producing, shipping, and advertising. To profit from it, you would have to sell it for more. If people buy it for 64.50 USD, you will make a better profit margin (2.3%) than the company Lenovo (with 1.9%). Just to give you some dreams. 
• Can you find a balance between the pressure of selling enough (if the price is too low) and comfortably selling the items?  
  • There is a point where prices are at optimum. This price point lies according to ABLS between 75-100 USD.
• Price anchor
  • People tend to be more flexible in spending more if the product they buy is a one-off. For example, something they can use for many decades, like a sofa, in comparison to a cake. You can find more about anchoring and other selling tricks in the psychology of selling.

Will it sell well? 

If your item meets three or more of the following criteria, it will likely sell with success:

• Easy to pack 
• Difficult to break (no glass) 
• No electronics (anything that requires a special warranty) 
• Lightweight (below 1kg) 
• Attractive price where impulse buyers never hesitate 
• Compliments other products (not necessarily yours) 
• Can easily be upsold or cross-sold with other products
• Is on trend
• Can be customized (printed, engraved, gift-wrapped) 
• Is evergreen (that people will still know for centuries) 
• Used frequently 
• Not restricted to ship to certain countries 
• Product niche 
• Part of a product line with a low turnover (meaning it does not change seasonally)

Notice that some characteristics contradict each other. Something that is on trend probably will never become evergreen. Something that is a one-time purchase for people cannot be a cheap everyone would buy on a whim.

Now you know the basics of how to conduct product research, find products that fit your business or existing goods, and determine your market niche. You can use this information whenever you want to start a store or need to expand your offering. Do your research, add profitable products to your online store, and make money today.

Start your online store profitable

The post Product Research: How to Find Products to Sell Online? appeared first on Webnode Blog EN.