How to shop online shoppers (www.hardwarebabes.com)

When compared to buying from physical stores online shoppers are generally more conscious of their spending. They compare prices across several websites and choose whichever offers the best price.

They also appreciate the anonymity and privacy of online shopping. To draw them in you should consider offering them free shipping and other discounts. Offer informational resources and tips on your products.

1. One-time shoppers

One-time buyers are retailers' least preferred type of client because they make one purchase and then never hear from again. There are many reasons behind this -- they may have purchased from the sale of the season, they might only purchase at a discount, or maybe they've stopped purchasing from your brand entirely.

It's not simple to turn first-time customers to repeat customers unless you do the work. It's worth it - repeat purchases can increase the chances of a customer purchasing again.

To convert your single-and-done customers into a customer, you need to first identify them. Consolidate your customer's information and transactions across marketing channels including point of sale, online purchases and in-store purchases and across all brands. This will allow you to separate customers who have been with you for a while by the characteristics that caused them to be a one-and-done and send them targeted messages that encourage them back. For instance, you can send a welcome email that includes a discount on their next purchase, or invite them to join your loyalty program to receive first-hand information on sales in the future.

2. Customers who return

The repeat customer rate is an important measure to monitor, particularly for online shops that sell consumable items like drinks and food or other items that are not reusable, such as cleaning chemicals or beauty products. These customers are most profitable, because they're already familiar with the brand and are more likely to make repeat purchases. They can also be a source of new customers.

It's cheaper to acquire regular customers rather than finding new ones. Repeat customers can turn into brand ambassadors and increase sales through social media and word-of mouth referrals.

They are loyal to brands that offer an easy, pleasant experience. For example, those with clear loyalty programs, and easy-to-use online stores. They are typically priced-sensitive and place the price of the product over other factors like quality, brand loyalty or user reviews. This group is also difficult to convert as they are not interested in building a relationship with the brand. Instead, they will jump around from one brand to the next one, in line with promotions and sales.

Online retailers should offer incentives to keep customers, including free samples or bonuses with every purchase. Customers could also earn store credit or gift cards, or loyalty points they can use on future purchases. These rewards can be especially effective when offered to customers who have already made multiple purchases. By identifying the different types of shoppers based on motivation and need, you can tailor your marketing strategy to attract them and improve your conversion rates.

3. Information-gatherers

This type of shopper spends a lot of their time researching the products they are looking to purchase. They do this to ensure they make the right decision and aren't spending their money on a product that won't perform. To make them convert you must offer clear and concise product descriptions as well as a secure checkout procedure and a readily accessible customer support service.

These types of customers are known to negotiate prices and are seeking the best deal. To entice them to buy you must offer a competitive price on the products they're interested in and offer them a range of discounts to select from. Also, you should provide a loyalty program that is easy to understand and includes the rules clearly laid out.

The shopper who follows the latest trends is all about exclusivity and novelty. To attract them, emphasize the distinctive features and benefits of your products. Also, provide an easy and quick checkout process. This will encourage them return to your store and tell others about their experience with others.

Need-based shoppers have a purpose in mind and are looking for a specific item to satisfy their needs. To attract these customers they must be convinced that your product can solve their issue and enhance their quality of life. To achieve this, you need to invest in informative material and include high-quality images. It is also important to include an online search engine on your site along with an easy and concise description of the product, to help buyers find what they are seeking. They don't want sales tricks and won't be converted if they feel they're being forced to buy your product. They want to be able to compare prices and have the assurance that comes with buying your product.

4. Window shoppers

Window shoppers are those who browse through your products but don't have a particular intention to purchase. They might have stumbled across your site accidentally, or they could be looking for specific products to evaluate prices and alternatives. You might not be trying to make sales to them however, you can help them convert by catering to their needs.

Many retail storefronts have beautiful displays that can catch the eye of a buyer even if she has no immediate intention to purchase. Window shopping can be fun and inspire creative ideas for future purchases. The shopper might want to write down the cost of furniture sets for living rooms to discover the best deals later.

Window shoppers who visit online are more difficult to convert than their physical counterparts because the internet doesn't offer the same level of distraction that the busy street corners might. It is important to make your site as user-friendly as is possible for such visitors. This means providing the same helpful information that you would in a brick-and-mortar store, and helping shoppers make sense of all the options available to them.

If the customer has a question on how to care for a product, you can include an FAQ page that is easy to comprehend. If you find that certain products are often saved, but not bought, then you can create a promotional code to encourage conversions. This kind of personalization demonstrates that you value your customers and assist them to make the right choices to meet their needs. The result is that they are more likely to return again and become your regular customers.

5. Qualified shoppers

The customers in this category have high purchase intent, but need help determining what product fits their needs. They typically want an individual recommendation from an experienced salesperson and a close-up view of your products. They also want to wait less time to receive their purchase. Local and specialty shops, ranging from bookstores to auto dealerships are the most successful when it comes to knowledgeable shoppers.

Smart, educated shoppers usually research your inventory or store's online offerings, read reviews and scan general pricing information prior to visiting. This is why it's important to have a wide range of products in the store, particularly in areas like clothing where customers are eager to touch and test out products.

Offerings such as free gift wrapping or a quick returns process can encourage this type of shopper to visit your brick-and-mortar store rather than an online shopping most popular products one. These customers could also be attracted by in-store promotions, or a member's discount. Promote add-ons to entice this type of shopper as well - such as bags that are cute to match an outfit or a pair of headphones that go well with a mobile. Offers that show that your products are more than just goods will also appeal to this type of buyer, such as advice from experienced staff members or testimonials from customers who have already purchased.