How to make online ordering easier in 5 steps

This article was originally published on Aug. 28, 2018, and was updated on March 27, 2020. 

Even in the midst of COVID-19, there are ways to keep business flowing while maintaining the mandated and voluntary quarantines.

An efficient and reliable online ordering system will help you manage the tough times ahead. Making these simple changes now will better prepare your business to weather this unavoidable storm, as well as potential future crises.

How to make online ordering easier in 5 steps

Here are five steps for making online ordering easier:

1. Expand online ordering channels.
2. Make account setup simple while including a guest checkout option.
3. Accept a variety of payment types.
4. Provide delivery dates at time of order.
5. Save add-on options for after checkout.

Let’s take a look at each.

1. Expand online ordering channels

Expanding ordering channels means providing a variety of ordering tools and platforms — giving customers the ability to place orders on your dedicated small business website, online marketplaces like Amazon and ebay, and via phone apps and text.

Becoming more versatile in your company’s ability to accept orders can increase your business’s visibility and customer base.

If you’re just getting started with online ordering, pick one or two channels / methods to start. Get comfortable with those and then consider expanding.

2. Make account setup simple while including a guest checkout option

If your checkout process is too cumbersome or complicated, online customers likely will simply move onto a website that is easier to traverse and complete their business.

Make account set-up information that is required minimal and voluntary by including a guest checkout method.

Those customers who want to complete the account set-up process will and those who do not will happily complete their order as a guest. This is an easy way to avoid lost sales.

3. Accept a variety of payment types

Consumers have come to expect a variety of payment options to suit their needs and preferences when shopping online. Keep your customers happy by providing checkout payment options such as Paypal, Google Pay and Apple Pay, along with traditional credit card options so that customers can feel secure.

This not only meets customer preferences, but it also shows your customer base that you care about their needs and security.

Editor’s note: GoDaddy’s Online Store makes it simple for customers to pay the way they want by accepting secure payments via credit card, PayPal, Apple or Google Pay.

4. Provide delivery dates at time of order

Especially when standard methods of shopping are closed off, customers need to know when they will be receiving their supplies and products. Providing delivery dates at the time of order allows customers to plan and prepare accordingly.

To assure that the delivery dates provided are as accurate as possible, maintain frequent contact with suppliers and shippers. This helps your business to better stay on top of potential shipping issues.

In addition, it also keeps your customer service staff informed so that they can more efficiently respond to customer questions.

Related: How to reshape your return policies to maintain trust and customer satisfaction

5. Save add-on options for after checkout

Many online stores use add-on marketing at closeout to try to upgrade possible sales. At a time when many consumers are feeling stressed, consider placing any add-on items after the checkout is complete.

Conclusion

Creating reliable, efficient and easy-to-maneuver online stores is one of the best ways any small business can ride out this unfortunate time and prepare for the future, all while maintaining a positive public image.

Don’t have an ecommerce presence yet? Here’s how to start an online store in 3 steps and 5 tips for adding an ecommerce shop to a brick-and-mortar business.

This article includes content originally published on the GoDaddy blog by Deborah Sweeney.

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