My websites not making sales!!

[ash@sensational]

Hi guys

I set up a a website a little over 3 years ago

sensationalsextoys.com

The website started to generate sales with no advertising spent on it - I had around 200 products on there. Once it started bringing in more sales (around 5 sales a week) I decided to pay more attention to it

I added a CMS (Content management system) and was able to upload around 3000 product - I then started working with an SEO (search engine optimisation) company around 6 months ago, and have seen some good results in optimisation

I receive just under 1000 hits a month, not brilliant but its getting there....

However, i'm now having a real problem generating sales.

I have analysed my web stats, and last month I had 130 visitors add products to there shopping cart, but only 1 person checked out. I'm aware that many consumers do abandon there cart, but this seems a little odd

I have already tried lowering my prices, but this made no difference, so I re-set, but the costs are still very competitive within the industry.

I'm becoming a little stuck with this one, and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on what they think the problem may be and why people aren't buying??

Appreciate any constructive comments

Thanks

Ashley Varley

[willfarrell]

For online store 1% is considered good (I don't recall where I heard this though). From additional tweaking and ecommerce optimization you can work your way higher. Aim for 10%, it is reachable in any market.

Few tips;
-the fewer fields the better
-put the ssl verify button on your page
-hackersafe verify button works wonders too

[peteVA]

Where is the cart being abandoned?

Most abandoned carts occur at the point shipping is added. How are your shipping prices?

Buyers are looking at the "bottom line" and the best price in the world will not make a sale if your invoice total is out of line.

Also, do you contact these people? The large national and international retailers have outsourced operations that make email and phone followups to abandoned cart shoppers and have followup close rates as high as 25%.

If you are selling sex toys, they may be concerned they will get a package with Ash's Sex Toys printed all over the sides. It may be you do not make the "plain brown wrapper" clear. It may be that a phone call will get someone who is reluctant to buy online to give you their info on the phone.

It may be this statement on your privacy page - TrueLoaded web site (the "Web site") is provided by Holbi. They may not care one whit about Holbi, they want to deal with Ashley.

They may want to checkout without registering. This is also a big cause of abandoned carts, even though (duh!) you need the address for delivery. You should see if you can get a "one step checkout" instead of the antique OSCommerce system you now have.

[WaterTrooper]

I just want to say Goodluck and keep us updated. If you do find out why you're not getting the sales, that might helps others.

[heidrek]

In the adult market discretion is king.

Make sure that you advertise how the items will be shipped (packaging) and also, WHAT WILL APPEAR ON THEIR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT.

No one wants to have their sexual habbits broadcast on their statement - or even take the risk that it might. If you make it clear that billing will be discreet, or even better allow payment by the likes of Paypal so there are no CC records at all this may help.

[veikoh]

What is your competitive advantage and unique selling point?

[ash@sensational]

Thanks guys for the responses

In answer to Paul's question, the cart is actually being abandoned BEFORE the visitor find that they need to create an account. I agree that one page checkout will definitely be beneficial, but with the present situation, unfortunately will not solve the problem.

I don't contact these people as to add to cart the customer don't leave any details on the site for me to contact them. Shipping price is as low as it can be, £2.95 under £35 - Free over £35.

So, what i'm due to change so far upon your advise:

* Adding an SSL Certificate logo on the right hand side (I found out that my system is already linked to Geo-trust)
* As i'm Paypal verified. i'll add a logo on the right hand side, below ''shopping cart''
* Re-write my privacy page, emphasize that we deliver all products in discreet packaging
* The ''discreet packaging box will be moved further up as ''newsletter box'' will be moved to the bottom.
* Payment information content will be improved, with details on what will show on your bank statement.

Keep your ideas coming folks, I WILL listen.

Thanks

[Mega B]

I could add a free link from my adult video site to your site if you like,that may help.

[peteVA]

A study following eye movement shows that most people visit websites like they read, with the eye automatically going first to the top left of the page. Then over to the right.

So, the higher you get all of this, the better. It should always be "above the fold" in the area that requires no scrolling to see. Actually, above, in or just below the header from left to right is the place to put things like the discreet packaging, the SSL logos, your payment types and delivery methods.

The higher, the better.....

[Deusdies]

Look at your website: does it call for a visitor to make a purchase?

The best advice I can give you is to try and look at your website from a visitor's perspective. Why would you, a visitor, buy a product there?

Also, what is your current traffic? You cannot expect sales (perhaps 1 or maybe 2) if you have 200 unique visits per day. How do you advertise the website? Is your website reaching the target audience?

-Bo

EDIT: I have just seen you are receiving 1000 hits per month. Do you mean literally "hits" or "unique visitors"? In either case, that is way too low. You need to work on traffic.

[ngodavinet]

Hi

First, you must study about price strategy. It is very importance.

then, review your keyword. It is ok for you web?

rgs

[ash@sensational]

Deusdies, thanks for that

Yes, I am still working on building traffic. Working with an SEO company at the moment

Any more 'specific ideas' guys for improving my website - sensationalsextoys.com

Thanks

[TommyTran]

SEO is where u analysis the data and the research! It has nothing to do with sales ... even though data analysis is good .. you looking for conversation rates right?

Well, .... hmm thats 'the secret answer' is it not?

*there are a few things that you must do! Would you like me to share some lights?


reply with interest - then I shall share some light ( to be continue )

* privacy posting is one that I totally agree with - BUT i have more answers to your questions )

[ash@sensational]

Hi TommyTran

Yes, i'm interested in your thoughts and what you think I could do.

I've just sent you an e-mail to the address on your profile as I was unable to send you a message through here

Hope thats ok

Thanks

[heidrek]

Quick and simple tips to help with search ranking is always appreciated - I wonder how many little things like privacy policies are out there waiting to be discovered?