In 2012, global eCommerce spending topped a trillion dollars for the first time. Since then it has continued to grow immensely. By 2017, Americans are expected to make 10% of all their retail purchases online and spend a staggering $434.2 billion, according to stats compiled by Invesp. As a result, businesses who want to make sure that they are not overtaken by their competition will need to make eCommerce website development a priority. Having a great online store plays a role, but far more goes into building a great sight than simply giving consumers a place to make a purchase.

One of the most important things businesses should consider when building a site that features an online store is that the internet allows consumers from all over the world to shop anywhere. The Asia-Pacific region, and not the U.S., has the greatest market share for b2c commerce online, so shoppers certainly don’t always stay local. Though some might find that international shipping is too cumbersome and complex, those who want to attract as many customers as possible will need to find creative ways to cater to customers from everywhere. That ability could make a big difference in the long run.

Perhaps more importantly, is incorporating responsive web designs that make it easy for mobile shoppers to research and buy products. Mobile internet usage is expected to overtake desktop internet use at some point this year, says a Microsoft Tag infographic. That means businesses who don’t want to miss out on any potential customers will need to build a site that works well on smartphones and tablets. Speed and navigability are vital in this regard, and without them, consumers will look elsewhere when they shop while on the go.

In order to bring more shoppers to an online store, businesses will also need to work to develop comprehensive online marketing campaigns that boost visibility and attract customers. Without them, even the best sites might go completely unseen and never prove to be an asset. All marketing programs are different, but a combination of SEO and social media is usually a good place to start.

Building a stronger online presence and boosting sales is not a science, and there is no one program that will always work. However, businesses looking to thrive and set themselves apart from the competition should all have a great website that features an online store. In the past, that might have been a luxury, but it has become a necessity with the explosive growth of the digital marketplace. Continue reading here: www.skygatemedia.com