19 Practical and Proven Ways to Increase Shopify Sales in 2024
In 2024, everyone wants to quit their 9-5 job and start their own business. Shopify has become like a new home for merchants bringing their businesses online.
Let’s talk numbers:
- About 2/3 of the online shops registered on Shopify have been created by merchants based in the USA.
- The USA had almost 3 million stores by the end of February 2023, followed by the UK with around 200,000 Shopify stores, and Australia with 135,000 stores.
- In 2023 alone, around 675 million consumers bought from a Shopify store. This number has increased by 47.7% since 2020.
Enough with the stats, Shopify is an e-commerce giant, no doubt. But owning a store on this platform is just the first step. The real challenge lies in converting visitors into paying customers.
If you’re searching for ‘’How to boost my Shopify sales?’’, you’re already halfway there. In this blog, we have carefully explained actionable, expert-backed tips to drive sales in 2024 and beyond.
Let’s begin!
1. How to Optimize Your Shopify Store's User Experience (UX)?
Think of your online store as a premium boutique. Would you shop somewhere with cluttered aisles, confusing signage, and a frustrating checkout process? Nope! The same principle applies online.
A 2023 study by Forrester revealed that a well-designed user interface could raise your website’s conversion rate by up to 200%, and better UX design could yield conversion rates up to 400%.Â
So, choose a clean, intuitive Shopify theme, make navigation a breeze, optimize product pages for easy viewing, and streamline the checkout process.
Tip 1: Prioritizing Mobile-First Design
Given that mobile commerce is expected to reach $710 billion by 2025, ensuring a seamless mobile shopping experience is paramount. Invest in a responsive Shopify theme that adapts flawlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions.
One more thing we would recommend is to use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to assess how mobile-ready is your website.
Tip 2: Crafting a Compelling Homepage
Your homepage is your digital storefront. Make it count! Feature high-quality product images, highlight bestsellers or new arrivals, and craft concise, persuasive copy that captures attention.
Tip 3: Intuitive Navigation and Filtering
Adding your desired products into the cart and leaving it astray has become a trend nowadays. Surprisingly, 60% of consumers abandon making a purchase just because the poor website experience gets on their nerves. Just imagine how you would feel if your phone were dead and you had no navigation in a new place. Moral of the story- nobody likes bad navigation, anywhere!
Make it effortless for customers to find what they’re looking for. Implement clear, logical navigation menus and robust filtering options based on category, price, size, etc.
2. Keep Running A/B Tests to Improve Conversion Rates
A/B testing, or split testing, is a great way to achieve continuous improvement. By comparing two versions of a webpage, you can pinpoint which elements connect best with your audience.Â
For instance, Stuti on LinkedIn shared how she boosted her client’s Shopify sales by 20% simply by changing the color of the “Add to Cart” button. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference.
How to Run Effective A/B Testing?
- Start by testing elements that are likely to have the biggest impact on conversions, such as headlines, calls-to-action, product images, and checkout page layouts.
- Shopify offers built-in A/B testing capabilities, or you can explore third-party tools like VWO or OptiMonk for reliable testing.
- Don’t just make changes blindly. Track the results of your A/B tests and use the data to inform your decisions.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with headlines, images, calls to action, and even page layouts. Small tweaks can lead to significant gains over time.
3. Invest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Did you know that 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine? If your Shopify store isn’t optimized for search, you’re missing out on a massive chunk of potential traffic.
SEO involves improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. This includes optimizing product descriptions, writing engaging meta descriptions, and building high-quality backlinks. The higher you rank, the more organic traffic you’ll attract.
Keyword Research
Identify relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs can help you discover high-volume, low-competition keywords.
Optimize your product pages and blog posts with relevant keywords, but avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your rankings.
On-Page SEO
SEO’s right hand is On-Page SEO. Everything you do on your website directly impacts your ranking. Make sure your title tags, meta descriptions, header tags (H1, H2, H3), and image alt text are well-optimized with relevant keywords.Â
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Create high-quality, informative content that answers your audience’s questions and provides value.
Off-Page SEO
The left arm of SEO deals with getting backlinks that boost your trust value. Build backlinks from high-authority websites in your niche. This can be done through guest blogging, broken link building, or digital PR. Engage with your audience on social media and encourage them to share your content.
4. Leverage Social Media Marketing
With over 5.7 billion active social media users worldwide, it’s the perfect platform to connect with your target audience. But don’t just post product photos and expect a flood of sales. Instead, create compelling stories, share user-generated content, run contests, and offer exclusive discounts.
How to Devise a Social Media Strategy?
Step 1: Identify your target audience on each platform. When it comes to social media, different platforms attract different demographics. So, customize your content and messaging according to your niche audience.
Step 2: It’s easy to lose track of holidays and major events that directly correlate with your brand or product. To avoid this, develop a content calendar. Plan your posts in advance to maintain consistency and ensure a mix of promotional, educational, and entertaining content.
Step 3: A pretty standard strategy is to keep your audience engaged. Respond to their comments, answer their queries, and participate in real-time conversations.
Step 4: Performance marketing is a necessary evil you have to invest in. Run targeted ads using paid social media advertising to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your Shopify store.Â
Step 5: We added step 5 to remind you that there is no definite template that guarantees success on social media. The best strategy for craving social media is to try, re-try, try again!
5. Leverage Influencer Marketing
Influencers are the modern-day tastemakers. Partnering with the right influencers can expose your products to a highly engaged audience and build credibility for your brand. Recent data shows that businesses generate $5.20 for every $1 spent on influencer marketing.Â
Upfluence’s platform can simplify your influencer marketing efforts by helping you identify, connect with, and manage influencers seamlessly.
Finding the Right Influencers
Look for influencers who align with your brand values and target audience. Consider their engagement rate, audience demographics, and content quality.
Pro tip: Utilize Upfluence’s 3 Million+ database of influencers to discover potential partners who are a perfect fit for your brand.
How to Craft Effective Influencer Campaigns?
- Set clear goals for your campaign, whether it’s brand awareness, website traffic, or sales.
- Collaborate with influencers to create authentic, engaging content that resonates with their audience.
- Track your results and measure the ROI of your influencer marketing efforts.
Recommended Read: How to Successfully Reach Out to Influencer
6. Leverage Email Marketing
Email marketing still works like a charm! Don’t let anyone fool you. It is one of the most efficient ways to reach out to your audience, nurture customer relationships, and drive sales.Â
Segmentation for Success
Don’t treat all subscribers the same. Segment your email list based on demographics, purchase history, or browsing behavior to send targeted messages that resonate. Send new product recommendations to customers who have purchased similar items in the past.
Personalization Beyond the Name
Say a big NO to generic salutations. Go beyond using the recipient’s name in the subject line. Personalize email content based on their interests, preferences, and previous interactions with your brand. Use dynamic content blocks in your emails to display different products or offers based on each subscriber’s profile.
Automation to Nurture Leads
Set up automated email workflows to nurture leads and guide them through the customer journey. For instance, send a welcome series of emails to new subscribers, educating them about your brand and products, and offering exclusive discounts.
7. Leverage Paid Marketing & Remarketing Campaigns
Paid advertising can give your Shopify store a quick boost in visibility. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads allow you to precisely target your desired audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Remarketing campaigns are equally effective, reminding previous visitors of your products and enticing them to return. Remarketing ads have been shown to increase conversion rates by up to 150%.
Google Ads for Targeted Reach
Use Google Ads to display your products prominently in search results and on relevant websites across the Google network. Take advantage of Google Shopping campaigns to showcase your products visually and drive more qualified traffic to your store.
Facebook Ads for Engaging Content
Create eye-catching Facebook Ads with compelling visuals and persuasive copy. Target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and even life events.
Remarketing for Second Chances
Implement remarketing campaigns to reconnect with users who have previously visited your store but didn’t make a purchase. Offer a special discount or incentive to entice them back.
8. Implement Trust Badges on Product Pages & Payment Pages
Building trust is crucial in e-commerce. A Baymard Institute study found that 18% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to security concerns. By displaying trust badges, like security seals, money-back guarantees, and payment provider logos, you reassure customers that their information is safe and encourage them to complete their purchase.
4 Types of Trust Badges to Consider
- Security Seals
Norton, McAfee, or TRUSTe seals indicate that your website is secure and protected against hackers.
- Payment Provider Logos
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or other recognizable payment logos assure customers that their payment information is handled safely.
- Money-Back Guarantees
Offer a satisfaction guarantee or a hassle-free return policy to instill confidence in your products and customer service.
- Reviews and Testimonials
Displaying positive reviews or testimonials from satisfied customers can boost credibility and trust.
9. Think Outside the Spectrum of Your Website
Expand your reach beyond your Shopify store by exploring other online avenues. Engage with potential customers in relevant Facebook groups, online forums, and industry-specific communities.Â
Consider listing your products on platforms like Amazon or Etsy to tap into their massive customer base.
10. Focus on Customer Retention
Did you know that acquiring a new customer can cost five times more than retaining an existing one? That’s why prioritizing customer loyalty is key.
Reward repeat customers with exclusive discounts, loyalty programs, and personalized recommendations. Provide excellent customer service and make them feel valued. A 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25-95% increase in profit.
Building a Loyalty Program
Incentivize repeat purchases by offering points, rewards, or exclusive access to new products or sales. Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is a prime example of a successful loyalty program that drives repeat business.
Exceptional Customer Service
89% of consumers are more likely to make another purchase after a positive customer service experience. Provide prompt, helpful, and friendly customer service through various channels, such as email, live chat, or phone support.
11. Have Strategies in Place to Convert Cart Abandonments
Cart abandonment is a common challenge in e-commerce, with an average rate of 69.82%. But it’s not a lost cause. By implementing targeted abandoned cart emails, offering discounts, and simplifying the checkout process, you can significantly reduce cart abandonment and recover lost sales.
How to Craft Effective Abandoned Cart Emails?
Step 1: Timing is key! Send the first email within an hour of abandonment, followed by a second email 24 hours later, and a final email 72 hours later if needed.
Step 2: Use attention-grabbing subject lines that create a sense of urgency or curiosity.
Step 3: Include a prominent button or link that leads directly back to the cart. Something like: “Forgot something? Your cart is waiting!” or “Complete your purchase and get 15% off!”
Incentivizing the Purchase
Abandoned cart emails with discounts have an average conversion rate of 18.64%. Offer a discount or free shipping in your abandoned cart emails to sweeten the deal. You can also use exit intent popups to offer a discount or incentive when a user is about to exit your website.
Streamlining the Checkout Process
- Minimize the number of steps required to complete a purchase.
- Offer guest checkout options for users who don’t want to create an account.
- Clearly display shipping costs and estimated delivery times.
Fashion retailer ASOS reduced their cart abandonment rate by 50% after streamlining their checkout process.
12. Use Cross-Selling to Sell More Products
Cross-selling is a subtle art that involves recommending complementary products to customers. It’s a win-win: customers discover products they might not have found otherwise, and you increase your average order value. In fact, Amazon attributes 35% of its revenue to cross-selling.
Strategic Product Pairing
- Identify products that naturally complement each other. Like, if a customer is buying a camera, suggest a memory card or camera bag!
- Display related products on product pages, in the cart, or during checkout.
- Use personalized recommendations based on the customer’s browsing or purchase history.
"Frequently Bought Together" Section
Add a “Frequently Bought Together” section to your product pages to showcase items that are often purchased together. It could directly increase your sales by up to 10%.
13. Combine Product Descriptions with Compelling Copywriting
Your product descriptions are more than just specifications, they’re your chance to tell a story and make your products stand out from your competitors. Use persuasive language, highlight the benefits, and address your customers’ pain points.
Go Beyond the Basics
- Don’t just list features, focus on the benefits your product offers.
- Use vivid, sensory language to create a mental image of your product in use. Instead of saying “This shirt is made of 100% cotton,” say “This incredibly soft, breathable cotton shirt will keep you cool and comfortable all day long.“
- Tell a story about your product, its origin, or its unique features.
- Use bullet points to highlight key features and benefits, making your descriptions easy to scan.
Social Proof
95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. Incorporate customer reviews or testimonials into your product descriptions to add credibility and social proof.
14. Optimize for Speed & Mobile
In today’s mobile-first world, 55% of all e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website is slow or not optimized for mobile, you risk losing potential customers. A one-second delay in page load time can decrease conversions by 7%. So, invest in a fast-loading, mobile-responsive Shopify theme.
Speed Optimization
- Choose a lightweight Shopify theme that loads quickly.
- Optimize your images and videos for the web.
- Minimize the use of JavaScript and CSS.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up page load times for visitors from different locations.
Mobile Responsiveness
- Test your website on different mobile devices and screen sizes to ensure it looks and functions correctly.
- Use a responsive design that adapts to different screen resolutions.
- Make sure your buttons and links are large enough to be easily tapped with a finger.
- Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to assess your site’s mobile readiness.
15. Leverage Coupons as a Strategy
We loved coupons when we were just kids and we still do at adulthood. Coupons and discounts are a proven way to attract new customers, incentivize repeat purchases, and clear out excess inventory. Consider offering welcome discounts, limited-time promotions, or loyalty program rewards.
Types of Coupons to Offer
- Percentage-based discounts (e.g., 10% off)
- Dollar-amount discounts (e.g., $10 off)
- Free shipping
- Buy one, get one free (BOGO) offers
- Gifts with purchase
16. Implement a "Pay What You Want" Day Strategy
A “Pay What You Want” (PWYW) day, often combined with a clearance sale, is a unique way to generate buzz and attract customers. Let them decide how much they’re willing to pay for your products, while you clear out older stock. It’s a bold move, but it can lead to increased traffic, brand awareness, and even unexpected profits.
When to Implement PWYW?
- At the end of the season, if you are left with excess inventory, clear it out as ‘’End Season Sale’’, to make room for new arrivals.
- There may come days when you feel your business is running as fast as a snail. Don’t get demotivated, organize a PWYW to inject excitement and drive traffic.
- Sales and celebrations go hand in hand. Based on footfall during certain holidays, start selling your products at a limited-period discount.
- Establish strict guidelines for such types of sales:
- Minimum Price: Consider setting a minimum price to cover your costs.
- Charity Component: Donate a portion of the proceeds to a charitable cause to enhance goodwill.
Example: Radiohead’s 2007 “In Rainbows” album release, where fans could pay what they wanted, generated significant media attention and sales.
17. Offer a "Mystery Box" Subscription
Who doesn’t like mysteries? Now, imagine some gifts arrive at your doorstep in a box. That’s it, that’s the whole concept of ‘’Mystery Box’’. You can also surprise and delight your loyal customers with a “mystery box” subscription. Fill it with curated products, exclusive items, or seasonal specials. This not only drives recurring revenue but also creates a sense of anticipation and excitement among your customers.
How to Create a Mystery Box?
- Theme: Choose a theme for your mystery box, such as “seasonal favorites,” “beauty essentials,” or “foodie delights.”
- Exclusivity: Include limited edition or exclusive products that can’t be purchased separately.
- Personalization: Tailor the box contents based on customer preferences or previous purchases.
Birchbox pioneered the beauty subscription box model, and many other brands have followed suit.
  Case Study
How to Market Your Mystery Box?
Highlight the element of surprise and exclusivity in your marketing materials.
Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time subscriptions or exclusive discounts.
Record reels, shorts, and TikTok videos showcasing unboxing and customer testimonials. They are not going out of style anytime soon.
18. Host Live Shopping Events
Live shopping is the future of e-commerce, blending entertainment with real-time shopping. Shopify’s Live Stream Shopping app is an excellent tool to leverage this trend.
Key Elements of a Successful Live Shopping Event
- Host: Choose a host who is knowledgeable about your products and who can engage the audience.
- Engaging Content: Showcase your products in a creative and interactive way.
- Exclusive Offers: Offer special discounts or promotions during the live event to drive sales.
- Interaction: Encourage viewers to ask questions, share comments, and participate in polls.
19. Offer "Buy Now, Pay Later" Options (BNPL)
“Buy now, pay later” (BNPL) options are gaining immense popularity, especially among younger demographics. By partnering with providers like Affirm, Klarna, or Afterpay, you can offer your customers flexible payment options, remove financial barriers, and potentially increase your sales by a huge margin. But first, skim through the benefits of BNPL.
- BNPL can increase average order value and conversion rates by making your products more affordable.
- By offering flexible payment options, you can remove a major barrier to purchase.
- Customers who use BNPL are more likely to become repeat customers.
- Offering BNPL can differentiate your store from competitors who don’t.
How can Upfluence help increase Shopify Sales?
It’s such a hassle when it comes to searching, managing, and approaching influencers. How to find these mini-celebrities spread across various social media platforms. No tip, trick, or hack can help you here.
Upfluence, on the other hand, will make it light and breezy for you to discover, analyze, and finalize the influencer that can sing the tales of your products. Here’s how:
1. Effortless Influencer Discovery
- Explore Upfluence’s vast database of over 3 million influencers to find the perfect fit for your brand and niche.
- Use advanced search filters to narrow down your search based on demographics, interests, audience size, and engagement metrics.
- Discover influencers with latent potential using Upfluence’s AI-powered influencer recommendation engine.
2. Enhanced Influencer Marketing ROI
- Upfluence’s Shopify integration helps you track sales generated through influencer campaigns.
- Gain real time valuable insights into influencer performance and optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI.
- Measure the impact of influencer marketing on your Shopify sales with Upfluence’s advanced analytics.
3. Simplified Influencer Collaboration
- Communicate and collaborate with influencers directly through Upfluence’s messaging platform.
- Share campaign briefs, product information, and creative assets with ease.
- Approve influencer content before it goes live.
How We Helped in Increasing Sales of a Fashion Retailer Brand
Challenge: Increase brand awareness and drive sales of the new clothing line.
Solution: They were able to find and collaborate with a network of fashion influencers. Of course, being able to see the authentic engagement metrics helped them make a quick but informed decision.
Results: The upfluence campaign generated a 20% increase in brand awareness and a 15% increase in sales of the new clothing line.
Sound too good to be true? Get in touch with our team and experience it yourself! Book a demo session with us here.
Conclusion
Increasing your Shopify sales isn’t rocket science, but it does require a strategic approach. Remember, the key is to focus on creating a positive user experience, building trust, and engaging with your audience in meaningful ways. With dedication and the right tools, your Shopify store can become a thriving online business.
By implementing these proven tactics and leveraging platforms like Upfluence, you can stand out from your competitors. Are you ready to go beyond traditional ways of running a business on Shopify? Get a taste of how powerful influencer marketing can be by booking a discovery call.Â
