There’s something about seeing the calendar turn over to January 1 again. It seems so much easier to set ambitious new goals when a new year begins. And if you’re a proactive go-getter working in the eCommerce industry, you might even find it fun to set new goals!
With 2024 mere days away, it’s a good time to set some new year’s resolutions. To help you get started, we’ve come up with 24 resolution ideas.
Should you do all of these at once? Probably not – that’s a ton of work!
But could taking on a few help you define your targets and map out the year ahead? Definitely!
So with that in mind, keep scrolling if you’re looking for inspiration.
1. Improve your website’s design.
Your online storefront is, for a lot of your customers, going to be your first chance to make an impression. A beautifully designed, user-friendly, and mobile-responsive website can boost conversion rates by up to 400%. In 2023, over half of online purchases were predicted to be mobile, so the new year gives you as good an excuse as any to ensure your website feels welcoming to every visitor.
2. Optimize your website’s loading time.
We’ve all felt the frustration of a slow-loading page. Every millisecond counts; a seemingly trivial 100-millisecond delay can dent conversion rates by 7%. Make it your goal in 2024 to treat your customers’ time with respect by ensuring they can shop without buffering or delays.
3. Roll out some new products.
Customers’ tastes evolve, and so should your product lines. New product launches give you reasons to create special events designed to bring in new customers. Businesses that regularly roll out new products usually see a result in sales, not to mention profit!
4. Diversify your suppliers.
Rely on one supplier and you put all your eggs in one basket. Every year since the pandemic has shown us that businesses with singular suppliers faced more disruptions, delays, and increased costs. This coming year, diversify your supply chain partnerships, to ensure your business remains resilient and agile.
5. Optimize your SEO.
A stunning website deserves to be seen. Organic search drives 53% of online traffic, underscoring the importance of SEO. Find some keywords in your niche and target them closely, and see if you can land on the first page of the search engine result pages.
Need a place to look for technical help? Check out SEO Site Checkup.
6. Lean into email marketing.
Email marketing might seem a little old-fashioned, but make no mistake – good email marketing is a game-changer. The ROI on email marketing can be 4200% or higher in some situations, so making sure your brand’s voice is in the inboxes of your prospective shoppers is crucial. Make 2024 the year you consistently engage, inform, and inspire your audience via email.
7. Step up your customer service.
Every customer wants to feel heard. By opening up multiple channels of communication, you’re sending a clear message: “We’re here for you.” Training your team to excel in customer support not only resolves issues but also builds lasting relationships. Remember, satisfied customers are 87% more likely to purchase upgrades and new services.
8. Ask for reviews.
Your customers’ words carry weight. In fact, 91% of 18-34-year-olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. So, make 2024 the year you proudly spotlight customer reviews and testimonials. Their genuine feedback enhances your credibility and nurtures trust.
9. Roll out a loyalty program.
Every time customers choose your store, they’re investing trust in your brand. Why not reciprocate? Loyalty programs can increase overall revenue by 5-10%. This year, make it your mission to recognize and reward those who choose to return time and time again.
10. Engage with customers on social media.
It’s more than just posting—it’s about engaging. That means both replying to comments and answering messages and paying attention to the kind of content that social media users enjoy interacting with. Dedicate 2024 to understanding your audience’s preferences, crafting meaningful content, and building an online community that is in line with your company’s values.
11. Streamline your checkout process.
Your customers’ journey shouldn’t falter at the finish line. A streamlined checkout process can decrease cart abandonment rates, which currently stand at nearly 70%. This is an easy pickup if you want to increase sales!
12. Go green.
The world is shifting towards sustainable practices, with 73% of global consumers saying they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. In 2024, pledge to do your part. Whether it’s eco-friendly packaging or dialing back your carbon footprint, small changes can make a big difference.
13. Improve your product descriptions.
The way you describe your products can dramatically impact your odds of closing a sale. Spend some time writing descriptions that are not just informative but also SEO-optimized. Don’t skip this! As many as 87% of shoppers say detailed product content is crucial for their purchase decision.
14. Pay attention to your analytics.
Odds are good that you’ve been collecting data for years that you haven’t made good use of yet. By consistently diving into your store analytics, you’ll uncover patterns, behaviors, and identify new areas of opportunity.
15. Plan regular promotions.
Everyone loves a good deal. But sporadic sales can be unpredictable for your customers. This year, commit to a structured promotional calendar, allowing your customers to anticipate and plan for your special offers. Sometimes, all people need to go from wanting a product to actually buying it is a strong incentive delivered at a convenient time.
16. Capture high-quality photography.
A picture speaks a thousand words, especially in eCommerce. Investing in high-quality, multi-angled product photography can significantly enhance user experience. In fact, 75% of online shoppers rely heavily on product photos when deciding on a potential purchase.
17. Train your team.
Your team is the backbone of your business. Investing in their knowledge not only boosts morale but also improves customer interactions. Don’t underestimate the impact this can have – one recent case study of Caterpillar shows that the company was able to increase its profit by $2 million and its number of satisfied customers by 34% by investing in training.
18. Explore new marketing channels.
Exploring avenues like influencer collaborations or podcast advertising can help your store tap into new audiences. For example, 89% of marketers say ROI from influencer marketing is comparable to or better than other marketing channels.
19. Invest in cybersecurity.
With cybercrimes expected to cost businesses over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, it’s crucial that you fortify your online store. This not only safeguards sensitive customer data but also solidifies their confidence in your brand. Here’s a guide to help you do that.
20. Implement AI chatbots for common questions.
AI-driven chatbots ensure that no query goes unanswered, no matter the hour. Companies employing chatbots have seen up to a 67% increase in sales due to instantaneous responses. Just make sure you don’t go overboard – most customers prefer humans to chatbots when it comes to difficult questions.
21. Sell internationally.
If your operations have remained domestic, 2024 might be the year to venture globally. Nearly a third of all US digital buyers will make overseas purchases online in 2024, so the international market holds boundless potential.
22. Build genuine relationships with customers.
Beyond transactions, it’s the connections that matter. This year, envision creating a tight-knit community around your brand. Whether through interactive social media groups, insightful forums, or engaging events, community-building leads to a huge increase in brand loyalty.
23. Optimize for mobile commerce.
The world is increasingly shopping with a swipe and a tap. Since 2020, over 70% of global retail eCommerce sales have been made over mobile devices. It would be a shame to lose out on those sales just because your site doesn’t load properly on mobile devices.
24. Commit to staying up-to-date.
You never know when the next technological breakthrough is around the corner. It’s impossible to say when a new and brilliant marketing technique will come into vogue. Commit to following well-informed individuals and news outlets so you can stay on top of new trends and make the most of them while they’re still new.
Final Thoughts
As we roll into 2024, take a proactive stance. You’re not just trying to survive, you’re trying to thrive. Setting a few good goals can really make a difference here.
Commit to growth and excellence in the coming year. Pick three goals off this list that you think really matter, and doggedly pursue them. You won’t regret it!
You’ve done everything by the book. Your Kickstarter campaign is almost ready to launch.
You made a great product. Built an audience. Set up a campaign page.
But how do you ship it?
We put this checklist together to help you get started. It's free.
