Week 4 Entry: E-commerce failure

SPRING 2011 COM 125: Introduction to the Internet

Blog Entry 4

E-commerce failure

Top 10 reasons why e-commerce fails (by www.bwired.com.au):

1) Lack of Strategic direction – No focus!

2) Poor user interface – Sites that are hard to use or navigate prevents people from searching any further. Solution: Have a “Site Map”!

3) Lack of Trust – Are there security settings put in place?

4) Payment gateway issues – Inaccessible payment methods.

5) Poor technology – When your site is not up-to-date.

6) Lack of Transparency – When information is not readily provided.

7) No personalization – Make sure your product promotions fit all. Not just certain groups of people.

8) Failure to manage customers – Not asking for feedback, which is very much needed especially on online sites.

9) No incentives – Lack of promotions or guarantees and so forth.

10) Poor product/service offering – When expectations are not met – like poor product quality – and thus, poor testimonies are given.

Based on the video that we watched in class the other day, there are 6 important things that need to be on any e-commerce website.

- Have an information page – “About us” page. This page tells people what exactly your company does, and what your company is all about.

- Have a “Contact us” page – with the email addresses, physical addresses, contact numbers, and times to call etc.

- Have a “Site Map” – this page allows users to easily navigate from page to page, without having to search too hard for page links.

- Have a “Why buy from us” page – the page that states incentives, guarantees, and other unique qualities and services that are offered.

- Have a “Legal information” page – this protects your business by laying out all the terms and rules.

- Finally, have a “Testimonial” page – the best things you can get out of products are stated in a black and white. If people love the product, their testimony would be one that is incredibly powerful.