Five Ways to Make eCommerce Customers Feel Safe
A recent survey showed that 68% of consumers feel more exposed to identity theft than they did a few years ago. With so many data hacks occurring, that statistic has surely increased, especially since customers conduct more of their business online than ever before. Fortunately, there are ways to make eCommerce customers feel safe shopping on your website.
1. Add Data Security Copy
Customers often worry about the security of their credit card numbers and the risk of identity theft. By adding content about the security steps your company takes when handling data and credit card information, you can reassure consumers that they’re making the right choice in buying from you.
This copy doesn’t have to be invasive. Just a few sentences about your security standards can push customers to add their credit card information and trust your eCommerce page.
Alternatively, adding options like paying through PayPal can help brands that struggle with customer conversion rates. This makes the checkout process easier and moves the buying process to a safe and trusted platform.
2. Include Personal Elements
New customers might not be familiar with your brand or know if you run a legitimate business. One way to add legitimacy is with a personal touch. By making it easy for customers to speak to someone in your organization, you’re creating a space for them to address their concerns and troubleshoot any problems. A few ways to add a human element include:
Even knowing that your company has a dedicated customer care team can assure shoppers that your eCommerce page is secure because they’ll know that you’re quick to address concerns and solve problems.
3. Display Awards and Security Logos
If you’ve received awards for your business or follow certain security and compliance standards, display the banners and information proudly for customers to see. For example, brands with positive ratings from the Better Business Bureau can show this and boast about their accomplishments. It’s also standard practice to display your cyber security logo on your check-out page. \
Companies with reputable business practices are more likely to address website problems and take the necessary steps to protect customer data as best they can.
4. Streamline Conversion Forms
Reducing the number of fields that customers have to complete can increase conversion rates, but can also increase customer trust in your website. When customers aren’t giving away a lot of personal information, they feel like there’s less risk in the information they do share. This is why some customers refrain from telling companies about their birthdays or anniversaries. While an eCommerce page might want to use that data to offer perks, customers might see that as an opportunity for hackers.
Consider reducing the number of fields in the checkout process and see if customer confidence and safety increases.
5. Come Clean About Any Issues
If your eCommerce page is hacked or there’s a data breach in your organization, come clean about it. Clearly explain to your customers what happened, the ramifications and what steps you’re taking to fix the damage. The sooner you get ahead of the story and work to help customers, the sooner you can rebuild your damaged reputation.
Your business might suffer in the short run by this immediate transparency, but your customers will learn to trust you in the long run. They will know that you act swiftly in the face of trouble and alert customers to potential problems.
Even if your company follows strict data protection processes, you could lose business if shoppers are wary of your business. By adding security talking points to your marketing and web design efforts, you can make customers feel safe and earn their trust when they buy from you.
If you’re worried your user experience is hurting your conversion rates we can find ways to streamline your website and grow your sales through better conversion practices.