Guide to Landing Pages that Convert in 2025

Ever landed on a webpage that seemed to read your mind? One that answered your questions before you even asked them, highlighted just what you were looking for, and made it incredibly easy to take the next step? That’s the magic of a well-designed landing page, one that’s created with a single focused objective: converting visitors into customers.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to create high-converting landing pages for your ecommerce business. From understanding the psychology behind what makes people click “buy now” to implementing practical design elements that boost conversions, we’ve got you covered.


Why Optimizing your Landing Pages Matters

Before we jump into the how-to’s, let’s talk about why landing pages deserve your attention in the first place.

Landing pages are conversion powerhouses, and the statistics back this up:

These statistics represent real revenue that could be flowing into your business with the right landing page strategy.

Avoid Distractions

Unlike your homepage or product pages, landing pages serve a very specific purpose—to focus visitor attention on a single action you want them to take. This could be:

  • Making a purchase
  • Signing up for a newsletter
  • Downloading a resource or starting a free trial
  • Registering for an event

By taking away distractions and tailoring your message to a specific audience, landing pages create a clear path to conversion that general pages can’t match.

Your homepage needs to cater to various visitor types, from first-time browsers to returning customers looking for support. But a landing page can be laser-focused on people at a specific stage of the buyer’s journey, with messaging that speaks directly to their needs.

Landing Pages vs. Regular Website Pages

Here’s how landing pages differ from your standard website pages:

  1. Focus: Landing pages have a single call-to-action. Regular pages often have multiple goals.
  2. Navigation: Landing pages typically limit or remove navigation options to keep visitors focused on conversion.
  3. Content: Landing pages content is concise and targeted at a specific audience segment, while standard pages can serve broader purposes.
  4. Design: Landing pages are created to guide the visitors to the CTA with minimal distractions.

When done right, a landing page creates a seamless journey from ad or email to purchase, without potential customer drop off.

Elements of High-Converting Landing Pages

Now that we understand why landing pages are crucial, let’s break down the key components that make them effective conversion tools.

1. Attention-Grabbing Headlines

  • Clear and direct about the value proposition
  • Specific rather than generic
  • Focused on benefits rather than features
  • Aligned with the messaging that brought visitors to the page

2. Compelling Subheadings

Your subheading supports your main headline by giving more context or details. Expand on your value proposition to build interest in your offer.

A good formula: The headline states the main benefit while the subheading explains the “how” behind that or adds supporting info.

3. Eye-Catching Hero Images or Videos

  • Clearly show your product in action or the outcome of using your product
  • Be high-quality and professional
  • Cause an emotional response to associate with your brand
  • Complement your message
Ascent Footwear sale featuring "The Vision" shoe

Image courtesy of Ascent Footwear. (Click to see the whole thing.)

4. Convincing Social Proof

  • Customer testimonials with specific results
  • Trust badges and security certifications
  • Review ratings and counts
  • UGC showing products in use

Real stories from real customers ALWAYS outperforms generic praise.

5. Benefit-Focused Copy

Your copy should answer one question: “What’s in it for me?” Focus on how your product solves problems or improves your customer’s life, not just the features.

Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences) and use bullet points for easy scanning.

6. Irresistible Call-to-Action (CTA)

  • Use action-oriented, first-person language (“Get My Free Trial” vs. “Sign Up”)
  • Make it visually stand out with contrasting colors
  • Ensure it’s large enough to tap easily on mobile devices
  • Position it logically in the flow of the page (after you’ve built up desire)

7. Strategic Layout and Flow

  • Use the inverted pyramid approach—start broad, then narrow down to specifics
  • Place your most important information “above the fold” (visible without scrolling)
  • Create a visual hierarchy that draws the eye to key elements while balancing white space
  • Ensure the page flows logically to combat objections any customer objections along their journey

Psychology that Increases Landing Page Conversions

Understanding the psychological triggers that influence buying decisions can dramatically improve your landing page performance. Here are some key principles to incorporate:

Scarcity and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

  • Limited-time offers with countdown timers
  • Showing inventory levels (“Only 3 left!”)
  • Exclusive access (“Members only”)/limited edition products

The key word here is “ethically”—manufactured scarcity that’s obviously fake damages trust rather than boosting conversions.

Reciprocity

  • Offering a helpful free guide in exchange for an email address
  • Providing a free sample before asking for a purchase
  • Sharing valuable information before presenting your offer

Social Validation

  • Include photos with testimonials and concrete results to increase perceived authenticity
  • Use specific numbers rather than rounding up (“27,843 happy customers” vs. “Over 25,000 customers”)
  • Highlight testimonials from people like your target audience

Loss Aversion

  • Framing offers in terms of what customers might lose by not taking action
  • Highlighting missed opportunities or sunk costs
  • Using free trial periods that create a sense of ownership before payment

For example, “Don’t lose $500 a year on unnecessary energy costs” can be more motivating than “Save $500 a year on energy costs.”

Mobile Optimization is Non-Negotiable

With more than half of all web traffic now coming from mobile devices, optimizing your landing pages for mobile isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Here’s how to make landing pages convert to any screen size:

Responsive Design Basics

Your landing page should automatically adjust to look great on any device. Key principles include:

  • Flexible grid layouts that adapt to screen size
  • Images that resize proportionally
  • Text that stays readable without zooming
  • Touch-friendly buttons and links (minimum 44×44 pixels)
  • Forms that are easy to fill out on a small screen

Mobile-Specific Considerations

Beyond responsiveness, consider these mobile-specific optimizations:

  • Put the most important elements or content first
  • Use accordion sections or tabs to organize content without overwhelming the screen
  • Ensure your page loads quickly on mobile networks
  • Test your forms thoroughly on mobile devices
  • Consider the “thumb zone”—place important elements where they’re easy to tap with a thumb

Speed Matters More Than Ever

  • Compress images without sacrificing quality
  • Minimize HTTP requests by consolidating files
  • Implement browser caching
  • Consider using AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) for landing pages

Landing Page Tools & Platforms

Creating high-converting landing pages doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tools and platforms that can help you build professional landing pages quickly and easily:

GemPages: A Fan Favorite

GemPages is particularly popular among Shopify store owners for good reason. This drag-and-drop page builder offers:

  • No-code page building with intuitive interfaces
  • Mobile-responsive designs out of the box
  • Integration with Shopify products and collections
  • Pre-built templates optimized for conversion
  • A/B testing capabilities to optimize performance
  • Advanced customization options for those who want more control

Many ecommerce businesses choose GemPages because it specifically caters to online stores, with features built around product showcasing and checkout optimization.

Other Popular Landing Page Tools

While GemPages is a standout choice, there are other excellent options depending on your specific needs:

  1. Unbounce: Great for powerful A/B testing
  2. Leadpages: Offers a variety of templates and easy integration with many email marketing platforms
  3. Instapage: Known for collaboration features and advanced analytics
  4. ClickFunnels: Focuses on creating entire sales funnels
  5. Elementor: A flexible WordPress page builder with landing page capabilities

The right tool makes landing page creation easier while still giving you the features you need to convert.

Wrapping Up

The businesses that thrive will be those that create exceptional customer experiences at every touchpoint—and landing pages are one of the most critical touchpoints of all.

By investing time and resources in optimizing your landing pages, you enhance the entire customer journey, build brand trust, and create a foundation for unstoppable growth.

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Ready to build landing pages that convert visitors into customers? Schedule a consultation with us to discuss how we can help optimize your ecommerce landing pages for maximum results

The Most Effective Growth Strategies for Ecommerce Success in 2025

A pen on a 2025 agenda planning growth strategies for ecommerce

Running an ecommerce business in 2025 means adapting to rapid changes while staying focused on proven growth strategies. We’ll walk you through the most effective approaches that will help your business thrive in the coming year. We’ll explore everything from building a powerful email marketing program to creating high-converting product pages, with practical steps you can implement right away.


Building a Strong Foundation with Email Marketing

Email marketing continues to be one of the most powerful tools for ecommerce growth, making it a crucial focus area for 2025.

Growing Your Email List Strategically

Your email list is like a garden – it needs constant attention and the right approach to flourish. Here are three proven strategies that successful ecommerce brands use:

  1. Strategic Giveaways
    ● Choose prizes that attract your ideal customer
    ● Keep entry requirements simple but meaningful
    ● Promote across multiple channels
    ● Create a follow-up plan for all participants
    ● Track costs and conversion rates

  2. Targeted Paid Advertising
    ● Design compelling lead magnets
    ● Test different ad formats and platforms
    ● Monitor cost per lead carefully
    ● Implement smart retargeting strategies
    ● Use lookalike audiences effectively

  3. Website Optimization for List Growth
    ● Strategically place signup forms
    ● Use exit-intent popups wisely
    ● Create valuable content upgrades
    ● Implement a points-based loyalty program
    ● A/B test everything

Creating an Effective Welcome Series

Your welcome series sets the tone for your entire customer relationship. Here’s a proven structure that works:

First Email (Immediate):
● Deliver a warm, personal welcome
● Provide promised incentives immediately
● Share your unique value proposition
● Set clear expectations

Second Email (Day 2):
● Tell your brand story authentically
● Showcase top products naturally
● Include real customer testimonials
● Offer a time-sensitive discount

Third Email (Day 4):
● Share useful product tips
● Provide care instructions
● Feature user-generated content
● Include personalized recommendations

Fourth Email (Day 7):
● Introduce your loyalty program
● Share customer success stories
● Feature new or trending items
● Present a final conversion opportunity

Smart Advertising Growth

Before scaling your ad spend, you need a solid foundation. Let’s look at how to build one:

Setting and Hitting ROAS Targets

Calculate your minimum acceptable Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) by considering:

● Product margins across categories
● Operational costs
● Average customer lifetime value
● Fulfillment expenses
● Seasonal variations
● Marketing overhead

Scaling Your Ad Spend Effectively

Once you’ve hit your ROAS targets consistently, follow these steps to scale:

  1. Gradual Budget Increases
    ● Add 10-15% weekly to successful campaigns
    ● Monitor performance metrics daily
    ● Adjust based on results
    ● Keep testing new audiences
    ● Maintain profitability targets

  2. Creative Optimization
    ● Refresh ad creative regularly
    ● Test different formats
    ● Use customer testimonials
    ● Implement user-generated content
    ● Monitor engagement metrics

  3. Platform Expansion
    ● Start with your strongest platform
    ● Test new channels gradually
    ● Track cross-platform performance
    ● Optimize for each platform’s strengths
    ● Monitor audience overlap

Optimizing Product Pages for Better Conversions

Your product pages need to work harder than ever in 2025. Here’s how to make them convert better:

Essential Product Page Elements

  1. Smart Product Recommendations
    ● “Frequently bought together” suggestions
    ● Compatible accessories and add-ons
    ● Alternative options in different price ranges
    ● Recently viewed items
    ● Popular product combinations
    ● Season-specific recommendations
    ● Bundle deals

  2. Shipping and Availability Information
    ● Real-time delivery estimates
    ● Current stock status
    ● Shipping cost calculator
    ● Location-based delivery options
    ● International shipping details
    ● Local pickup information
    ● Inventory alerts

  3. Trust-Building Elements
    ● Verified customer reviews
    ● Expert endorsements
    ● Security badges and certifications
    ● Warranty information
    ● Clear return policy
    ● Size guides and specs
    ● Care instructions

Measuring and Improving Performance

Track these key metrics weekly to ensure your strategies are working:

  1. Email Marketing Metrics
    ● List growth rate
    ● Engagement rates
    ● Revenue per email
    ● Unsubscribe rate
    ● Click-through rates
    ● Conversion rates
    ● Segment performance

  2. Advertising Metrics
    ● ROAS by channel
    ● Cost per acquisition
    ● Click-through rates
    ● Conversion rates
    ● Ad engagement rates
    ● Audience performance
    ● Creative performance

  3. Website Metrics
    ● Landing page conversions
    ● Product page bounce rates
    ● Cart abandonment rate
    ● Average order value
    ● Customer lifetime value
    ● Time on site
    ● Mobile vs desktop performance

Looking Ahead to Success

Start implementing these strategies now to position your business for growth. Remember, sustainable growth comes from consistent improvement across all areas of your marketing strategy.

The key is to start with one area, perfect it, then move on to the next. Don’t try to implement everything at once. Pick the strategy that will have the biggest impact on your business and focus there first.

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Ready to put these strategies into action? Let’s create a custom growth plan for your ecommerce business. Schedule your intro call to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals in 2025.

What to Expect When Working with an Email Marketing Expert

Man at a diagonal angle working on email marketing on a computer screen

If you’re like most brands, you’re probably not giving your email marketing strategy the attention it deserves. We get it – running an ecommerce business is already a full-time job. Between managing inventory, customer service, and everything else on your plate, executing an email marketing strategy may feel impossible. Email marketing experts bring specialized knowledge, proven strategies, and dedicated focus to help you maximize this crucial revenue channel. In this guide, we’ll explore what it’s really like to work with an Uptown Cow email marketing expert and how it can help you reach your revenue goals.

Free Email Marketing Audit

Select any marketing email from your brand and our team will analyze and make suggestions guaranteed to impact performance.

Give us the URL where your customers subscribe to your mailing list, and we will send you our recommendations for the first email in your sequence.

 100% Free 

• No Credit Card Required 

• Ready in 48 hours

 

Some Stats About Email Marketing

Before diving deeper, let’s look at some eye-opening email marketing statistics:

These numbers reveal both the massive opportunity and the complexity of email marketing in 2025.


The Uptown Cow Approach

Strategy Development

Email marketing starts with a solid plan. Uptown Cow will examine your business goals carefully. We will study who your customers are and look at how well your current emails perform. Then we’ll create a detailed roadmap for success. This includes mapping the customer journey from start to finish. We may even divide your customers into specific groups for better targeting.


List Growth and Management

Building a strong email list requires smart tactics. We will create valuable opt-ins to attract subscribers and encourage them to join. We help to set up systems to manage your subscriber’s preferences effectively and ensure your email program stays compliant and professional.


Campaign Creation and Optimization

Uptown Cow writes email copy that grabs attention and designs email templates that look great on all devices. Send times will be analyzed to reach people when they’re most likely to engage. Every campaign’s results are measured carefully to improve future emails for better results.


Automation Setup

We can help you create welcome sequences for new subscribers, as well as cart recovery emails for abandoned purchases. Post-purchase flows will keep customers engaged after buying and loyalty programs reward your best customers automatically. Each automation works continuously to grow your business.


How Long Will it Take for Setup?

The Initial Phase (Weeks 1-4)

Our partnership begins with a deep dive into your business:

  • Current email performance review
  • Technical setup assessment
  • Customer data analysis
  • Competitor research

Based on the audit findings, your expert will create:

  • 90-day action plan
  • Campaign calendar
  • Automation roadmap
  • Testing strategy


Implementation Phase (Months 2-3)

Your expert will develop:

  • Email templates
  • Campaign copy
  • Automation sequences
  • A/B testing variants
  • Promotional calendars


Ongoing Optimization (Month 4+)

This is the phase where we will monitor performance and regular analysis of:

  • Open rates and click-through rates
  • Conversion metrics
  • Revenue per email
  • List growth and health
  • Automation performance


Wrapping Up


Working with Uptown Cow to optimize your email marketing strategy is an investment in your business’s growth. We’re passionate about helping ecommerce brands achieve their revenue goals through strategic email marketing. Our proven approach combines data-driven insights with creative execution to deliver results.

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Ready to take your email marketing to the next level? Contact us today for a free strategy session.

How to Know if Your Ecommerce Ads Are Actually Performing Well

a man and woman look at ecommerce facebook ads

Curious to know if the money you’re spending on ads for your online store is helping your business grow? This guide will explore everything you need to know about measuring and optimizing your ad performance. We’ll look at important numbers that tell you if your advertising efforts are paying off. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to tell if your ads are worth what you’re spending on them.

Basic Numbers You Need to Know

Before we get into complicated stuff, let’s talk about the main numbers every online store owner should keep track of:

Money Back From Ads (ROAS)

This tells you how much money you make compared to what you spend on ads. For example, if you spend $1 on ads and make $4 back, that’s good! We call this a “4 to 1 return.”

Sales Value

This is all the money your ads helped you make from people buying your products. It’s important because it shows you the real money your ads brought in.

How Many People Click (Click-Through Rate)

This shows how many people see your ad and actually click on it. If lots of people are clicking, it usually means your ad is interesting to them.

Cost for Clicks (CPC)

This tells you how much you pay each time someone clicks on your ad. Knowing this helps you make sure you’re not spending too much.

Setting Realistic Benchmarks

What’s considered “good” performance varies by industry. Here are some general benchmarks:

Remember that these are averages, and your specific goals might differ based on:

  • Your profit margins
  • Industry competition
  • Product price points
  • Business model
  • Marketing objectives

Signs Your Ads Are Performing Well

Here are the clear indicators that your campaigns are successful:

Consistent ROAS Above Target

If you’re maintaining or exceeding your target ROAS over time, that’s a strong positive signal.

Growing Conversion Value

Month-over-month increases in conversion value suggest your campaigns are scaling effectively.

facebooks ads

Improving Quality Scores

Higher quality scores often lead to lower CPCs and better ad positions.

Decreasing Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)

If you’re acquiring customers more cheaply while maintaining quality, you’re on the right track.

Red Flags to Watch For

On the other hand, you should always be alert to these warning signs:

Declining ROAS

If your ROAS is dropping without clear seasonal factors, it’s time to investigate.

High Bounce Rates

If people click but immediately leave, your landing pages might not match ad expectations.

Rising CPCs Without Better Results

Increased costs without corresponding increases in conversion value need attention.

Low Average Order Value (AOV)

If your AOV is below target, your targeting might need adjustment.

Optimization Strategies

When metrics show room for improvement, consider these strategies:

Audience Refinement

  • Test different audience segments
  • Use lookalike audiences based on high-value customers
  • Implement detailed targeting exclusions

Creative Optimization

  • A/B test ad creative regularly
  • Try different ad formats
  • Update creative based on performance data

Bidding Strategy Adjustments

  • Experiment with automated bidding
  • Adjust bid modifiers for different devices or times
  • Set appropriate bid caps

Wrapping Up

Now that you know which analytics to watch for, you are ready to improve your ad performance. Start by auditing your current tracking setup and establishing baseline metrics for your key KPIs. Create a simple dashboard with your most important metrics, and schedule weekly review sessions to monitor progress. Within 30 days, you should have a clear picture of your ad performance and opportunities for improvement.

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Ready to get started with high converting ads for your ecommerce store? Schedule a consultation and let’s discuss how we can support your business growth!

Migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo: A Complete Walkthrough

klaviyo is an email marketing tool for ecommerce

If you’ve been using MailChimp for a while, but feel like you’ve outgrown its capabilities – it might be time to consider switching to Klaviyo. In our comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo. We’ll explore the step-by-step migration process, tips to make your transition successful and common challenges. 

Why Consider Migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo?

Before we jump into the migration process, let’s talk about why you might want to make the switch in the first place. MailChimp has been a popular choice for many businesses, but Klaviyo offers some unique advantages for e-commerce stores such as being ecommerce focused, as well as advanced segmentation, personalization, automation and analytics. For example, Cargo Crew’s switched to Klaviyo and their ROI shot up to 74.9x. That’s huge! Their post-purchase flow is now bringing in 3.5 times more revenue per recipient. 

Steps for Migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo

Before you start the actual migration process, you need to prepare properly. 

a) Audit Your MailChimp Account: Review your existing lists, segments, and campaigns. Make note of any important automations or workflows you’ll need to recreate in Klaviyo.

b) Clean Up Your Data: Take this opportunity to clean up your email lists. Remove inactive subscribers and correct any data inconsistencies.

c) Set Up Your Klaviyo Account: If you haven’t already, sign up for a Klaviyo account and familiarize yourself with the platform’s interface and features.

d) Optional – Inform Your Subscribers: Let your audience know about the upcoming change. This is a great opportunity to re-engage with your list and set expectations for future communications.

How to Export Your Data from MailChimp

a) Log into your MailChimp account and navigate to the “Audience” tab.

b) Select the list you want to export and click on “Export Audience.”

c) Choose the export options that best suit your needs. It’s generally recommended to export all available fields to ensure you have all the necessary data.

d) Download the CSV file containing your subscriber information.

How to Import Your Data into Klaviyo

a) Log into your Klaviyo account and go to the “Lists & Segments” section.

b) Click on “Create List” and give it a name (e.g., “MailChimp Import”).

c) Choose the option to import a CSV file and upload the file you exported from MailChimp.

d) Map the fields from your MailChimp export to the corresponding fields in Klaviyo. Pay special attention to custom fields and ensure they’re correctly mapped.

e) Review the import preview to make sure everything looks correct, then complete the import process.

Update Your Website and Subscription Forms

Remember to update your website with Klaviyo’s forms and pop-ups so you capture your subscribers in the right spot!

Tips for a Smooth Migration

Now that we’ve covered the step-by-step process, here are some tips to ensure your migration goes as smoothly as possible:

Don’t Rush the Process

Migrating your email marketing platform is a significant undertaking. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, execute, and test every aspect of the migration. It’s better to take a little extra time upfront than to rush and make mistakes that could harm your email marketing efforts.

Leverage Klaviyo’s Resources

Klaviyo offers a wealth of resources to help you make the most of their platform. Take advantage of their documentation, video tutorials, and webinars to learn about advanced features and best practices.

mailchimp to klaviyo

Consider Hiring an Expert

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t have the time to handle the migration yourself, consider hiring a Klaviyo expert or agency to help with the transition. They can ensure a smooth migration and help you set up advanced features that you might not be familiar with.

Use the Migration as an Opportunity to Innovate

While recreating your existing campaigns and flows is important, don’t be afraid to explore new strategies and features that Klaviyo offers. This is a great time to experiment with more advanced segmentation, personalization, and automation techniques.

Back Up Your MailChimp Data

Before you fully transition to Klaviyo, make sure to back up all your MailChimp data, including campaign history, analytics, and any custom templates. You never know when you might need to reference this information in the future.

Wrapping Up

The migration process might seem daunting at first. But with careful planning and execution, you can make a smooth transition that sets you up for long-term success. Take the time to explore all that Klaviyo has to offer, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new strategies and techniques. By leveraging Klaviyo’s powerful features, you can create more personalized, targeted, and effective email campaigns that drive powerful results for your ecommerce business.


Ready to take your e-commerce email marketing to the next level? Schedule a consultation with us to get started!

6 High-Converting BFCM Email Marketing Strategies for Ecommerce in 2024

black friday cyber monday

You may be wondering how early is too early to start planning for BFCM. When it comes to BFCM, there’s no such thing as “too early”! Black Friday/Cyber Monday is your golden ticket to stand out during the busiest shopping days of the year. Inboxes will be flooded and everyone’s competing for attention – are you ready? 

In this article, we’ll walk you through our 6 best strategies to help you write your subject lines, nail your targeting, create the “gotta have it” feeling, and more!

Craft a Subject Line to Get Clicks

For starters – your subject line is like the cover of a book. If it doesn’t grab attention, it won’t get opened. And during BFCM, you’re competing with a ton of other brands. So how do you stand out and get readers to click?

Here are some quick tips:

– Keep it short and snappy (aim for 40 characters or less)

– Throw in an emoji (but don’t go crazy!)

– Create a sense of urgency – “Ends tonight!” or “Last chance!”

– Get personal – use their name if you can

Pro tip: Always test your subject lines. Send two versions to small groups and see which one gets more opens, then use the winner for your main send.

Send your Emails to the Right People

Imagine getting an email about cat food when you don’t even have a cat. That would be pretty weird, right? That’s why segmenting your email list is important. It’s all about sending relevant stuff to the people who want to hear about it.

Here are some cool ways to segment your list:

– Based on what they’ve bought before

– How much they engage with your emails

– Their age, gender, or where they live

– If they’ve abandoned their cart recently

– Your VIP customers who buy all the time
Did you know that segmenting your list can lead to 14.31% higher opens than non-segmented campaigns?

Let Automation Do the Work

Utilizing automation is like having an email marketing assistant who never sleeps. It sends your emails at the perfect moment, without you having to lift a finger.

Use automation to build excitement with countdown emails, to welcome new subscribers, and gently remind about items left in their cart. After a purchase, automations can send out a warm thank you. And if someone hasn’t opened an email in a while, reach out with a friendly “we miss you” message. The beauty of automation is that it handles all these tasks seamlessly, allowing you to focus on your email marketing strategy.

Add a Personal Touch

Here’s a little secret: personalized emails get opened 29% more often and clicked 41% more than generic ones. Pretty cool, huh? So, how can you make your emails more personal? It’s easier than you might think!

Start by using your customer’s name in the subject line or greeting. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference. Then, use data about what they’ve bought before or what they’ve been eyeing on your site to recommend products they’ll want to see.

Make them Want it Now

The point of BFCM is limited-time deals, so your emails should reflect that. You want people thinking, “I gotta get this now or I’ll miss out!”

Here’s some ideas for creating that urgency:

– Use countdown timers in your emails

– Let people know when things are almost sold out

– Run quick flash sales during your main event

– Give your loyal customers early access

– Send “last chance” reminders as the sale ends

infographic showing that click rates are higher

Create Emails that Look Great on Phones

Did you know that over 40% of emails are opened on mobile devices? That should give you some incentive to double check that your emails are mobile-friendly. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s break it down:

Use a responsive design: This ensures your email automatically adjusts to fit different screen sizes. Most email marketing platforms offer responsive templates – use them!

Make your CTAs thumb-friendly: Make your call-to-action buttons large enough to tap easily with a thumb.

Optimize images: Large images can slow down load times on mobile. Compress your images and use alt text in case they don’t load.

Preview, preview, preview: Always send yourself a test email and check it on multiple devices before hitting that send button.

Mind the subject line length: On mobile, long subject lines get cut off. Aim for 30-40 characters to ensure your message doesn’t get cut short.

Single-column layouts work best: Complex multi-column designs can become a jumbled mess on smaller screens. Keep it simple!

Font size matters: Tiny text is a no-go on mobile. Use a minimum font size of 14px for body text to keep things readable.

Wrapping Up

Remember, the key is to make your emails relevant and exciting for your customers. Do that, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful BFCM season.


Ready to build a customized BFCM email marketing strategy for your ecommerce store? Schedule a consultation and let’s discuss how we can support your business growth!

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads: Which Should You Use for your Ecommerce Business?

When it comes to advertising for your ecommerce products, you’re probably wondering how you can get the most “bang for your buck”. Both Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer powerful tools to help you reach your target customers and drive sales. But which one delivers the best return on investment (ROI)?

In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of Google Ads and Facebook Ads for ecommerce. We’ll look at key metrics like click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and return on ad spend (ROAS). By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which advertising platform is the best fit for your situation.

Key Differences of Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads

Before we get into it, let’s review the key differences between Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Google Ads is a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform that allows you to show your ads to users who are actively searching for products or services like yours. Your ads will appear at the top of Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for interested customers to find you.

Facebook Ads, on the other hand, is social media advertising that lets you target users based on their interests, demographics, and behaviors. Your ads will appear on users’ Facebook or Instagram feeds.

Both platforms have their own unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to ecommerce advertising.

The Pros & Cons of Google Ads for Ecommerce

Pros:

1. High intent: Google users are actively searching for products or services, meaning they have a higher intent to purchase. This translates to a higher conversion rate compared to other advertising channels.

2. Precise targeting: With Google Ads, you can target users based on their search keywords, location, device, and more. This allows you to laser-focus your ads for your ideal customers.

3. Measurable results: Google Ads provides detailed analytics and reporting, making it easy to track your campaign performance and optimize your strategy over time.

4. Broad reach: Google is the world’s largest search engine, with over 92% of global market share. 

Cons:

1. High competition: Because Google Ads is so popular, the competition for top ad positions can be fierce, driving up your cost-per-click (CPC).

2. Steep learning curve: Navigating the complex Google Ads interface and optimizing your campaigns can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.

3. Limited creative control: Google Ads is primarily text-based, so you have less creative freedom compared to visual platforms like Facebook.

4. Potential for ad fatigue: Users may become desensitized to the constant stream of ads they see on Google, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your campaigns over time.

The Pros & Cons of Facebook Ads for Ecommerce

Pros:

1. Visual appeal: Facebook Ads offer a more visually-engaging experience, with the ability to use images, videos, and interactive formats to capture users’ attention.

3. Lower cost-per-click: On average, Facebook Ads tend to have a lower CPC compared to Google Ads, making it a more cost-effective option for some businesses.

4. Retargeting capabilities: Facebook’s pixel tracking technology allows you to retarget users who have already interacted with your business, increasing the chances of a conversion.

Cons:

1. Lower intent: Facebook users are typically browsing for entertainment, not actively searching for products. This can result in a lower conversion rate compared to Google Ads.

2. Algorithm changes: Facebook’s algorithm is constantly evolving, making it challenging to maintain consistent reach and engagement with your ads.

3. Limited control over ad placements: With Facebook Ads, you have less control over where your ads appear, which can impact their effectiveness.

Metric 1: Click-Through Rate (CTR)

One of the most important metrics to consider when evaluating the performance of your advertising campaigns is click-through rate (CTR). CTR measures the percentage of users who click on your ad after seeing it.

Generally speaking, a higher CTR indicates that your ad is relevant and appealing to your target audience, which can lead to more conversions and a better ROI.

So, how do Google Ads and Facebook Ads stack up when it comes to CTR?

According to a report by Wordstream, the average CTR for Google Ads across all industries is 3.17% for search ads and 0.46% for display ads. In comparison, the average CTR for Facebook Ads is 1.11%.

This suggests that Google Ads may have a slight edge when it comes to driving more clicks, especially for ecommerce businesses that are targeting users who are actively searching for their products.

Metric 2: Conversion Rate

While click-through rate is important, the true measure of success for your advertising campaigns is conversion rate. This metric tells you the percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or adding an item to their cart.

When it comes to conversion rate, the data is a bit more mixed. Some studies have found that Google Ads tend to have a higher conversion rate for ecommerce businesses.

However, other research has shown that Facebook Ads can actually outperform Google Ads in certain ecommerce verticals, particularly when it comes to impulse purchases and lower-ticket items.

Metric 3: Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

Ultimately, the metric that matters most for ecommerce businesses is return on ad spend (ROAS). This measures the revenue generated for every dollar you spend on advertising.

A higher ROAS indicates a better ROI, as it means you’re generating more revenue from your advertising campaigns.

Some studies have found that Google Ads tend to have a higher ROAS for ecommerce businesses, with an average of $2 to $3 in revenue for every $1 spent.

However, other research has shown that Facebook Ads can actually outperform Google Ads in certain ecommerce verticals, particularly for businesses selling lower-ticket items or targeting impulse buyers.

As we’ve seen, both Google Ads and Facebook Ads have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to driving results for ecommerce businesses. So, how do you determine which platform is the best fit for your specific needs?

Wrapping Up

In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which is the better platform for ecommerce businesses. The right choice will depend on a variety of factors, including your product type, target audience, advertising objectives, and budget.

Google Ads may have a slight edge when it comes to driving immediate sales and conversions, while Facebook Ads can be more effective for building brand awareness, engagement, and long-term customer loyalty.

So, if you’re still trying to determine whether Google Ads or Facebook Ads is the better fit for your ecommerce business, the answer is simple: try them both! Experiment, analyze the results, and then optimize your strategy.


Ready to build a customized advertising strategy for your ecommerce business? Schedule a consultation and let’s discuss how we can support your business growth!

Email Marketing in 2024: Is It Still Effective for Ecommerce?

an ecommerce email marketing message on a phone

You may have asked yourself, “is email marketing still worth it for ecommerce in 2024?” And our answer is… absolutely! When done right, email marketing delivers an excellent ROI while building meaningful relationships with your customers. This article will explore why email marketing is still a top performer in 2024 and provide our tips to keep your email marketing up-to-date with the times.

Why Email Marketing?

Email open and click-through rates have been declining in recent years. But here are some compelling reasons it will continue to be effective for ecommerce:

– Massive reach: Almost 4 billion people worldwide use email, with 306.4 billion emails sent and received daily. There’s simply no better way to reach customers directly in their inbox.

– High ROI: Email marketing has an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent, the highest of any marketing channel. Better list segmentation, personalization, automation, and analytics make it even more cost-effective.

– Drives sales: 72% of consumers prefer to receive promotional content through email over social media. And email drives 19% of all online retail sales. 

– Builds loyalty: Brands that get email marketing right see higher customer retention and lifetime value.

– Flexibility: Email works well with other channels like social media and paid ads. It can promote products, share content, retarget site visitors, recover abandoned carts, and so much more.

Clearly, email marketing will continue to deliver results. Now let’s look at some key trends shaping the future of ecommerce email.

Upcoming Email Marketing Trends

Email marketing tactics will need to get smarter to stand out and speak to your customers. Expect to see things like:

– More personalization: Segmentation and personalized content based on interests, behaviors, and purchase history will become the norm. AI will help scale 1:1 messages.

– Video: Short videos in emails can demonstrate products, share testimonials, provide how-tos, and make connections.  

– Customer journeys: Emails will focus on guiding subscribers through pre-defined journeys specific to each persona and objective.

– Automation: Workflows triggered by behaviors will send timely, relevant information and offers without brands having to do all the work.

– Privacy focus: Features like improved unsubscribe flows and selective data sharing will build consumer trust.

Wrapping Up

As new technologies like AI enable more 1:1 personalization, interactive content, and customer journey focus, email will become an even more powerful ecommerce marketing tool.

The key is to continually test and optimize your strategy. Pay close attention to open and engagement metrics as well as the customer experience. Build trust by providing value, not just sales pitches. With a thoughtful, customer-centric approach, email marketing can drive measurable results for your ecommerce biz well into the future.


Want a free, no-obligation audit of your email marketing campaigns to increase your revenue in 2024? Schedule your audit with us today!

What is a Good Repeat Customer Rate in Ecommerce? How to Calculate + Benchmarks

a man becomes a repeat customer on an ecommerce website

Turning one-time shoppers into repeat customers – that’s the golden ticket in ecommerce today. After all, repeat customers spend 67% more than new customers. So what’s considered a good repeat customer rate in ecommerce? And how can you benchmark your performance to know if you’re on the right track?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to stack the odds in your favor for turning new shoppers into lifelong customers. 

What is a Repeat Customer Rate?

“Repeat customer rate” is the percentage of customers who have purchased from your store more than once. It’s a metric that indicates how well you convert first-time buyers into repeat buyers. 

The formula is simple: 

Repeat Customer Rate = Total Number of Repeat Customers / Total Number of Customers

But why does repeat rate matter so much? Well, loyal customers are hugely profitable for several reasons:

– They convert at higher rates – Repeat customers convert 50% more often because they trust your brand.

– They spend more money – As mentioned, repeat customers spend 67% more per transaction. 

– They cost less to convert – It’s estimated to be 5x cheaper to retain a customer than acquire a new one.

– They refer friends – Referrals are your best customers, spending 2x more than average. 

– They forgive mistakes – Loyal customers will cut you more slack if problems arise.

So in short, a high repeat rate provides a foundation for long-term success. Let’s look at what good benchmarks are.

Benchmarks for Excellent, Good, and Average Repeat Rates

What constitutes an excellent, good or average repeat customer rate in ecommerce? While there are no definitive standards, we can look at benchmarks from leading retailers:

Excellent Repeat Rates:

– Amazon – Over 85%

– Walmart – Over 80% 

– Chewy – Over 80%

– Wayfair – Over 60%

Good Repeat Rates: 

– Over 50% is generally considered strong

– Home Depot – 45-50% range 

– Best Buy – 45-50% range

Average Repeat Rates in Ecommerce:

15-30% is typical for most ecommerce stores

– Under 20% indicates opportunity to improve

As you can see, anything over 50% is admirable. Of course, benchmarks also depend on the type of product you sell. For example, subscription services and grocery delivery tend to enjoy higher repeat rates.

The key is to track your own repeat rate over time and aim for continuous improvement. Let’s talk about how to calculate that magic number.

Calculating Your Repeat Customer Rate

Figuring out your repeat customer percentage takes just a few simple steps:

1. Identify your total number of customers 

Pull a customer list from your CRM and tally the total number of individual customers, including both first-time and returning. 

2. Identify total number of repeat customers

Filter your list to count how many of those customers have ordered more than once. Alternatively, you can pull a report of their order history to specify “customers with 2+ orders” or more.

3. Plug the numbers into the formula

Repeat Customer Rate = Total Repeat Customers / Total Customers

For example, if you have:

10,000 total customers 

4,000 repeat customers

Your repeat rate would be 4,000 / 10,000 = 40%

That’s it! Track this monthly to measure progress. Now let’s get into proven ways to improve it.

a graph shows customer retention in ecommerce

6 Strategies to Increase Repeat Customers

Provide 5-Star Service

Service can make or break the post-purchase experience. Train support staff to deliver friendly, empathetic assistance. Empower them to go above and beyond, like following up after issues are resolved. 

Nail the Returns Process

Returns are inevitable – but they present an opportunity. Studies show 75% of customers would shop with a retailer again after a seamless returns experience. Make it easy to initiate and track returns.

Offer a Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs increase repeat rate by 30-50%. Offer points, tiered benefits, or discounts for repeat purchases. Send reminder emails when points are expiring.

Master Your Email Marketing

Email generates $42 for every $1 spent. Promote new arrivals, share curated content, and offer exclusive discounts to subscribed customers. Just avoid over-promoting.

Double Down on Quality

Never compromise on product quality – defects result in high returns and destroy trust. Likewise, ship orders professionally and quickly. This shows you value customers’ time.

Wrapping Up

Lifelong customers are the rock of a profitable ecommerce biz. While acquiring new shoppers is tough, getting them to return and spend more demonstrates the success of top ecommerce brands.

Now you’re equipped with actionable tips to turn first-time buyers into your best repeat customers. So get out there, start analyzing your repeat rate, and build experiences your customers won’t forget.


Want to get started with analyzing and optimizing your repeat customer rates? Schedule your audit with us today!

How to Create the Right Sending Schedule for Ecommerce SMS Campaigns

A man checks his ecommerce SMS campaign

SMS marketing can be a powerful tool for ecommerce businesses. According to recent surveys, 98% of text messages are opened and read within minutes, compared to the 20-30% open rate for emails. With such high engagement, it’s no wonder SMS marketing is growing rapidly. However, with great power comes great responsibility—you need to be strategic with your SMS marketing to see success.

One of the most crucial components of an effective SMS strategy is your sending schedule. Finding the optimal cadence and send times can significantly impact your open and click-through rates. In this article, we’ll explore how often you should send SMS campaigns, the best times to send messages, and tips for creating the ideal SMS schedule for your business. Let’s dive in!

How Often Should You Send SMS Marketing Campaigns?

When launching SMS marketing, one of the biggest questions is: how often should you send messages? You want to send frequently enough to stay top of mind with subscribers but not so often that you annoy them. Here are some best practices for SMS cadence:

  • Limit promotional sends to 1-2 times per week: Sending more frequently risks opt-outs and irritation.
  • Send cart abandonment reminders within 1 hour of abandonment: Timeliness is key for recovering lost sales.
  • Use SMS sparingly for announcements and shipping confirmations: These are timely notifications, not ongoing campaigns.
  • Avoid sends on major holidays: Prevent messages from getting lost in the shuffle.
  • Always honor opt-out requests immediately: Never spam subscribers who have asked to disengage.

The ideal cadence will depend on your industry, subscriber base, and business goals. Test different frequencies to see what resonates best with your customers and monitor opt-out rates to avoid overdoing it.

What Are the Best Times to Send SMS Campaigns?

Timing is just as important as frequency in SMS marketing. Ensure your messages are received when subscribers are most likely to engage. Consider these key points on timing:

  • Avoid early mornings and late evenings: People are unlikely to be shopping at these times.
  • Lunchtime (11am – 1pm): Especially effective for restaurant/food brands.
  • Evening (6pm – 9pm): Great for reaching people making dinner plans or relaxing after work.
  • Sunday afternoons: Ideal for meal kit and grocery delivery messages.
  • Mondays and Tuesdays: Tend to perform better than late weekdays.
  • Fridays: Statistically the worst day for open rates, but good for weekend-specific offers if sent on Thursday or Friday.
  • Sync messages with peak ordering times: Align messages with your business’s buying rhythms.

Always track open and click rates by send time to determine when your subscribers are most engaged, and refine your schedule based on the data.

How many SMS texts is too many infographic

Top Scheduling Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your SMS schedule is optimized for open rates and conversions:

  • Sending too early/late: Avoid off-peak times when customers won’t see your message right away. Track opens to determine ideal hours.
  • Irregular sends: Random, inconsistent timing trains customers to ignore your messages.
  • Message overload: Limit frequency to 1-2 SMS campaigns per week max, unless transactional. More can irritate subscribers.
  • Short notice discounts: While urgency works, give customers reasonable time to take action.
  • Spamming opt-outs: Remove opt-outs from your list immediately to avoid damaging your reputation.
  • No call to action: Every SMS campaign should include a strong CTA, not just a statement.
  • Not tracking data: Pay attention to open rates, clicks, opt-outs, conversions, etc. Data shows what’s working.
  • Copying email schedule: SMS is different from email—shorter, more urgent. Don’t just repurpose email content and timing.

Wrapping Up

Follow the strategies outlined in this article, and you’ll be on your way to SMS marketing success. Remember to always honor opt-out requests, provide value with your messages, and speak to your subscribers like real people. Do that, and SMS can become one of your most powerful marketing channels for driving conversions and sales.


Want to launch your first SMS campaign, or optimize your current one? Schedule a call with us to see how we can support your business growth!