When you say the word “plug-ins”, a lot of people might think you’re referring to one of those air fresheners that fits into a wall socket. Others might think of things that attach to video game consoles. Software plug-ins, like the ones often used in ecommerce, are a bit different than either of those but are becoming very important in the business of online retail.
What They Are
Plug-ins are software components that are added onto an already existing program. If you’ve ever downloaded an antivirus program or an ad blocker, you’ve dealt with plug-ins. In the ecommerce world, these are used to optimize the customer experience, as well as help a business promote itself. Certain plug-ins are used to keep track of how far along a customer has gotten in their order process, so an email can be sent to the ones that started an order but didn’t finish. These emails are automated and sent without any human involvement. Better still, over one-third of these emails result in a sale being completed.
How They Work
Other plug-ins are more about direct contact. Many ecommerce businesses use live chat to help customers with any issues that may arise. A business with live chat can have a few people helping many customers at once, unlike having real live people respond to calls, which is limited to a one-to-one ratio. It’s also faster way to aid than back and forth emails. Having the option to contact a company immediately improves customer satisfaction, even when they’re contacting you with a complaint.
What They Can Do for You
Ecommerce stores need to present a cohesive and tailored site to stand out. One of the ways to do this is with a solid ecommerce theme so your business looks like you put the right amount of thought and effort into it. Another way is to have everything streamlined and neat. The best ecommerce themes allow for plug-ins to help accomplish this.
For example, plug-ins that consolidate all your shipping needs help your operations run smoothly. Of course, this is helpful for the customer as well, but first and foremost, these plug-ins keep everything in line for the people behind the site. You don’t want your customers to see the strings, or to think of your ecommerce store as one where things go wrong. Having the ability to simplify something with as many moving parts as ordering and shipping can help grow your business and retain customers.
Other Uses
How about getting new customers to your site in the first place? Plug-ins like MailChimp will make your email campaigns streamlined automated processes. Your upcoming deals and new items get sent out as you need them to, without you having to personally send each one. This increases your brand recognition, as more people see what you have to offer. It also reminds existing customers why they liked your products in the first place. A well-done email campaign brings in new business and helps the whole operation look polished and professional.
With all the plug-in options available and all the benefit, a business can get out of them, it’s no wonder that many online stores are utilizing them. Regardless of the size of your business, plug-ins optimize online stores in a variety of ways. However, in every case their biggest benefit is the fact they buy take a thing off of your plate. That’s the kind of help every digital entrepreneur needs.