How to make my first E-Commerce sale?

[JoshBrownn15]

Hi,
I've just created my website with WooCommerce and am yet to have my first sale. I paid for Facebook Ads and received nothing, and alongside my three social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), I'm a bit lost as to what to do next with regards to making my first sale.
You can check out my website atwww.simplyvhs.co.uk,

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, as I'm new to this. I don't want tons of sales either, as it would be too much for my current situation.

Thanks a lot,
Josh

 

[arnydnxluk]

From a technical point of view: your site is taking a very long time to load and looks quite amateurish which could put some people off. Personally, I would assume you're an extremely small operation and look for an alternative.

Other than that, it's just going to take a lot more effort. You have a very niche audience and it will take you some time to effectively target that audience. I'm not a marketing person but would imagine you're best off working on your search rankings. I'd have thought VHS conversion is something your customers search for on one-off occasions rather than being an impulse buy after seeing an ad (although I understand the benefits of retargeting etc).

As a consumer, I do find it odd that you're offering to convert my obsolete media into another format which is on its way out, rather than providing me with a URL to download my video.

 

[JoshBrownn15]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the prompt reply.
As for the loading speed, I had noticed this myself and, after much googling, can’t seem to find a way to speed it up. My wordpress host claims to be the fastest? Clearly not...

I’m no website designer expert and therefore I would probably agree it looks amateurish, but I don’t have the knowledge to make it look extremely professional.

As for the business idea, I’ve had several family members and friends taking advantage of the service and appreciating it on a DVD, especially those who find it easier to play DVD’s instead of digital formats. However, I don’t think DVD’s are on the way out enough for it to effect my conversion service, to be honest.

Like you said, it’s an alternative for me and is an extremely small operation, but with the reception I received, I thought it was a niche in the market I could delve into.

Once again, I appreciate the comments, and will look into speeding up my website and making it look more professional.

Thanks a lot,
Josh.

 

[Alan]

Of course, as a free member, we are not allowed to review your website.

In terms of business idea, it is a bit late in the game, VHS has been dead for years so most people that wanted to convert tapes would have already done so, obviously there may be a handful left...

If you do a bit of competitor research, you will see there are still sites, but they offer mp4 options AND are cheaper ( 10.99 versus your 11.99 )

 

[fisicx]

@JoshBrownn15 what makes you think people looking for your services will be using Facebook and other social media sites? It’s more likely they will use Google or some other search engine. As already mentioned, it’s a very niche service that is already well catered for. You might get the odd customer but they will few and far between.

And the site needs a lot of work if you are to stand any chance of success. Especially as I have to wait 15 days for my DVD.

 

[Raw Rob]

Just a sec, I'm going to phone my grandma to ask her what VHS is...

Seriously, I imagine most people who had VHS cassettes with anything of value on them will have converted them by now. It's going to be harder and harder to compete for the final 7 people in the UK who still want this service...

 

[antropy]

Just a sec, I'm going to phone my grandma to ask her what VHS is...

Seriously, I imagine most people who had VHS cassettes with anything of value on them will have converted them by now. It's going to be harder and harder to compete for the final 7 people in the UK who still want this service...

Welcome to the 21st Century

 

[Nochexman]

Just a sec, I'm going to phone my grandma to ask her what VHS is...

Seriously, I imagine most people who had VHS cassettes with anything of value on them will have converted them by now. It's going to be harder and harder to compete for the final 7 people in the UK who still want this service...

Not meaning to be contrary, but this misunderstands the market. The sort of person who wants to convert VHS into a DVD, made their film thirty years ago and then lost where they put it. When they de-clutter they find the tape and wonder how they can play it. DVD may or may not be the right conversion option - you need more choices.

Price - forget trying to be the cheapest. Encourage multiple conversions (lower rates for the more you convert). Focus on quality and the preservation of happy memories.

Finally, go SEO and Google Ads that is where your customers are.

Good luck!

 

[fisicx]

Finally, go SEO and Google Ads that is where your customers are.

After the site has been fixed.

Except of course there are already loads of people already offering this service. According to Google My Business, there are three within 5 miles of my house.

 

[wayzgoose]

You need your address and phone number details on the contact page. The address part is the law, the phone is my law - I wouldn't use you without it.

 

[dcart]

The development of e-business is for patient sellers. The promotion of e-commerce is long. A well run campaign will give you sales after the first three months. Of course, this is a statistical term. The start of sales depends on the company that promotes you. If it is good, be patient.