What goes into building a successful e-commerce CBD business?
While a quality product line is the backbone of any online CBD store, an effective, user-friendly website is crucial for establishing trust. With the right features, online stores can help consumers to feel confident about their purchases. This quick guide to building a high-traffic CBD website covers all the big points for how to start an online CBD company.
Importance of a Website for Your CBD Business
Online selling is the most extensive distribution channel for CBD retailers. Currently, online CBD sales are valued at around $4 billion. Forecasters expect that to climb to $6 billion by 2026. Consumers enjoy buying CBD online because of the privacy, selection, and pressure-free experience they can enjoy. These are points to keep in mind when developing a CBD e-commerce website. It's also essential to make sure that these qualities are conveyed immediately. According to research, consumers form their impressions of a website in just 50 milliseconds!
Key Features to Consider When Building a CBD Website
Whether handling CBD website design in-house or hiring a CBD website design company, having a vision in mind for your CBD online business is essential. Here's a look at the key features that should be added to ensure customer contentment!
Mobile Responsive
According to Pew Research, 76% of people purchase online using smartphones. While desktop purchases are still common, retailers must factor in how their stores look and function on smartphones when they sell CBD online. A CBD e-commerce platform needs a responsive design that creates a seamless customer browsing and buying experience.
Payment Options
Don't lose a sale because your online CBD store only accepts limited payment options. In addition to accepting all major credit cards, online stores should accept contemporary payments, including Apple Pay, Android Pay, and more. Next, consider using installment services that offer payment plans for customers with zero risk to retailers. Popular options include Klarna, Strip, and Afterpay.
Product Pages, Images, and Related Products
These features create robust consumer interactions with your brand. In addition, image-rich, information-rich pages can boost search engine optimization (SEO). Product pages are important for helping consumers learn more about products, product categories, and brands your store sells.
Detailed product descriptions that include information about a product's formulation, size, serving size, manufacturing process, and intended health benefits are crucial for helping customers make informed purchasing decisions. When possible, include photos of product labels to allow customers to read information supplied directly from manufacturers. This recreates consumers' experience while shopping for CBD oil in person!
Product images are important because they help to set up expectations for consumers. Online shoppers feel like they can hold the product in their mind's eye even if they can't pick it up to keep it in person. Images also establish trustworthiness and legitimacy because consumers feel like they can “see” before they buy, even if they aren't finally walking into a brick-and-mortar store, having suggestions for related products populating the screen. At the same time, browsing is an incredible tool for helping consumers find what they need. This feature is like a helpful virtual storekeeper waiting to offer personalized suggestions based on each customer's search.
FAQ Section/Shipping Information/Return Policy/Tracking Information
Consumers appreciate transparency at every step of the purchasing process. These sections are crucial for establishing trust and transparency with customers. An FAQ section isn't just beneficial for customers. It can also reduce the burden of answering emails or calls from customers with commonly asked questions. Moreover, answering their questions immediately using a self-service method can help customers make purchases on the spot.
Publishing shipping and return information on a website is also essential. This helps customers make informed decisions, set expectations, and make accurate cost comparisons with shipping thrown into the equation. Finally, supplying a link where customers can track their orders is one of the best ways to establish trust! It also eliminates the need for customers to contact customer service to get status updates.
Product Reviews
Online reviewers are potent drivers of online sales! According to one analysis, 60% of consumers browse online reviews once a week, 93% believe online reviews help them to make better purchasing decisions, 82% read product reviews before making shopping decisions, and 93% agree that online reviews affect their shopping decisions. Adding online reviews allows customers to help you grow your brand using authentic word of mouth!
Contact Information
Don't make the simple mistake of making your brand's contact information impossible to find! A “contact us” link should be visible on every page customers will encounter while browsing. In addition to an ordinary contact option, CBD e-commerce companies can consider live 24/7 support for answering product questions. Including a physical address can be vital if you're trying to establish that you are running a USA-based online CBD company. It's also essential to include a mailing address where returned products can be sent, contact information for wholesale inquiries, and contact information for press inquiries.
Shopping Cart
Building a reliable, hassle-free shopping cart for an online CBD store starts with selecting a reputable, dynamic CBD payment processor. A payment processor is a vendor that manages the logistics of accepting credit cards and digital payments. Your payment processor will be integrated with your shopping cart to create a flawless checkout experience. For most shoppers, a shopping cart is a place to park items while browsing. When it's time to make a payment, the shopping card guides the customer through the process using prompts for providing contact information, shipping preferences, coupon codes, payment, and order confirmation. Additionally, a shopping cart collects customer information to help your brand build a customer database to offer promotions.
Blog
For various reasons, a blog is an excellent brand tool for a CBD online business. First, blog posts help to boost SEO to make it easier for customers to find your e-commerce store when searching online for specific products, general information about CBD, popular CBD brands, and more. A blog is also excellent for announcements about new products or special promotions.
Understanding the Legal Landscape of CBD
Before diving into the world of online CBD sales, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the legal landscape. Selling CBD products online requires adherence to both federal and state regulations. Ensure that your CBD products contain no more than 0.3% THC, the federal legal limit. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the laws of each state you plan to ship to, as some states have stricter regulations than others.
The Power of Content Marketing for CBD Businesses
Content marketing is a powerful tool for CBD businesses. You can attract and educate potential customers by creating high-quality, informative content about CBD, its benefits, and its uses. Blog posts, articles, and videos can help establish your brand as an authority in the CBD industry. This drives organic traffic to your website and builds trust with your audience.
Ensuring Website Security and Data Protection
Given the sensitive nature of online transactions, ensuring your CBD website's security is paramount. Invest in SSL certificates to encrypt data between the user's browser and your website. This protects your customers' personal and payment information and boosts your website's credibility. Regularly update and back up your website to protect against potential threats.
Engaging with Your Audience through Social Media
Social media platforms offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with your target audience. You can build a loyal customer base by creating and sharing relevant content, responding to customer inquiries, and promoting special offers. However, be aware of each platform's policies regarding CBD advertising, as some media have restrictions.
Leveraging Email Marketing for Customer Retention
Email marketing effectively informs your customers about new products, special promotions, and company updates. Building an email list and sending out regular newsletters can encourage repeat purchases and foster customer loyalty.
Summary
Building a successful online CBD store requires more than just a user-friendly website. Understanding the legal landscape, engaging in content marketing, ensuring website security, leveraging social media, and utilizing email marketing are crucial. With these strategies, CBD businesses can thrive online and establish a loyal customer base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a CBD website?
To create a CBD website, choose a domain name, select a reliable hosting service, and use an e-commerce platform that supports CBD sales. Ensure the website is mobile-responsive, user-friendly, and secure.
Is selling CBD online profitable?
Yes, selling CBD online can be profitable, especially with the growing acceptance and demand for CBD products. However, success depends on product quality, marketing strategies, and website user experience.
How do I market my CBD business?
You can market your CBD business through content marketing, social media engagement, email marketing, SEO optimization, and paid advertising. However, always be aware of advertising restrictions on specific platforms.
Is a CBD business profitable?
Yes, the CBD business can be profitable, especially with the increasing awareness and acceptance of CBD products. However, profitability depends on product quality, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer service.
What are the legal considerations for selling CBD online?
Ensure that the CBD products you sell contain no more than 0.3% THC, as per federal regulations. Additionally, familiarize yourself with state-specific laws, as some states have stricter rules than others.
How can I ensure the security of my CBD website?
Invest in SSL certificates to encrypt data and regularly update and back up your website. Also, choose a reliable hosting service with robust security features.
Which e-commerce platforms support CBD sales?
Platforms like Shopify, Woocommerce, and BigCommerce support CBD sales. However, always check the platform's policies to ensure compliance.
How can content marketing benefit my CBD business?
Content marketing can establish your brand as an authority in the CBD industry, drive organic traffic, and build trust with your audience.
What payment options should I offer on my CBD website?
Offer various payment options, including major credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and PayPal, and installment services like Klarna and Afterpay.
How can I engage with customers on social media?
Share relevant content, respond to customer inquiries, and promote special offers. However, be aware of each platform's policies regarding CBD advertising.
Why is email marketing important for CBD businesses?
Email marketing informs customers about new products, promotions, and updates, encouraging repeat purchases and fostering loyalty.
How can I optimize my CBD website for mobile users?
Ensure your website is mobile-responsive, optimize images for faster loading, and test the website's functionality on various devices.
What is the importance of product reviews on a CBD website?
Product reviews provide authentic feedback, build trust with potential customers, and influence purchasing decisions.
How can I build trust with customers on my CBD website?
Provide detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, transparent shipping, and return policies, and ensure website security.
