Hello there!
In “the year of our lord” 2023, Web browsers and businesses have a relationship that’s eerily similar to that of a cat and a laser pointer.
They’re there one moment, completely engaged and almost within reach, but with one swift movement, they’ve darted off to another corner of the vast living room we call the internet.
The eternal challenge of turning these curious Brooklyn web surfers into devoted e-commerce shoppers is like trying to teach a cat the fine art of catching that elusive red dot.
The goal is always around the corner, but achieving it requires finesse, strategy, and occasionally a can of tuna (or, in our case, an enticing deal).
To snag these digital felines, we must first understand them. Who are these Brooklyn web surfers?
Imagine a hipster, beard groomed to perfection, sipping an ethically-sourced single-origin espresso while scrolling through your site on a vintage Macbook.
A chuckle, I know, but every potential customer is a unique blend of interests and quirks, just like our coffee aficionado.
Getting to know their online behaviors, preferences, and shopping patterns is crucial.
It’s like throwing a hipster party; you’ve got to know what organic craft beer to serve to keep the guests entertained.
Now, attracting these surfers to your online shores? That’s an art form in itself.
Picture your e-commerce site as a fishing boat in the endless sea of the internet.
To get the surfers biting, you need the right bait—enticing content, irresistible deals, and a user experience smoother than a dolphin’s back.
The perfect ‘hook’? Well, that’s where things get interesting, my friend.
Picture it as the worm on the end of your fishing line – irresistible, squirming (in a good way), and perfectly designed to get those web surfers biting.
Now, let’s dive into the deep waters and reel in those customers, shall we?
Here we go!…
Understanding the Brooklyn Web Surfer
Let’s imagine the typical Brooklyn web surfer – let’s call him Jake. Now, Jake is your stereotypical Brooklynite.
He’s got the beard, the plaid shirt, and, yes, that single-speed bike he uses to traverse the concrete jungle.
He supports local businesses, organic food, and products that scream “sustainability.”
But what really gets Jake’s heart racing (apart from his locally-sourced kombucha) is his love for all things unique and niche.
He doesn’t want the same stuff everyone else is getting; he craves the unconventional, the out-of-the-box, the, dare I say, artisanal.
This is the challenge for your e-commerce store – how do you pique Jake’s interest, get him browsing, and ultimately, click that ‘buy now’ button?
Now, don’t get me wrong.
Not all Brooklyn web surfers are carbon copies of Jake, but understanding his shopping behavior can give you a glimpse into the mind of your average Brooklynite.
According to a report by BigCommerce (2022), 68% of millennials demand an integrated, seamless shopping experience regardless of the channel.
This tells you that Jake expects an easy-to-navigate website and a seamless transition between your social media page, your physical store (if you have one), and your e-commerce site.
So, here’s a common question you might have:
“Do I really need to tailor my website for the Jakes of Brooklyn?”
Well, unless you want to lose out on a big chunk of potential customers craving a personalized, seamless shopping experience, then yes, you absolutely do!
Another question might be:
“How can I understand the behavior of my typical web surfer?”
One word, my friend: analytics.
Dive deep into your website’s data, analyze the patterns, study the demographics, and behold the goldmine of information about your customers’ browsing behaviors.
And if the thought of analytics scares you more than a Brooklyn hipster without his morning coffee, check out this resource on understanding e-commerce analytics.
Now, cracking the code of the Brooklyn web surfer is easier than you’d think.
Sure, they’re not your typical, run-of-the-mill web browsers, but hey, that’s what makes them interesting!
As long as you remember to keep things seamless, unique, and a bit quirky, you’ll have Jakes across Brooklyn flocking to your e-commerce store in no time.
So, are you ready to ride the Brooklyn wave and turn these web surfers into eager shoppers?
Attracting the Surfers: Baiting the Line
Oh, you want to go fishing in the crowded waters of Brooklyn’s web-surfing community?
Well, my friend, buckle up because I’m about to teach you how to bait the line, Brooklyn-style!
And fear not, no actual fish will be harmed in making these profits.
Understanding the Bait: First things first, you need to understand your bait.
And no, I’m not talking about wriggly worms here.
I’m talking about the content, products, and services you offer.
In the concrete jungle, where hipster mustaches roam free, you’ve got to provide something unique, sustainable, and perhaps even a bit ‘vintage’ to get those web surfers biting.
If your product were a donut, it would be filled with organic raspberry jam and covered with vegan chocolate.
You get the idea.
Casting the Line: Your website is the fishing rod, and your content is the line.
Cast it out into the world with blogs, videos, and social media posts that resonate with the Brooklyn spirit.
According to OptinMonster, a staggering 70% of millennials prefer to shop online rather than in stores.
So, my dear friend, make sure your e-commerce site only looks like it’s stuck in the 90s if you’re intentionally going for that retro vibe.
Hook ’em with Humor: Everyone loves a good laugh, even our beloved Brooklyn web surfers.
Use humor in your content. Make them chuckle, giggle, or even snort if you can (snorting’s still cool, right?).
But don’t go overboard unless you’re selling life jackets.
Reeling Them In: Offers, discounts, freebies – these are the hooks.
Who wouldn’t want to bite on a ‘buy one, get one free artisanal coffee soap’?
It’s almost as irresistible as that hipster barista down at the corner café.
Common Questions Time:
“How do I know if my bait is working?”
Analytics, my dear Watson.
If the surfers are biting, your website traffic will tell you all about it.
“What if my line snaps and I lose potential customers?”
Ah, that’s where a responsive, user-friendly design comes in. Keep them hooked with a smooth browsing experience.
Remember the Net: Got them hooked? Good.
Make the checkout process as smooth as a freshly-shaved hipster’s chin, and you’ve got a catch!
Release or Keep?: Now, I don’t mean to sound fishy, but attracting web surfers is much like fishing.
It’s all about knowing your bait, casting your line, hooking them in, and reeling them into your e-commerce net.
Keeping Surfers on the Hook: Engaging Web Content
Keeping web surfers engaged is a bit like trying to keep your cat entertained with a laser pointer: fun but tricky.
And in the diverse and lively land of Brooklyn, it’s like trying to entertain a cat that’s also a part-time DJ with a Ph.D. in Philosophy.
So, grab your figurative laser pointer, and let’s learn how to keep those fickle felines – I mean, customers – engaged!
The Great Hook of ’08: Remember the 2008 viral sensation “Hipster Cat Wearing Glasses?” No?
That’s because I just made it up.
But if it were real, it would have been a great hook! Your web content needs to have that same imaginary allure.
More than having products as cool as artisanal ice cubes is needed; your content must make readers feel like they’ve just stumbled upon a hidden speakeasy that serves kombucha cocktails.
Falling Off the Hook: I once knew a Brooklyn-based e-commerce site that wanted to engage users with a pop-up ad for every single product.
The website was about as welcome as a skunk at a garden party.
Unsurprisingly, their bounce rate was higher than a caffeinated squirrel.
According to HubSpot, 73% of companies prioritize the user experience to optimize the customer journey.
That other 27%? They are probably still trying to figure out why their pop-up strategy isn’t working.
The Multimedia Dance: The text is great, but this isn’t the 1800s, and we need to pen the next great American novel.
Images, videos, and gifs are the moves you need to engage the Brooklyn crowd.
Just don’t overdo it, or your website might look like it’s having a dance-off with itself.
Learning from Grandma’s Blog: My Grandma once started a blog about her knitting adventures.
Bless her.
She used neon green text on a fluorescent pink background.
It was like reading through a kaleidoscope.
Don’t be like Grandma.
Unless you’re selling retro disco gear, keep the design tasteful.
Common Questions Breakdown:
“How much multimedia is too much?”
Think of multimedia like hot sauce on your breakfast burrito: a little adds flavor.
Too much, and you’re calling the fire department.
“What if my content is as dull as dishwater?”
Spice it up with some Brooklyn flavor – a dash of humor, a sprinkle of wit.
Need inspiration? Check out this guide on engaging web content.
The Tale of the Never-Ending Scroll: It’s one thing to have engaging content; it’s another to have so much content that users feel like they’re scrolling down an abyss.
Keep it engaging but concise, like a hipster’s well-trimmed beard.
The Gentle Nudge: Convincing Surfers to Shop
Ah, the art of convincing web surfers to shop.
It’s a bit like trying to persuade your vegan friend to try your famous bacon-wrapped scallops at your Brooklyn rooftop BBQ.
Challenging, yes, but not impossible!
The Gentle Push: You’ve got them on your site; they’re looking, interested but not buying.
How do you give them that gentle push?
Imagine walking into a hip Brooklyn café and being handed a free artisanal cold brew just for showing up.
In e-commerce, a well-timed discount or free shipping offer can be that virtual cold brew.
Just be subtle, or they’ll feel as pressured as a hipster in a chain coffee shop.
Epic Fails: Once upon a time, a Brooklyn e-commerce store decided that sending daily promotional emails was the key to success.
They bombarded inboxes like pigeons bombarding freshly washed cars.
The unsubscribe rate? Higher than the rents in Williamsburg.
According to a study by MarketingSherpa, 86% of consumers would like to receive promotional emails at least monthly.
Still, only 15% want them daily.
The Power of Testimonials: Brooklynites trust reviews like they trust their local bartender’s beer recommendations.
Include customer reviews and testimonials to build that vital trust.
You’re on the right track if your reviews are as glowing as a five-star Yelp review for a hidden taco truck.
Triumphs in Persuasion: I know a site that offered a mystery discount code if you spun a virtual wheel.
It was like a carnival game, but instead of winning a giant stuffed bear, you got 10% off artisan soap.
Sales soared like kites in Prospect Park.
Common Questions Breakdown:
“How often should I send promotional emails?”
Once a month is a sophisticated jazz club; daily is a relentless street saxophonist.
Find your rhythm.
“Can I be too pushy?”
If your website feels like a used car salesman in a plaid suit, tone it down.
Need guidance? Check out Neil Patel’s guide on subtle persuasion techniques.
The Subtle Art of Suggestion: Want to know the secret behind convincing web surfers to buy?
Make them think it’s their idea.
Subtle suggestions, intuitive design, and ease of navigation can make them feel like they’re discovering a secret, trendy speakeasy rather than being led to a tourist trap.
The Checkout: Sealing the Deal
Ah, the checkout stage, where your digital dance with the customer culminates in the climactic “Add Payment” button.
This is where you seal the deal or risk a total faceplant.
Allow me to guide you through the quirky bazaar of Brooklyn’s e-commerce checkout experience.
The Golden Gate to Success: Checkout is like the door of that popular brunch spot in Brooklyn; it should be inviting, not a barricade of confusion.
Make it user-friendly with clear steps, or customers may be trying to parallel park in Park Slope.
The Infamous Checkout Nightmare: Imagine the horror of finally deciding to buy that organic, gluten-free, fair-trade, locally-sourced soy candle, only for the checkout to freeze like a hipster in July wearing a beanie.
The pain! Research indicates that 21% of online shoppers have abandoned an order in the past quarter solely due to a “too long/complicated checkout process”.
The Swanky Checkout Lounge: Take cues from the swankiest speakeasy in Brooklyn: minimal hassle, maximum flair.
Keep forms simple and offer options like guest checkout.
No one wants to fill out their life story just to buy artisanal pickles.
Humorous Horror Story: I once knew an e-commerce site that forced customers to create an account, pick a favorite color, name their first pet, and perform a virtual handshake before purchasing.
Let’s not make online shopping feel like a Freemason initiation.
Common Questions Breakdown:
“Should I force customers to create an account?”
That’s like forcing a vegan to eat pastrami on rye.
Offer a guest option, my friend.
“What payment options should I offer?”
Variety is the spice of life, especially in Brooklyn.
Credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay – diversify like a food truck menu.
Need more help? Shopify has an in-depth guide.
The Delightful Surprise Tactic: Offer a pleasant surprise at checkout, like a discount or free gift wrapping.
It’s like finding an open spot at McCarren Park on a sunny day; unexpected and delightful.
The Bottom Line in Brooklyn: Sealing the deal at checkout is like getting the L train to run smoothly during rush hour; it requires finesse and planning.
Avoid the horror stories and create a checkout process smoother than cold brew coffee.
After The Sale: Don’t Ghost Your Customers!
The relationship between a Brooklyn E-commerce store and its customers is a lot like the latest art installation in Bushwick – it’s meant to be lasting and possibly bewildering.
After the purchase is complete, some businesses just ghost their customers faster than a dating app fling.
Let’s delve into the dizzying post-purchase dance without missing a beat.
Why Ghosting Is for Ghastly Businesses: Ghosting your customers after a sale is like leaving a party without saying goodbye – it’s rude and leaves a weird vibe.
Keeping the relationship alive post-purchase leads to loyalty and repeated sales, much like frequenting that local deli ensures the best pastrami in town.
Follow-up Emails, Not Stalkers: Sending a follow-up email is like giving a friendly wave from across the street; too many emails, and you’re peering through their window at night.
A stunning 68% of customers leave a business because they think you don’t care about them.
Ask for Feedback, But Don’t Beg: Ever had a street musician follow you down the block, harmonica wailing, asking for feedback on their rendition of “Wonderwall?”
Don’t be that guy.
Request reviews or feedback but don’t pester like a Times Square Elmo.
Offer Support Without Smothering: Providing excellent customer support post-purchase is like holding the door for someone.
It’s appreciated but don’t stand there all day.
Provide clear ways to get help without smothering them with pop-up chat boxes.
Common Questions Tackled with Gusto:
“How often should I follow up?”
Like Grandma’s Sunday calls, find a regular rhythm without being overbearing.
“Can I request a review?”
Sure, just don’t be more desperate than a Williamsburg musician handing out mixtapes.
For more insights, HubSpot has some golden advice.
The Loyalty Program Tango: Reward loyal customers like you reward yourself after biking across the Brooklyn Bridge – generously.
A loyalty program isn’t just a discount carnival; it’s a bridge to a long-term relationship, minus the expensive dinners.
The Moral of our Brooklyn Tale: Ghosting is reserved for haunted houses and ill-advised romances, not your thriving e-commerce enterprise.
Keep the post-purchase connection alive, quirky, and personable, like a neighborhood bartender who remembers your dog’s name.
After all, in Brooklyn, business isn’t just about transactions; it’s a community, one vegan donut at a time.
For more SEO tips, click here.
Well that’s it for this one! Don’t forget to leave a comment below!
Till next time,
