As more and more people make use of digital payments, the rising statistics are encouraging for those in the digital banking and payments services sector. However, there’s still room for improvement in how digital payments are processed. In order for digital payment options to become omnipresent, platforms and payment processes must be made seamless for consumers.
If you are a new business owner, you may find it intimidating to navigate the vast online payments ecosystem, since eCommerce merchants today have a myriad of options. As you’re researching the best online payment solutions for small businesses, you’re probably going to run into some familiar names, as well as some unfamiliar ones. If you intend to make it easier for your customers to pay and increase sales for your business, you will want to have full control over the entire checkout process. This article highlights recommendations for making digital payment methods more effective.
- Provide A Number Of Payment Methods
It may seem apparent, yet there are websites that only accept one payment option. However, according to research, 56 per cent of those surveyed expect a range of payment alternatives on the checkout page. While it is not required – or even practical – to accept every payment method available, you should look at your target audience to see which payment methods they use. Then you’ll be able to capture the vast majority of visitors to your website. Allowing direct bank transfers and payments from all major credit cards, for example, would be a good combo. It all comes down to who you’re catering to in the end.
- Allow Payments Without Requiring An Account
Forcing consumers to create an account is simply too intrusive for first-time customers, and it is a significant conversion killer. According to a usability study, the biggest reason people dislike creating an account is that they expect to be bombarded with advertising emails. Another negative is that it adds extra fields for potential customers to fill out, lengthening the payment process. Make life easier for your customers and make sure you get paid by letting them check out as a guest.
- Avoid Redirects
Nowadays, all payment credentials must function in a secure, convenient, and fast environment across any channel the customer chooses, without the need for an account. Users dislike being rerouted and having to provide more personal information than necessary.
- Keep Distractions To A Minimum
It almost goes without saying, but your checkout page represents the end of the sales cycle. It is the last step. And, in an era where consumers have the attention span of a goldfish, you don’t want anything to distract them from finishing the checkout process. That means you should never put up adverts. Your goal here is to see people through to the end of the transaction.
- Instantly Reward Consumers
More consumers are willing to swap their primary cards if it means receiving higher return values, which is why a built-in rewards system may be so appealing. On the other hand, when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards, customers want simplicity. Allow users to redeem rewards at the point of sale terminal to profit even faster from digital payments.
To Conclude
While these suggestions are certain to reduce shopping cart abandonment and make it easy for users to pay, it is always a good idea to A/B test alternative designs to see what works best. Your checkout page is where window shoppers become paying clients, so make sure to invest in the best online payment solutions and create an enjoyable experience that people will come back to.
