How To Get More Orders On Your eCommerce Store - 21 Proven Ideas

Picture this: 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, and most of them don’t even blink before hitting "X" on a website.

Why?

Too much friction, not enough incentive, or just plain forgetfulness.

But here’s the kicker—those are all solvable. In a world where attention spans are shorter than TikTok videos, your eCommerce store needs to wow shoppers into action.

Ready to turn browsers into buyers and cart abandonments into conversions?

Let’s dive in.

21 Actionable Tips to Drive More Orders for Your eCommerce Store

1. Run flash sales but not too many

2. Promote loyalty rewards for repeat orders

3. Offer exclusive discounts for first-time shoppers

4. Implement a simple, guest checkout option

5. Show “low stock” or “selling fast” alerts

6. Enable one-click re-ordering options

7. Launch time-sensitive “free gift” offers

8. Offer post-purchase upsells with special pricing

9. Launch seasonal campaigns for holidays or events

10. Run retargeting ads for high-intent shoppers

11. Highlight customer reviews and ratings

12. Reward frequent purchases with coupons

13. Send cart abandonment recovery emails

14. Segment your exit intent popups

15. Add BNPL option

16. Add personalized product recommendation banners

17. Use referral programs to tap into customer networks

18. Optimize page load speed

19. Use SMS campaigns

20. Add pictures of your customers as social proof

21. Implement live chat for real-time support

1. Run flash sales but not too many

Flash sales can be your secret weapon, but overusing them is like shouting “SALE!” every day—eventually, no one listens.

To maximize their impact without eroding your brand’s value, here’s what to do:

• Keep flash sales to 3–4 times a year to maintain exclusivity. Less is more when it comes to creating buzz
• Align these rare events with seasonal trends (Black Friday), product launches, or slow sales periods to capitalize on shopper behavior
• Keep flash sales short (24–48 hours max) to drive urgency without overwhelming your inventory or operations
• Build anticipation with countdown teasers in emails and social media posts. Make it clear when the sale ends to boost action
• Post-sale, dig into data like traffic, conversion rates, and top-performing products to perfect future sales

2. Promote loyalty rewards for repeat orders

Loyal customers are your bread and butter, but earning their repeat business takes more than just a “Thanks for shopping!” To build real loyalty and boost repeat orders, here’s a solid strategy:

• Promote loyalty programs during key times—after a purchase, during slow periods, or as part of special campaigns. Don’t flood every communication with loyalty talk
• Make it simple for customers to see their rewards progress (e.g., “Earn 100 points for your next discount!”) and ensure the benefits feel achievable
• Offer points or perks for repeat purchases, referrals, or leaving product reviews to drive multiple engagement touchpoints
• Use terms like “Member-only rewards” or “VIP perks” to make customers feel they’re part of something special

Brands like Sephora nail this with their tiered loyalty system—offering everything from discounts to exclusive products, keeping customers eager to shop again.

3. Offer exclusive discounts for first-time shoppers

First impressions matter, especially when they come with a discount. An exclusive offer for new shoppers not only nudges them toward that first purchase but also builds loyalty from the get-go. Here’s how to implement it effectively:

• Highlight the discount on your homepage, via popups, or in banners. Phrases like “Welcome! Enjoy 15% off your first order” work wonders
• Provide an auto-applied discount at checkout or a clearly visible promo code. The fewer hoops to jump through, the better
• Require new users to subscribe in exchange for the discount. This way, you gain a lead while they get a deal. Win-win
• Create urgency by limiting the offer to 3-5 days
• Follow up with tailored emails that thank them for their first order and highlight products they might love
• Identify which channels or campaigns bring in the most first-time buyers, so you can double down on what works
• Sweeten the deal by bundling the discount with free shipping—removing common barriers to conversion

4. Implement a simple, guest checkout option

Forcing users to create accounts is a surefire way to lose impatient shoppers. A guest checkout option removes barriers, keeps carts moving, and boosts conversions. Here’s how to make it seamless:

• Collect only the essentials—shipping, billing, and payment details. Skip fields like phone numbers unless absolutely necessary. The fewer steps, the better
• Don’t pressure users upfront. Instead, offer a friendly prompt after checkout to save their details for next time, highlighting benefits like faster reorders or tracking
• Feature the guest checkout option side-by-side with account login on the first step of your checkout page
• Design your checkout for quick thumb action. Use autofill, large buttons, and progress indicators to guide users smoothly through the process
• Remove pop-ups, banners, or additional offers during checkout
• Reassure users with clear messaging like “Secure Checkout” or recognizable payment icons (e.g., Visa, PayPal) to ease any concerns

5. Show “low stock” or “selling fast” alerts

Creating urgency is one of the easiest ways to nudge shoppers toward completing a purchase, and “low stock” or “selling fast” alerts do just that. Here’s how to implement them effectively:

• Place these alerts right next to the product price or “Add to Cart” button. Ensure they’re easily noticeable but not overwhelming
• Use phrases like “Only 3 left in stock” or “Selling fast – 10 bought in the last hour” to make the urgency tangible and believable. Avoid vague language like “Limited availability”
• Make sure the alerts are tied to real-time inventory data to build trust. False urgency can harm credibility and frustrate customers
• Don’t slap a “low stock” label on everything. Reserve these alerts for genuinely popular or nearly sold-out items to maintain authenticity

6. Enable one-click re-ordering options

Amazon revolutionized online shopping with its one-click reorder feature, turning convenience into a customer retention superpower. Shoppers don’t want to waste time—they want their go-to products faster than they can finish a coffee break. Here’s how you can bring that magic to your store:

• Add a "Reorder" button to customer accounts or order history pages
• Showcase recently purchased or frequently ordered items for quick selection
• Pre-fill shipping and payment details to minimize effort
• Offer reordering incentives like small discounts or loyalty points

7. Launch time-sensitive “free gift” offers

Everyone loves a freebie, but to make your time-sensitive gift offers truly effective, timing and execution are key.

Here’s how to make your free gift offers work harder for you:

• Create urgency by offering the free gift for a short window—24 to 48 hours max—so customers feel compelled to act quickly
• Tie the free gift to a minimum purchase or a specific product category to increase average order value and direct customer behavior
• Announce the offer via email, social media, and even on-site banners to maximize visibility

After the offer ends, evaluate how it impacted key metrics. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Measure conversion rates: Compare the number of purchases during the offer period to your usual sales. Did the free gift push more people to complete their orders?

2. Analyze average order value (AOV): If your free gift required a minimum spend, check if customers spent more to qualify. For example, if your usual AOV is $50 and your free gift threshold was $75, how many orders crossed $75?

3. Segment by audience: Break down the data by customer type—new vs. returning customers. Did the offer attract new buyers, or was it mostly repeat customers taking advantage?

4. Channel effectiveness: Track where customers came from—email, social media, or on-site banners. Which channel drove the most traffic or conversions for this campaign?

5. Gift redemption costs vs. revenue: Calculate the total cost of the free gifts and compare it to the additional revenue generated. For instance, if the gifts cost $2,000 but the campaign brought in $10,000 in extra revenue, that’s a win!

6. Retention impact: After the campaign, monitor if customers who claimed the free gift return to shop again. A spike in repeat orders means your gift left a lasting impression.

8. Offer post-purchase upsells with special pricing

Post-purchase upsells are an effective way to increase average order value without interrupting the shopping experience. Here's how to do it right:

• Present upsells immediately after the purchase to catch customers in a buying mindset
• Offer complementary products that enhance the original purchase
• Use special pricing, such as discounts or bundle deals, to make the upsell irresistible
• Keep the offer time-sensitive to create urgency
• Highlight the savings they’ll get by taking the upsell offer

9. Launch seasonal campaigns for holidays or events

Every holiday or special occasion presents an opportunity to connect with your audience in a fun, festive way—and boost sales in the process. To make the most of it, you need a strategy that resonates with customers and captures the spirit of the season. Here’s how to launch campaigns that stand out:

• Research the holidays or events most relevant to your audience
• Build a campaign theme that resonates with the season or event
• Offer product bundles that make sense for the occasion
• Create limited-edition items or exclusive packaging to increase urgency
• Start your campaign 2-3 weeks before the event to build anticipation
• Promote your campaign across email, social media, and your website
• Tell a compelling story around the season to engage your customers
• Offer early-bird specials or early access to exclusive products

10. Run retargeting ads for high-intent shoppers

You’ve got their attention, but they didn’t pull the trigger. Retargeting ads help you stay top of mind and bring those high-intent shoppers back for another shot. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Focus on cart abandoners—people who added items to their cart but didn’t complete the purchase
• Use dynamic ads to show the exact products they viewed or added to their cart
• Offer an incentive like a discount or free shipping to entice them to return
• Test different ad copy and images to see what resonates with your audience
• Set a frequency cap to avoid overwhelming shoppers with too many ads
• Time the ads wisely—show them soon after abandonment to stay fresh in their minds

11. Highlight customer reviews and ratings

Shoppers trust other shoppers more than they trust your sales copy. Displaying reviews and ratings builds credibility and helps hesitant buyers make faster decisions. Here’s how to do it right:

• Display ratings near the product title or price and feature the top reviews below the product description
• Include average star ratings right on product listing pages and in search results to grab attention early in the shopping journey
• Use snippets like “Most helpful review” or “Customer favorite” to spotlight reviews that resonate with common customer concerns
• Allow users to upload photos or videos with their reviews. Seeing the product in action builds more trust than words alone
• Let shoppers sort reviews by most recent, highest rated, or most helpful. This ensures they find information relevant to their needs
• Include snippets like “94% of customers recommend this product” or “Top comments: great quality, fast delivery” to quickly convey positive trends

12. Reward frequent purchases with coupons

Coupons are a great way to encourage customers to make repeat purchases—and make them feel valued while doing so. Offering targeted incentives for frequent buying can turn casual shoppers into regulars. Here’s how to use coupons effectively:

• Offer discounts or special deals after a certain number of purchases
• Provide exclusive coupons to loyal customers who make frequent purchases
• Set clear thresholds (e.g., “Spend $50, get $10 off your next order”)
• Make coupons easy to redeem, with minimal steps required at checkout

13. Send cart abandonment recovery emails

When shoppers abandon their carts, it’s not game over—it’s halftime. Recovery emails can bring them back into the game and convert indecision into purchases. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Send the first email within an hour of cart abandonment to stay fresh in the shopper’s mind. Follow up with a second email 24 hours later if they still haven’t completed their purchase
• Use their name and highlight the exact items left in their cart, complete with images and prices. A familiar reminder works better than generic prompts
• Include a time-limited discount or free shipping to nudge hesitant shoppers over the line. For example, “Complete your purchase in the next 24 hours for 10% off!”
• Add social proof–a review from a real customer

14. Segment your exit intent popups

Segmenting your exit-intent popups can make a big difference in converting visitors who are about to leave your eCommerce site.

Avoid generic messages; instead, personalize popups based on user behavior, such as:

• Items browsed
• Cart value
• First-time visitor or returning customer status

Examples of tailored popups:

• First-time shoppers: Offer a discount for signing up for the email list
• Returning customers: Highlight personalized recommendations or free shipping offers

Personalization makes the popup more relevant, increasing the likelihood of user engagement.

Specific scenarios and strategies:

• Abandoned cart visitors: Use messages like “Wait! You forgot something!” paired with a time-sensitive discount
• Browsing specific categories: Showcase a limited-time deal on related products

Aligning the message with user intent builds trust and drives conversions.

15. Add BNPL option

In a world where instant gratification reigns supreme, ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ option isn’t just a payment option, it is a game changer. Offering BNPL lets your customers indulge today without worrying about their bank balance, making it easier for them to hit “complete purchase.”

To make BNPL irresistible and friction-free, follow these tips:

• Place BNPL badges on product pages–next to prices, and in the cart summary
• Add a subtle breakdown of payments under the price in the buy section (e.g., “Only $25/month for 4 months!”)
• Use services like Afterpay or Klarna that are widely recognized and trusted to reduce hesitation
• Include trust signals like “0% interest” or “No hidden fees,” paired with recognizable provider logos (e.g., Klarna, Afterpay)

Brands like Sephora, for example, not only offer BNPL but actively integrate it into their messaging to promote guilt-free splurges.

16. Add personalized product recommendation banners

Imagine walking into a store, and the salesperson already knows exactly what you’re looking for. That’s the vibe personalized recommendation banners give your shoppers—tailored, relevant, and helpful. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Add banners on high-traffic pages like the homepage, product pages, and checkout. On product pages, use “You may also like” or “Customers also bought” sections for relevance
• Use browsing history, past purchases, or cart contents to suggest products that align with the shopper’s interests. For instance, show accessories for items they’ve already added to their cart
• Use grids or carousels with high-quality images and short descriptions. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many options—stick to 3-5 targeted suggestions
• Feature recommended products with discounts, trending labels, or social proof like “Popular this week” to boost appeal
• Update recommendations as the shopper’s behavior changes. For instance, if they view a different category, adjust the suggestions to match their new interest
• Use banners with headlines like “Just for you” or “Based on your favorites” to create a tailored shopping experience

17. Use referral programs to tap into customer networks

Your happiest customers are your best marketers, so why not turn them into a referral army? A solid referral program rewards loyal shoppers while bringing in new customers who already trust your brand through word-of-mouth. Here’s how to make it work:

• Provide a double-sided incentive, like “Give $10, Get $10,” to motivate both the referrer and the referee
• Showcase your referral program on your homepage, post-purchase emails, and account dashboards. If customers don’t know about it, they can’t share it
• Include direct links for social sharing, email, and text. Bonus points for generating unique referral codes to track conversions accurately
• Focus on your top spenders or repeat buyers—they’re more likely to spread the word enthusiastically

18. Optimize page load speed

A slow website is like a bad date—no one’s sticking around for long. When it comes to e-commerce, fast load times are crucial to keeping customers engaged and getting those conversions. Here’s how to speed things up:

• Compress Large images
• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Distribute your site’s content across multiple servers worldwide so users can load your site from the nearest location
• Minimize HTTP requests. Reduce the number of elements (images, scripts, stylesheets) that need to load by combining files where possible
• Enable browser caching: This allows repeat visitors to load your pages faster by storing some data in their browsers for later use
• Use lazy loading: Load images and videos only when they come into view as the user scrolls, saving bandwidth and reducing initial load times
• Optimize JavaScript and CSS: Minify code to eliminate unnecessary spaces, comments, and characters, making it more efficient and faster to load

19. Use SMS campaigns

SMS isn’t just a text—it’s a golden ticket straight into your customer’s pocket. With open rates hitting 98%, it’s the ultimate tool to deliver exclusive deals and drive quick action. Here’s how to make your SMS campaigns impossible to ignore:

• Send time-sensitive offers to create urgency and boost immediate action
• Personalize messages with customer names or recent browsing/purchase history
• Include a clear call-to-action with a direct link to the product or sale
• Focus on exclusivity by offering deals available only to SMS subscribers
• Time messages carefully to avoid annoying your audience—no midnight pings
• Use SMS to complement email campaigns, not replace them

20. Add pictures of your customers as social proof

Seeing real customers enjoying your products builds trust faster than any slogan ever could. Incorporating customer photos can make your brand relatable, authentic, and aspirational. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Showcase high-quality customer photos on product pages and testimonials
• Create a dedicated gallery or carousel for customer-submitted images
• Feature UGC on your homepage, emails, and social media campaigns
• Use photos that reflect diverse demographics to connect with a wider audience
• Ask for customer permission and offer incentives, like discounts, for photo submissions
• Pair images with short captions or reviews for added context

21. Implement live chat for real-time support

Live chat boosts customer confidence by offering instant assistance at critical moments in the shopping journey. Here’s how to make it impactful:

• Personalize interactions by greeting customers by name and referencing their cart
• Place the live chat widget prominently on all pages
• Train agents to handle common inquiries quickly and professionally
• Use chatbots for FAQs and simple tasks, leaving complex queries for humans
• Make it mobile-friendly to support shoppers across devices
• Analyze chat transcripts to identify recurring pain points and improve the experience

Final words

98% of visitors who visit an eCommerce site—drop off without buying anything.

Why: user experience issues that cause friction for visitors.

And this is the problem ConvertCart solves.

We've helped 500+ eCommerce stores (in the US) improve user experience—and 2X their conversions.

How we can help you:

Our conversion experts can audit your site—identify UX issues, and suggest changes to improve conversions.