Building an eCommerce business is hard work. But if you work smart, it doesn’t have to be that hard. Plus, the reward is worth the hard work you put in.
When it comes to selling goods online, whether it’s in digital or physical form. One of the most essential elements of conversion optimization is website security.
Many online business owners take website security seriously, others not so much. You have to remember that shoppers like to feel safe and secure when it comes to sharing their personal information online. If your breadwinner is your eCommerce business, you simply can’t ignore the security of your site.
Below you will find 7 quick but effective ways to secure your eCommerce website, boost your online sales, and increase profits.
Here’s what we’re going to be looking over –
- Getting an SSL
- Keeping everything updated
- Being clear on your Cookie Policy
- Having a valid Privacy Policy
- Protecting your site from Malware or hacks
- Securing the login and membership area
- Securing your computer
Now let’s take a look at each one in more detail.
#1. Getting an SSL
The first item on the list is installing a website SSL or HTTPS security.
This is a pretty big one because modern web browsers can now notify users if a website is insecure. Even if there’s no risk of threat.
The last thing you want to have displayed in your customer’s address bar when visiting your site is the dreaded red ‘Not Secure’ notification.
This is a big conversion killer. In fact, 82% of shoppers would not continue shopping on a site that wasn’t secure. And most, if not all, reliable web hosts provide free SSL on a basic level. In most cases, the basic level SSL will do fine.
Check Siteground or Kinsta for hosting your shopping site. They both provide free SSL provided through a technology called Let’s Encrypt.
#2. Keep Everything Updated
Your website and all its assets should be kept up to date at all times. If your eCommerce site is built on WordPress CMS, this means keeping your theme and any plugins you have installed up to date too.
Also, you should ensure any interactive elements such as PayPal buttons, shopping carts, web forms are all secured and up to date too.
#3. Be Clear On Cookies
Your policy on how your eCommerce website uses Cookies should be clear and concise. There should also be a link in your site’s navigation to make it easy for your shoppers to view your policy and make any necessary changes.
If you’re using WordPress, again, check out this cookie notification plugin by dFactory. It’s the most up to date plugin with over 1 million active installs. It’s also easy to install, configure, and get working.
#4. Have A Clear Privacy Policy
I know you don’t need reminding how out of proportion online privacy has become over the years. All thanks to the careless actions of the bigger companies leaking out our persona data all over the internet. Needless to say, the law is the law and your eCommerce website needs to abide by it.
With that in mind, make sure your online store has a page outlining its terms about privacy and user data. If you need help with creating a specific privacy page for your shop, check out this site.
#5. Protect Your Site From Malware & Potential Hacks
Malware and hacks are a big problem with all types of websites. But did you know that there were a record-breaking 10.5 billion Malware attacks registered in 2018? Here’s the source.
If your eCommerce site is on WordPress CMS, you should take necessary action and put in place technology to help protect your site from Malware and attacks.
Be aware that any security technology can help protect but not prevent it.
WordFence is a popular free and premium security plugin that I recommend you look into. Its features include scanning, endpoint firewall, and manual blocking, two-factor authentication and more. Perfect for eCommerce sites.
#6. Secure the login and membership area
One of the simplest things you can do is secure your login area. I would recommend changing the login URL, especially for WordPress sites. You can do this using the WPS Hide Login plugin.
Other things you can do is keep your admin login credentials secure, and never stored on your computer. Change the password every six months or so, and don’t make it easy for hackers to guess.
For WordPress users, you can use a security plugin like Wordfence to set up 2-factor authentication for logging in.
#7. Secure Your Computer
If you use a work or personal computer to run and manage your eCommerce site, make sure it’s protected.
By this, I mean, have some kind of antivirus software like Norton installed. You can pick up a year’s worth of Norton security on Amazon at a good price these days.
Use the software to scan your computer regularly. Especially if you store any assets, files, images, graphics that you want to upload and use on your website.
So, there you have it. Seven quick, but essential tips, to help secure your eCommerce website and provide a safe platform for your customers to enjoy shopping on. Enjoy and best of luck.
Psst – Need help building a secure eCommerce website? Why not get in touch with us for a free consultation? Or click here to learn more about our growth-driven design and development services.