7 E-Commerce Mistakes That Are Costing You Sales (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest—running an online store looks easier than it is. You’ve got your website, your products, maybe even some ads running… but sales? Crickets.

If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Chances are, you’re making a few common e-commerce mistakes that are silently killing your conversions. The good news? They’re totally fixable.

Let’s break down the 7 biggest mistakes and how to fix each one, starting right now.

1. A Website That Loads Too Slowly

Problem: If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, you’re losing visitors before they even see your products.
Fix It:

• Compress images

• Use a faster hosting provider

• Limit unnecessary pop-ups and third-party apps

• Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights to see what’s slowing you down

Why it matters: Speed = trust. Trust = conversions.

2. Complicated Checkout Process

Problem: If your checkout takes too many steps, customers will bounce halfway through.
Fix It:

• Offer guest checkout (no forced account creation!)

• Use a single-page checkout if possible

• Keep payment and shipping options simple

Bonus Tip: Add trust badges and clearly show shipping costs upfront.

3. Weak Product Descriptions

Problem: If your product pages just say “Blue Dress – Size M,” you’re missing out.
Fix It:

• Use persuasive language that speaks to your customer’s lifestyle

• Include benefits, not just features

• Add size charts, how-to-use tips, or styling ideas

Think: “This dress isn’t just blue. It’s the one that turns heads on date night.”

4. Not Having High-Quality Product Photos

Problem: People can’t touch or feel your product—they rely on images.
Fix It:

• Use clean, high-resolution photos from multiple angles

• Include lifestyle shots to help people imagine the product in use

• If you can’t shoot your own, invest in stock + mockup tools

Bonus: Add zoom or video for extra impact.

5. No Clear Return or Shipping Info

Problem: Confused shoppers = no shoppers.
Fix It:

• Create a simple, clearly linked Return Policy page

• Add an FAQ that answers shipping times, costs, and return eligibility

• Be transparent—customers appreciate it

Tip: Even better if you offer free or easy returns. It builds trust instantly.

6. You’re Not Building an Email List

Problem: If you’re only relying on social media or ads, you’re missing out on long-term customers.
Fix It:

• Add a pop-up or banner offering a discount in exchange for an email

• Send weekly emails with product highlights, restocks, and tips

• Use a free tool like MailerLite or ConvertKit to start

Email = $$$. Don’t sleep on it.

7. Not Having a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Problem: If your website doesn’t clearly tell people what to do, they won’t do it.
Fix It:

• Use strong CTA buttons like “Shop Now,” “Add to Cart,” “Get Yours Today”

• Make buttons bold and visible, especially on mobile

• Don’t overthink it—just make it clear and actionable

Test this: Place your main CTA “above the fold” so it’s visible without scrolling.

Need Help Diagnosing the Problem?

Take my FREE quiz:
👉 Is Your Online Store Losing Sales? Take the Quiz

You’ll get personalized tips to optimize your site and convert more visitors into buyers.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a full website overhaul—just a few smart tweaks can unlock a lot more revenue.

Start with the mistake that hit closest to home, fix it, then move to the next. And remember: Your store deserves to thrive.

💬 Which of these mistakes have you made (or fixed)? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your journey!