5 Customer Base Growth Hacks for E-commerce Entrepreneurs

E-commerce entrepreneurs continuously demand new ways to broaden their customer base.

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Establishing trust and expanding their loyal customer base is not just about attracting new customers; it's about taking the time to nurture ones and improve the overall customer experience. 

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Here are the five actionable strategies to help e-commerce businesses thrive.

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1. Leverage social proof like a pro

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Social proof isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your ticket to credibility.

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Customers reviews, testimonials, and user-generated content (UGC) are the modern equivalent of a friend’s recommendation, and they work wonders.

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A 2023 study showed 85% of consumers are more likely to shop with a brand tied to loyalty programs—often because they encourage actions like leaving reviews.

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1.1 Showcase reviews with impact

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‍Don’t let great feedback sit in the shadows.

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Feature five-star ratings and customer quotes on product pages, your homepage, and even checkout prompts.

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Platforms like Trustpilot or Yotpo can streamline this, pulling in fresh reviews effortlessly.

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Glossier nails it by pairing skincare reviews with before-and-after shots, while Allbirds highlights eco-friendly shoe feedback to reinforce its brand ethos.

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1.2 Tap into UGC

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‍Get customers to share their experiences—think unboxing videos or Instagram posts—and turn those into marketing assets.

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A branded hashtag like #YourBrandCampaigncan spark a wave of content and UGC.

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A stellar example of this UGC masterclass is e.l.f. Cosmetics.

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The hashtag #elfcosmetics has soared to 2.1 billion views, while searches like “package unboxing of e.l.f.” and “unboxing e.l.f. products makeup” have pulled in 86.5 million and 112.6 million views, respectively.

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Known for its irresistibly cute packaging—complete with the catchy “Get ready to get e.l.f.ing amazing” on its boxes—e.l.f. has turned customer excitement into a marketing goldmine.

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1.3 Encourage reviews smartly

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‍Not every happy customer will sing your praises unprompted.

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Offer a nudge—50 loyalty points, a $5 coupon, or free shipping on their next order—for a detailed review with a photo. It’s a small investment for a big trust boost.

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^{‍‍Tip: Hit customers with a post-purchase email 7-10 days after delivery, when they’re ready to rave about your product. Toss in a discount for their next buy to keep the cycle going.}

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Also, user-generated content (UGC) such as photos or videos that customers have shared, not only brings some elements of the company but also can be the marketing power.

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2. Optimise for peak season and sales days with precision

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With roughly 260 business days a year (excluding weekends and holidays), the key is knowing when to lean in.

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Holiday sales alone pulled in over $221 billion for U.S. e-commerce in 2023, and peak moments like Black Friday or back-to-school season are where the action’s at.

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2.1 Prep your inventory

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‍Stockouts kill momentum—17% of cart abandonments happen when items vanish.

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Use past sales data or tools like Google Trends to forecast demand.

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2.2 Staff up strategically

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‍High-traffic days bring more questions and shipping demands.

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Bring in extra customer service reps or warehouse support to keep things seamless. A quick chat response during Cyber Week can turn a browser into a buyer.

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2.3 Craft seasonal content

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‍Draw in shoppers with timely seasonal blogs or guides—like “10 Must-Have Gifts for the Holidays.”

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It’s a magnet for organic traffic and positions you as the go-to source. Pair it with an email blast for extra reach.

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For example, Anthropologie’s 'Best Gifts for Holiday' campaign, which we discussed in our review of successful Christmas campaigns from last year, stands out as a great case study.

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^{Tip: Start Q4 planning in September, using Shopify Analytics or Klaviyo to predict trends. Test your site speed too—laggy pages during peak times can send customers running.}

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3. Master the art of building a targeted customer base

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Your customer base is the foundation of your e-commerce success, and growing it starts with focus.

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Blanket marketing wastes time; segmentation—grouping customers by demographics, habits, or purchase history—lets you hit the mark.

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HubSpot found 60% of loyal customers spend more when offers feel personal.

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3.1 Personalise with purpose

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Ditch generic emails for targeted ones.

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Tools like Klaviyo or Mailchimp can send abandoned cart reminders with a 10% off nudge tied to the exact item. A pet store might say, “Rover’s treats are waiting!” with a product pic to reel them back.

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<sub>Bigblue Tip

Post-purchase tracking emails are often underrated, but they’re a golden opportunity. Bigblue turns them into a win with branded, customer-friendly features:
- Order status, items, and support info in one view.
_ Real-time ETA tracking.
- Proactive delay alerts.
- Fully customised branding.</sub>

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3.2 Stay connected

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‍Keep your audience engaged with bi-weekly newsletters, SMS updates on new drops, or a VIP Facebook group. It’s about building a relationship, not just pushing sales.

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3.3 Use data wisely

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‍Dive into Google Analytics or your CRM to spot your top spenders or frequent buyers. Reward them with early sale access or exclusive previews—they’re your growth engine.

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^{‍Tip: Add a “VIP Signup” pop-up with a 10% first-purchase discount for an email and a quick question like “What’s your favorite category?” It’s a simple way to kickstart a targeted base.}

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4. Supercharge retention with loyalty programs

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Retention is where the real money’s made, and loyalty programs are your ace in the hole.

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They keep customers coming back—and spending more. Data shows top loyalty members drive 15-25% more revenue than non-members.

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4.1 Create tiers

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‍Set up levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold—where perks like free shipping or exclusive discounts unlock with more purchases.

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Sephora’s Beauty Insider program keeps customers hooked by rewarding their loyalty with tangible benefits.

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4.2 Spread the word

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‍Don’t let your program fly under the radar. Highlight perks on your homepage, in emails, and at checkout.

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A banner like “Join Now, Earn 2x Points This Week!” can spark sign-ups fast.

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4.3 Reward more than purchases

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‍Points for buying are solid, but add extras—$10 off for referrals or bonuses for social shares. It’s a low-effort way to boost engagement and reach.

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^{Tip: Launch a “Double Points Weekend” every quarter, paired with a limited-time offer to drive sales. Push it via SMS or notifications for instant impact.}

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5. Better mobile shopping experience

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Mobile isn’t a trend—it’s the backbone of e-commerce today.

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Over 50% of global web traffic comes from smartphones, and that’s only growing.

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But here’s the catch: 57% of shoppers won’t recommend a brand with a subpar mobile site.

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Get this right, and you’re golden. Here’s how:

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5.1 Prioritise speed

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‍Slow load times tank conversions—53% of mobile users bounce if a page takes over 3 seconds.

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Optimise images, trim heavy code, and use accelerated mobile pages (AMP). Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can pinpoint fixes fast.

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5.2 Streamline payments

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‍Make checkout a breeze with Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or PayPal. One-tap options cut friction and keep shoppers moving.

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5.3 Boost app use

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‍If you’ve got an app, offer a 15% off coupon for first downloads.

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Then use push notifications for restocks or flash sales—like “Your Favorite Sneakers Are Back, 20% Off Today!”

^{Tip: Explore AR if it fits—letting customers virtually “try” glasses like Warby Parker’s Try at Home program can elevate the experience and reduce returns. Pair it with top-notch mobile security to build confidence.}

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Growing your e-commerce customer base isn’t a one-and-done deal—it’s a smart blend of trust, timing, and connection.

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Social proof and loyalty programs build relationships, while peak-day planning and mobile finesse bring in the crowds.

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Stay sharp, lean on data, and keep your customers at the heart of it all. These hacks aren’t just ideas—they’re your edge in a crowded market.

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Ready to make them work for you?