This blog was updated on 14 April 2025, for more information connect with our team: https://www.easystore.co/contact 

5 Proven Tactics to Engage and Retain E-Commerce Visitors

When running an e-commerce site, your top priority should be turning first-time visitors into loyal, returning customers. 

Building long-term relationships leads to higher engagement, better brand awareness, and more revenue.

A Kissmetrics study highlights this clearly:

“Visitors who return to e-commerce sites dramatically outperform new visitors. New visitors spend an average of 2 minutes 31 seconds on-site, compared to 5 minutes 31 seconds for returning visitors — a difference of over 100%. They also view more pages, with new visitors averaging 3.88 pages per visit, while returning visitors view 5.55 pages.”

Why it matters: Return visitors not only spend more time on your site but are also more likely to make purchases and become brand advocates.So, how do you engage and retain them? Here are 5 proven tactics you should start using:

1. Ask for Feedback

One of the simplest and most effective ways to engage visitors is by asking for their opinions. Invite comments, encourage feedback, and stay active on social media platforms — where your customers naturally share thoughts and experiences. This process, known as social listening, helps you gather valuable insights. For instance, fitness tech brand Fitbit successfully used social listening by launching a Facebook poll about new product colors, letting customers feel part of the product decision process. Also, consider prompting your audience for feedback at the end of articles or before they leave your site — but give them enough time to explore first. Always acknowledge their input with a confirmation message or follow-up email. Regularly gathering feedback helps you monitor your Net Promoter Score (NPS) and improve customer experience early on.

2. Use Digital Tools to Boost Engagement

Digital marketing tools can significantly enhance engagement by encouraging sharing and extending site visits. For example:

• AddThis Share Buttons make it effortless for visitors to share your content.

• AddThis Related Posts suggests personalized content based on the visitor’s browsing habits, keeping them engaged longer.AddThis also offers other tools you can customize — all designed to drive conversions and deliver tailored messages to your visitors.

3. Create High-Quality Content

Your content is what sets you apart. As Rand Fishkin of Moz emphasizes, aim for 10x content — content that’s 10 times better than what’s currently available. Exceptional content attracts traffic, encourages shares and follows, and builds authority in your niche. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, guides, or product pages — quality content converts casual visitors into loyal fans.

4. Encourage Return Visitors to Join Your Email Newsletter

Build a direct connection with your audience by asking them to subscribe to your newsletter. Craft personalized, valuable content that makes them want to open, share, and engage. According to AddThis data, returning visitors are 10x more likely than first-time visitors to leave their email addresses. Use this opportunity to nurture them with exclusive updates, offers, and content.

5. Incentivize Return Visitors

Give your returning visitors a little extra nudge by offering targeted incentives. Use simple audience targeting tools to display special offers or discounts to repeat visitors. For example, design and print company Moo rewards returning visitors with discounts on products they previously viewed — turning familiarity into conversions. This type of personal touch can turn a casual visitor into a loyal customer, while enhancing their overall online shopping experience.

The Takeaway: Integrating yourself naturally into your visitors' online habits builds a stronger connection. Not only will you increase revenue, but you’ll also create an engaging, efficient, and enjoyable experience for your audience. For more tips and digital marketing best practices, visit the AddThis blog and AddThis Academy.

Article credit: AddThisHave questions? Reach out to the AddThis support team at help@addthis.com or tweet them @AddThisSupport!