Running a Shopify store is not just about attracting visitors — it’s about turning those visits into sales. The truth is, not every shopper comes with a fixed plan. Many just browse, compare, and explore. That’s where impulse buying can make a big difference.
If you’re running a Shopify store in Kerala, optimizing your site for impulse buying can make impact on you business. Know more about our Shopify services to support your store’s growth, improve customer engagement, and reach more buyers.
What Is Impulse Buying?
Impulse buying is simply buying something for which you had no prior purchase plan. Impulsive buys are typically caused by emotions, pretty displays of products, or the convenience of an irresistible deal.
For example, you went to an online store to buy a kurta, and then also included a set of bangles to your cart because it’s on discount. That is an impulse buy.
This is a common occurrence in Kerala, whether it is in a shop, or online. As an example, the shopper at Lulu Mall may pick up snacks or accessories near checkout, Much like that, when you are shopping online, you might also buy products in the same way – adding things you did not plan on buying because the deal is just too good not to.
Why Impulse Buying Matters
• Increases average order value (AOV): A lot of customers spend more than they planned.
• Maximizes the traffic you already have: You don’t have to continue to invest so much in advertising.
• Increases profit margins: Add-on products typically have higher margins.
• Adds loyalty: Customers frequently return after a good buying experience.
For Kerala’s competitive online market, where buyers are looking for value, encouraging impulse purchases allows your store to differentiate itself.
The Psychology Behind Impulse Buying
According to research by social psychologist Wilhelm Hofmann, impulses are shaped when our brain connects past positive experiences with present triggers.
Here is a simple example:
1. You come across a social media ad with crispy banana chips from a brand you have already had positive past experiences with.
2. Immediately, your brain triggers a memory of the crunch, flavor, and satisfaction from when you ate these chips last.
3. You see the golden color in the image and reads “freshly made” and your mind reminds you of how good they were.
4. Without planning, you click “Add to Cart.”
Hofmann explains this happens because your brain links:
• the concept of banana chips,
• the positive emotions from enjoying them, and
• the habit of buying them.
• Just like that, an unplanned purchase happens almost effortlessly.
(You can read more about Hofmann’s research here).
10 Ways to Increase Impulse Buying on Your Shopify Store
1. Use Expiring Offers
Urgency drives action. Urgency can come from phrases like “Offer ends tonight!” or “There are only 5 items left in stock.” However, urgency works especially well during Kerala festivals like Onam or Vishu.
2. Recommend Related Products
If a customer purchases a saree, recommend jewellery or handbag that goes with the saree. Relevant recommendations appear helpful and not pushy.
3. Offer Low-Cost Add-Ons at the Checkout
Just like that chocolate bar by the supermarket checkout, your shop can recommend a few inexpensive add-ons at checkout, like bookmarks, eco bags, or accessories.
4. Provide Social Proof
Kerala consumers rely heavily on other person’s opinions. Include reviews, ratings, or even real-time purchase notifications to help customers feel confident in purchasing again or for the first time.
5. Offer Product Bundles
Create small bundles of related products at a small discount. For example: “Buy this Kerala spices combo pack and save ₹100.”
6. Provide Free Shipping Thresholds
“Free shipping on orders over ₹999” pushes clients to add one more product to their cart to reach the minimum spend. This is a very effective strategy if it is relevant when shipping costs can affect shoppers.
7. Get Clever with Smart Pop-Ups
Pop-ups like “Get 10% off if you complete your purchase within 15 minutes” can give a push to buyers to buy quickly. Just keep them clean and simple, because too many pop-ups can feel annoying.
8. Make it Mobile Friendly
Most shoppers in Kerala use mobile. Make sure your store loads quickly, has good images, and one click checkout.
9. Incorporate Seasonal & Festival Themes
People love seasonal and festival vibes. Develop themes, combos, and offers when flat festivals like Onam, Eid, or Christmas is going on!
10. Rewards for Loyalty
“Earn points for impulse buys: 20 points for this purchase, redeem some other time.” Customers like to feel like they are getting something for free!
Striking the Right Balance
Impulse buying should provide benefits, not create pressure. If you place your website with irrelevant components such as to many pop-ups, unnecessary recommendations or fake scarcity they will lose trust.
The best way to go about impulse buying is to focus on:
• Relevance: Make suggestions relevant.
• Value: Show real benefits like savings or convenience.
• Smooth experience: Make the buying process speedy and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Impulse buying isn’t about deceiving the customer – it’s creating a fun and engaging shop experience where the customer finds more than they came to buy. For the fast growing e-commerce market in Kerala, it can be the gap between average sales and exceptional growth.
Start small: add checkout suggestions, set free shipping thresholds, or test festive bundles. Then, watch how a few small nudges can grow your revenue — one impulse at a time.
If you would like an expert to help you build or optimize your Shopify store for maximize your sales, check our Shopify services or contact us now at +91 844 844 0112 or mail us at hello@netstager.com.
