So, you are excited to take your business to the next level and have decided to launch an online store. That’s great news!
But have you really thought about what your e-commerce site needs to turn those efforts into profits?
The thing is, an online shop is more than a compelling product image and checkout function. You also have to think about the entire experience that you are giving to your customers ‒ from product search to ecommerce fulfillment.
The world of online shopping is a competitive industry, so you need to know what does it take to build an online store. In this post, we will discuss the nine vital elements of an e-commerce website that brings you success.
Clean and simple design
Your site design primarily influences the overall success of your online store. In fact, a majority of people weigh in a business’s credibility based on its website’s design.
Websites with a busy design lose its magic over time. However, a minimalistic site design with a simple yet elegant color scheme and typography is more appealing.
Also, the more elements that you place on a website, the more it will distract users in fulfilling their main purpose of visiting your site. Taking off those unnecessary elements helps draw in the attention of your visitors on what matters most.
A website with a simple design also tends to load faster, significantly reducing bounce rates, and engaging your users more.
That’s why, if you want to optimize your e-commerce site for conversions, just keep it simple and focus on closing on a sale. Overall, clean and simple e-commerce designs always fare better.
Responsive web design
Responsive e-commerce sites are on the rise. Why do you have to waste time, money, and energy on a site that will soon be outdated?
Responsive site designs are a more viable choice for sites that are built today. It will work on any screen, whether it’s on the desktop, smartphone, or tablet. Not to mention, it also gives the user a more consistent experience.
Meaning, they will see the same thing no matter what device they are using.
Just imagine if you have to show a prospect something on your website using your smartphone and it is not loading correctly. You will have to zoom in or pinch the screen a couple of times so that you can find it. Embarrassing right?
User-friendly website navigation
To reduce your site’s bounce rates, you must have user-friendly navigation. When browsing or in the process of making a purchase, a site that is easy to navigate and well-framed makes it easier for them to follow directions. It’ll make their entire experience with your site smooth.
When everything is there in front of your customer’s eyes, they should not easily get frustrated and confused.
Place a navigation bar in your site design and make it elaborate. Another essential feature is the Breadcrumb navigation. It is relatively easy for browsers to virtually show any section of the middle of the homepage and the product that’s being browsed.
Also, see to it that your site is clean and precise, improving your site’s overall look.
Clear calls-to-action
Without this particular element, your website will be incomplete and pointless. There is no point in attracting a large amount of traffic if you cannot convert it.
Your site’s conversion rates are significantly affected by your CTA or call-to-action button. Your CTA button’s effect should be compelling enough in a way that it creates a sense of urgency to users, and compels them to click it.
So, remember this when creating your CTA buttons for your landing page.
High-quality images on product pages
Excellent product photography is another important element for your e-commerce site. This is what draws in the user to your product and their first-hand experience with it. So make it count.
Also, remember the following points:
- See to it that the images that you choose are high-quality and with good lighting.
- Give users the option to see how your product is being used. That way, it is easier for them to relate to the overall experience of using it.
- Place a gallery of images to showcase the various features of the product.
- Allow users to see a larger version of the photo either through the lightbox or zoom function.
Show customer reviews
Include ratings and reviews in your e-commerce website design. After all, people are not there just to buy products from your site. They are also there so that they recommend it to other people.
But still, some web owners are a bit hesitant about placing customer reviews on their website. They fear that customers will be critical of what they have to offer. However, if you are not confident about your product’s quality, how will you expect people to like it?
Those positive reviews can help add more value to your website. Meanwhile, do not be afraid to shy away from negative feedback. Use it as a tool to improve your products and services.
Shopping cart design
Your shopping cart design should show the information clearly to your customers. Aim for a simple layout, yet effectively show the branding of your company, from the logo to its colors.
Also, include prominent checkout buttons. It should also have all the elements that your prospects might need, such as promo codes, payment options, shipping options, ability to switch quantities, continue shopping, or placing more products in their cart.
Multiple payment options
It is also vital that you do not limit them with just one or two payment options. Make a variety of payment options available to your customers.
For instance, in some countries, they would much rather prefer to pay via COD or cash on delivery. In Western countries, on the other hand, they would find it easy if they pay via credit card.
The reason why you should provide people with various payment options is that you will attract more customers in the long run. Also, they do not have to look for a second option anymore.
Simple checkout process
One of the biggest conversion killers for your online store is your checkout process. You will be losing more than half of your customers if you have a poorly executed check-out process.
Strike the right balance between usability, functionality, and creating trust to give your customers a smooth checkout process.
- Create a large and clear checkout button
- Do not place the unexpected costs during the checkout
- Make sure that your site is optimized for loading times, especially for mobile
- Make sure that it is easy to edit their online cart
- Place the images of your products in your cart
- Show security logos
- Make the entire checkout process clean and simple
- Make it easy for customers to contact support.
To sum up
The online business world is always evolving, that’s why you must be aware of the changing trends to ensure the optimal function of your site.
All of the features of an eCommerce website design that we have discussed above are great tools to kickstart your business successfully. Now, it is time to apply these changes that can help fuel your business in the long run.
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