No matter how you slice it, presentation matters. You can have the most incredible, life-changing products in the world, but, if they’re not marketed and presented in the right way, it’s far too easy for them to get lost in the shuffle of an increasingly competitive market.
But what’s the right way, you ask? Great question, and exactly what we’re here to answer today. We’ve picked up ten eCommerce web design tips and tricks to get your online store running with the big dogs in no time. Keep reading to get to the finish line!
#1. No-Brainer Checkout
It’s always helpful to start with the basics, and what’s the most basic function of an eCommerce website? Selling product(s)! Therefore, the ease and accessibility of the checkout journey should be a primary, driving factor behind your store’s overall design.
There are two simple ways to do this: 1) make the shopping cart icon visible and clickable at all times; and 2) ensure that the actual checkout page is prepped and primed for a sale. Essentially, the less steps a customer has to take, the higher the chance of them clicking that “Buy” button.
#2. Seamless Navigation
On a similar note, a website’s layout should be intuitive and direct — this is not the time to reinvent the wheel (you can do that with your products and branding!). Instead, think about how your favorite stores are set up. It’s likely super easy to get from the homepage to the product catalog and so on. Keep that same spirit and design around convenience.
#3. Personalization Galore
Personalization is becoming one of eCommerce’s biggest trends, and for a good reason. In short, personalization aggregates customer data, like browsing behavior and purchase history, to show relevant special offers and product recommendations. You can even take it up a notch by creating personalized landing pages and quizzes — oh my!
#4. Quality Copywriting
You know what they say — cross your i’s and dot your t’s. Wait, that’s not right! If you’ve ever attempted to write anything, from a college paper to a social media post, you know that good writing doesn’t come easy. Aside from being the professional standard, writing that’s clear and effective can also help with sales conversions and SEO rankings.
#5. Tip-Top Photography
Online shopping comes with one important drawback — you can’t touch or smell products before buying them. Because of this, visual information, in the form of awesome photography, is absolutely indispensable. Our article on product photography lays down some key points, so we recommend checking that out, especially if you’re taking on a bootstrapped approach!
#6. Ample Social Proof
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people conform to the actions of others under the assumption that those actions are, in some way, correct. In eCommerce, this tactic is used to persuasively build credibility through things like testimonials, user reviews, endorsements, case studies, and word-of-mouth. There’s no shortage of options, and, as a pleasant bonus, most of them are free!
#7. Fast Loading Times
No one likes waiting around, and online shopping is no exception. Unless you have some die-hard, loyal fans, the majority of people will give up on a website that’s huffing and puffing for every button clicked or page loaded. If you’re encountering any issues, a great place to start is by checking for any large media files or bulky coding.
#8. Mobile Friendliness
Did you know that, as of 2021, mobile eCommerce has jumped to a 72.9% market share? That’s right — the days of treating mobile optimization like an afterthought are long gone. Luckily, most sales platforms give you a chance to view how your website looks across multiple devices. Check regularly, tweak as needed, and you’ll be good to go!
#9. “Less Is More” Mentality
We’re not saying to embrace minimalism with open, empty arms, but we are saying that loading up your online store with gadgets and gizmos a-plenty is not the modern look — sorry, Ariel. At the end of the day, customers don’t want their shopping to be disrupted by flashing GIFs or obtrusive pop-ups, so save the pizzazz for something a little more understated.
#10. A Memorable Experience
Last but certainly not least, eCommerce web design just isn’t complete if it’s not unique. Even if you’re using a popular preset, don’t forget to infuse it with your own branding for a dose of much-needed and much-appreciated originality. The more you give shoppers to remember you by, the better. (Refer to #9 for the perfect balance — it’s tough, we know!)
And there you have it, folks! Web design can be equal parts fun and challenging, which is why sticking to the straight and narrow, at least in the beginning, provides an excellent foundation to build upon.
Questions? Comments? Drop us a line! We’ll make sure to catch it. 😉
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