When I'm surfing the web, whether it's for shopping or just researching, I always take notice of how a website is laid out. If it feels clunky and hard to use, I'm less likely to trust what the company is claiming or selling.
And guess what? I'm not alone in this. 62% of online shoppers will leave a site due to bad navigation and 89% of them would leave a site if it takes a long time to load.
As superficial as it sounds, for businesses with an e-commerce store, the design of your website is important as it’s the first thing people notice. You want to make a good first impression.
Here are some easy tips to make your online store a better experience for your customers:
Mobile Optimization
When was the last time you shopped online on your computer?
Exactly.
Studies reveal that about three-quarters of adults in the U.S. (76%) shop online using their smartphones. It makes sense since it's quick and easy—you don't need to fire up your laptop or computer. With a mobile phone, your desired item is just a few taps away!
That's why your website needs to function smoothly on mobile devices. Many people use their phones to browse websites, so you want to make sure they have a positive experience when visiting yours.
If your site is not optimized for mobile viewing, you'll miss out on those 76% of customers! That’s like more than half.
A good website builder will handle this automatically, making sure your site adjusts to fit perfectly on a phone screen. You want everyone to have a smooth shopping experience, whether they're browsing on a computer or a phone.
Display Your Best-selling Pieces
You know how when you go to a store and the best-selling pieces are on display for everyone to see? Store owners use this technique to lure customers into their stores. You can actually do the same for your online store!
Make sure your best-selling items are easy to find on your store's homepage. These could be products that sell a lot, get great reviews, or bring in the most revenue.
Maybe you can place them at the top or make them stand out by using bright colors, changing how they're arranged, or making special banners to promote them
If you can get people to notice these top products, you'll definitely sell more.
PRO TIP: Update this regularly with new arrivals and seasonal products. This keeps customers coming back for more, excited to see what's new.
Use Pop-up Forms For Retargeting
I’m sure you’ve noticed many successful online stores use a pop-up sign-up form.
Why? Because it helps with retargeting.
You need to retarget people who visited your site but ended up not buying anything. Think about it, do you purchase something you see online right away? Chances are no. Like anyone else, you’d spend your time researching competitors and comparing prices, or maybe you’re just browsing without the intent to purchase.
So, as a marketer, by getting their email addresses, you can reach out to them later when they've had time to think. Sending them a quick email at the right time could convince them to go through with their purchase.
Just make sure you're giving them a good reason to share their email. Otherwise, they'll probably just close the pop-up and move on.
Keep It Simple
It’s an e-commerce store, not a treasure hunt game.
According to 99Designs, one of the top rules to remember when designing your online store is to "KISS" - Keep It Simple, Silly!
Make things easy for your customers. Friction-free is the way to go here. They shouldn't have to hunt for buttons or scramble around to find what they're looking for. Drop-down menus are a good way to make things easier and keep your website looking neat and tidy.
For inspiration, take a look at other online stores maybe even your competitors to see how they organize their stuff. Unless you have a good reason to do something different, we suggest following what's already working in the industry. That way, people know what to expect and how to use your site.
The easier it is for someone to shop with you, the more likely they'll buy something. Look at Walmart for example- they prioritize simplicity and ease of use for their customers, offering straightforward navigation and quick checkout options.
Be Upfront About Your Prices
Tricking customers with cheaper pricing won't fly on your online shop. People want to know exactly what they're paying for upfront, so they're not surprised at checkout. Try to avoid sneaky extra charges or fees.
If you hit customers with a higher price than they were expecting, they'll probably ditch their cart and go to a different store instead.
Work On Your SEO
Don't forget about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for your online store. SEO helps your site rank higher in search results, bringing in more visitors and expanding your reach.
Here are three simple tips for better SEO:
Keywords: These are the words or phrases people might type into a search engine to find your products. For example, if someone's looking for "top-quality sports shoes," make sure to use that phrase in your website content. This helps search engines link your store with those words, boosting your visibility.
Product Descriptions: Make sure your product descriptions are detailed, easy to understand, and accurately describe what you're selling. This not only helps your SEO but also helps customers know exactly what they're getting.
Built-in SEO Tools: Many website builders come with tools to help improve your site's SEO. These tools provide valuable insights into what's working and what's not, making it easier to optimize your site for search engines.
Final Words
In conclusion, creating an effective e-commerce homepage requires careful attention to the user experience.
Remember, the goal is to make the shopping experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, ensuring that visitors feel confident in their purchases and eager to return.
SO, WHERE DO YOU FIND THIS PARTNER?
Well, aren’t we glad you asked! We at DigiCom are obsessive data-driven marketers pulling from multi-disciplinary strategies to unlock scale. We buy media across all platforms and placements and provide creative solutions alongside content creation, and conversion rate optimizations. We pride ourselves on your successes and will stop at nothing to help you grow.
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