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eCommerce is an inherent part of global retail. In recent years, it has undergone a significant transformation, and the global pandemic has spurred its growth. The number of digital buyers keeps rising. For many retailers, their websites are the sole channels of revenue. Our guide will help you create a unique store that will captivate your target audience and drive sales for years to come.
1. Choose the Right Approach
The cheapest way to build a site does not require coding expertise. Thanks to website builders, you can create a standard interface from ready-made templates. Still, nothing beats a custom website. Discover what is web development and why big brands choose tailored solutions.
2. Tell a Story
A strong brand image requires a compelling story. Describing the features and advantages of your products is not enough. You need a narrative that will bind all elements of your brand identity together and foster loyalty.
Storytelling will make your brand memorable and authentic. To work out the best design and content solutions, think about the following aspects:
- Your vision;
- Why you created your product or store;
- What audience you target;
- How your products are services can change these users’ lives for the better.
3. Add Convenient Filtering, Search, and Navigation
The primary reason why users shop online is convenience. Your goal is to create a website that works smoothly on all devices and leads visitors through the sales funnel all the way to conversion.
Thus, every element must be in its right place. A custom development team will ensure an uninterrupted flow from one section to another. These tips will help you:
- Place the search bar in a strategic location, such as the top of the page. Make sure users will find what they need quickly.
- Place a clickable brand logo in a location that is always in sight. It must lead to the homepage.
- Add a search filter, so users can narrow down their focus and find relevant products/services more easily.
4. Add a View Cart Button
A proven way to boost conversions is by adding a cart icon to every page. If it is visible at all times, visitors have instant access to the items they added. This button must be easily recognizable. Typically, it looks like a shopping cart or a shopping bag.
Use a color that stands out against the background. Make the icon larger than other buttons, too. Cart contents must be refreshed in real-time.
5. Place Call-To-Actions Buttons Correctly
These buttons urge visitors to take a particular action — for example, leave their contact details, sign up for your newsletter or make a purchase. For instance, you could encourage them to “Buy Now,” “Subscribe today” or “Try for Free Now.”
When planning your calls-to-actions, start from this assumption: your visitors do not know what to do on your site. Make the most of these buttons. Explain clearly what potential customers can do — how to contact you, how to buy your product, etc.
Every call-to-action must come after your company’s unique value proposition. Each of these buttons must be eye-catching.
6. Use High-Quality Photos
It goes without saying that every product description needs a picture. Relevant and high-quality images are vital for the conversion rate. Follow these tips:
- Photograph products from different angles;
- Take pictures that highlight the essential parts;
- Hire a professional photographer if you can afford to;
- Focus on quality and level of detail.
7. Optimize for Mobile Screens
Over half of all web traffic comes from mobile screens. A flawless user experience on the go is crucial for success online. Unless your website is optimized, Google will rank it lower than competitors.
Your web development team will provide optimization as part of the service package. Website builders also include this feature by default, but it may require some manual tweaking.
8. Maximize Social Proof
Users are more likely to trust their peers than any marketing material. This is an axiom. Here is how to leverage the phenomenon of social proof.
Include a special page with features that attest to the excellent quality of your products. Include the following:
- reviews and testimonials from customers;
- media mentions;
- awards;
- social media mentions.
If your business is a startup, offer customers discounts for reviews and testimonials. Connecting the website to your social media accounts will let you share favourable posts and news easily.
9. Make It Easy to Checkout
Make the checkout process as smooth and fast as possible. This requires flawless navigation and a clear walkthrough. Structure it in such a way that users immediately see the stage they are at.
Some shoppers feel uncomfortable if they have to sign up to make a purchase. Allow them to link their social media accounts. Include check out in the guest mode — i.e., with only basic details required.
Finally, integrate a variety of payment options. The more customers find the checkout convenient, the more orders you get.
10. Include Multiple Ways To Contact You
Use more than one communication channel for customer support. Typically, popular brands are reachable by phone, email, live chat, and social media. When customers run into problems concerning products or services, they want to get assistance as soon as possible in the most convenient way.
Consider integrating an AI-powered chatbot for your live chat. It can be programmed to resolve typical issues, answer typical queries and escalate complex issues to a human representative.
Create a special section for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Provide in-depth answers to the most common queries. Help customers find the information they need ASAP.
To Sum Up
These 10 essential tips will help you get the best chance of success. Follow our recommendations to lay a solid foundation for flourishing in the digital space.
If you decide to opt for custom web development, outsourcing is the most attractive option. First, it is cheaper than managing everything in house. Secondly, it gives instant access to the best talent at relatively low cost. Invest in a truly unique website that will generate revenue for years!
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