As a Chicago web development company, we do quite a bit of e-commerce work so I always enjoy a good e-commerce article.
I came across a Mashable article recently highlighting 10 things that are important for a successful e-commerce strategy and they’re definitely on point.
Here’s the summary:
- Easy Navigation – Obvious and intuitive navigation makes the buying process easier
- Prominent search bar – While many like to browse, sometimes customers are searching for one specific thing. Make it easier by having a prominent search bar that produces relevant results
- Keep checkout as simple as possible – Consider adding “one-click” functionality if possible
- Add extra features (while maintaining simplicity)- Adding options for gift wrap, receipts, personalized notes can make the sale more appealing and your offering more robust
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Focus on aesthetics – Smart web design and well thought-out visuals make a difference.
***I would add that ensuring your site is optimized for “scanning” is crucial. Many customers do a quick visual scan before deciding if it’s worth their time to dive into details. - Add product details beyond the basics- Customers appreciate extra information about products such as consumer reviews
- Transparent shipping information– Making shipping costs, tracking, etc easily available to the customer can reduce customer service calls
- Up front policies – No one likes surprises, especially if they’re already unhappy with something
- Don’t just sell; be a partner – Stand out by customizing the shopping experience to help solve unique shopping problems
- Work with multiple browsers – This one is pretty obvious. If your site doesn’t work across all platforms, you risk losing customers
One last point I’d also add is to ensure you’re using the right platform. We hear stories of clients who picked an e-commerce platform based on someone else’s site that ended up limiting them. It’s important to choose the right e-commerce platform based on the short and long term needs of YOUR business. There are many platforms available, all with various pros and cons including security, ability to customize, etc. Make sure you’re choosing the right e-commerce solution.
These are all important and definitely something to keep in mind if you’re developing an e-commerce site, or to double check if you’ve already launched one.
At DLS Studios, we want to provide you with the very best IT solutions for your business. Contact us today to discuss your e-commerce or software development project!
