Are you ready to create a great e-commerce web design that dazzles your customers and keeps them coming back for more? Let's check out some fantastic tips on how to design e-commerce websites that truly stand out.
1. Keep It Simple and User-Friendly
Yes, your e-commerce web design should look enticing, but don’t go overboard. Keep it simple and soothing to the eye. Always remember, you’re designing it for your customers, not for yourself. No matter how much you might love a flashy design, if your users don’t appreciate it, all your hard work and investment will go to waste. A user-friendly, clean design is your secret weapon.
2. Use High-Quality Images
Images are the heart and soul of your e-commerce store. They play a pivotal role in the overall aesthetic appeal of your website. To make the right impression, ensure that you use high-quality images that represent your business theme perfectly.
In addition to product images, consider including lifestyle photos that show people using your products in real-life situations. These images can be a powerful tool in persuading potential customers to buy. Each product should have an image gallery showcasing it from different angles. Using newer image formats such as .webp and .svg will small file sizes while keeping quality in tact.
3. Related and Featured Products
Take every opportunity to put your products in the spotlight. The “Related Products” section on each product detail page is an excellent move. Adding a “Featured Products” section on the home page gives customers an immediate call to action. In the related products section, display items that complement the one your customer is buying. For instance, if they’re purchasing a formal shirt, showcase formal trousers as related products. In the “Featured Products” section, spotlight best-sellers or seasonal items that you expect to fly off the shelves.
4. Increase Page Loading Speeds
Loading speed is the name of the game in the e-commerce world. In an era where countless e-commerce stores vie for customers’ attention, your website’s loading speed can make or break your success. Users want to effortlessly explore various e-commerce options before making a purchase. If your website takes too long to load, they’ll simply move on. The magic number here is three seconds – your e-commerce store should load within that timeframe. PageSpeed Insights is a great tool for checking your website’s load speeds, it also gives you tips on where to improve.
It’s not just the home page; all pages on your site should respond instantly. To achieve this, collaborate with your e-commerce web design company to explore the latest techniques and technologies for creating a lightning-fast online shopping experience.
5. Make it Work Well on Mobile Devices
More than half of internet users shop online using smartphones, making mobile compatibility essential. Your website should open seamlessly on mobile devices. The navigation, menu style, and product display should all align perfectly with mobile screens. Your e-commerce web design company can guide you in optimizing your web store to suit all commonly used browsers and smartphones. Check out my guide to mobile-friendliness here for more information on this subject.
6. Test Your Website
Testing is your secret weapon for enhancing your website’s performance. This technique involves running through every function of the website to ensure it works as it should. You should have an expected outcome and a REAL outcome so you can compare results and fix the bugs as rewuired.
Use testing to experiment with different call-to-action (CTA) buttons to boost product sales, explore varied color schemes to identify which ones have the most positive impact. You can also test different layouts to discover which ones drive more purchases. My process page outlines the reasons for this is some more detail.
7. Contact Details
This may seem like an obvious one but it is an easy win. Place buttons and forms to display on your website that will direct users to your contact details, this could be a phone number, and email address or a real address. It’s not only about providing them with a way to connect; it’s also about building trust in your brand. When customers know they can reach out whenever they need help, it increases their confidence.
8. Easy Navigation
Craft your e-commerce store with user engagement in mind. The longer users stay, the higher the chances of conversion, and the lower your “bounce rate” – a crucial factor for better search engine ranking. Partner with your e-commerce web design agency to smartly plan your site’s navigation, encouraging visitors to explore page after page.
8. Build Trust With Your Users
Social proof, a psychological phenomenon where people are influenced by the actions of others, is a potent tool for boosting sales. There are several ways to integrate social proof into your website:
- Customer Testimonials: Feature positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers on your website.
- Customer Photos: Display images of customers using your products, showcasing real-life experiences.
- Social Media Following: Highlight your substantial social media following to demonstrate your popularity and influence.
9. Attract the Bargain Hunters
In today’s e-commerce landscape, offers are the name of the game. Tempting deals are the perfect bait to lure customers to your site. To make these offers even more alluring, ensure they’re displayed prominently on your e-commerce store. They should be impossible to miss at first glance.
10. Allow for Customisations
When you shop online, you’ll notice that some products come with just one option – like that microwave you’re eyeing, which offers a specific brand and model. It’s a “what you see is what you get” scenario.
On the other side, some products are all about giving you choices. Take desktop computers, for example, where you can select from various storage space sizes and graphics cards. Or consider t-shirts, offering a rainbow of color options to pick from.
If you’re offering customisable products like these, be sure to highlight it on your product pages. Let your customers choose the specs that suit their fancy before they hit that “add to cart” button. It’s all about making it uniquely yours!
In Conclusion
These tips are your guide to creating e-commerce web designs that draw customers in and keep them coming back for more. By implementing these professional insights, you can increase your website’s sales and achieve your e-commerce business goals. Be sure to regularly review your web store to ensure it’s always running smoothly. With Halcyon’s expertise and dedication, we’re with you every step of the way on your e-commerce journey!
