Over the last few years, e-commerce has become a vital component of business strategy and the global retail framework.

In this digital age, building a strong online presence is no longer optional for businesses. In 2019, an estimated 1.92 billion people purchased goods or services online, and according to the latest calculations, e-commerce growth will accelerate even further in the future. As such, it’s safe to say that a retail business of any size can benefit from their own online store. But how do you optimize your website and outshine your competitors?

Keep reading for a list of tips on how to make a user-friendly e-commerce website that will attract customers and convert visitors into repeat customers!

1. Faster loading times
   Having a fast and responsive website is a huge part of user-friendliness. These days, customers expect their pages to load quickly and having a fast website will create a much more convenient experience for them. In fact, studies show that up to 79% of customers who are dissatisfied with a website’s performance say they’re less likely to buy from the same site again.

2. Create an effective navigation system

The navigation bar is one of the most important components to consider when designing your e-commerce website. You wouldn’t want to leave a bad impression on any potential customers by wasting their time with a confusing website. Good navigation shows that your website has a clear structure, increases the overall aesthetic appeal, makes users feel more comfortable, and can encourage visitors to search your site for longer. 

3. Have quality product pages

To convert visitors into customers, your e-commerce website should have effective product pages that convey the value of each product. It should include great product photography, a detailed product description, and additional information such as colors, sizing, fit, materials, and pricing.

4. Make your site mobile-friendly

Many consumers buy products and services using their phones— and if you don’t have a mobile-friendly online website, you’re losing out on a huge business opportunity. Optimizing your website for mobile can also be great for SEO. According to this 2018 statement from Google, sites that are configured for mobile and have a responsive design are more likely to rank higher in their search engine.

5. Use call-to-actions

A call-to-action (CTA) on an e-commerce website tells visitors what action they should take (Buy Now/Add to Cart). It typically takes the form of a short, to-the-point statement coupled with a link or graphic that’s designed to get visitors to move forward with a purchase. A user-online store should have CTA buttons that stand out clearly and include concise verbiage that communicates exactly what will happen if they click.

6. Update your contact page

You want to make sure that your contact information is easy to find on your website. Offering different ways to keep in touch gives visitors more confidence to shop, which helps to drive sales and build customer loyalty. 

7. Focus on branding

Great branding is one of the most powerful advantages a company can have and can be the difference between success and failure. Your customers want your site to be instantly recognizable and distinguishable from competitors. Your logo and company colours should be apparent throughout the website, and remain consistent across all platforms—whether online, in-store, or on a mobile device. For e-commerce sites, building a powerful online identity is a huge part of making a good first impression for your potential customers.

8. Include a search function

This one’s pretty obvious: if customers can’t find the product they’re looking for, they won’t be able to buy it. A user-friendly e-commerce site should have an omnipresent search function that’s visible on every page. It should have a search auto-complete functionality, allow sorting and filtering of results, and support queries such as product names, categories, and attributes. This will help visitors easily find exactly what they need.

9. Highlight best-selling products, special deals, and promotions

Shoppers tend to gravitate towards popular products, special discounts, and exclusive deals. it’s best to present these to them right away on your homepage. Don’t make them search through your website for what’s trending— show them up front!

10. Provide a live chat option

For many customers, having an online chat session with a customer representative is much easier than dialing a phone and waiting on hold. Visitors can click the chat window anytime they need assistance, and live chat agents can help instantly. Since shoppers tend to make purchase decisions within seconds, having a quick, user-friendly chat system can boost overall sales.

Today, websites have evolved into something much more than a simple page that displays information. If you’re building an online store, consider the tips we listed above to enhance your customers’ experience. Focusing on these aspects can make your site a success and stand out among competitors.

For more questions and inquiries on how to build a user-friendly website, contact us here today.