Imagine this: You visited an online store, yet you cannot find items you would like to buy.
Another scenario is that you can find the product you would want to buy. However, you decided not to pursue it because of the maze-life checkout process.
It is frustrating, right?
If you know how that feels, do not be surprised if many customers leave an online marketplace without making any transactions. They go without buying from you because it is cumbersome for them to take action.
This explains why web design and user experience are integral to the success of your e-commerce business. That said, we have listed down eight web design tips that you can apply to your online store:
1. Simple and straightforward design
One of the rules that you need to keep in mind, especially during the e-commerce process, is KISS. Keep it sweet and simple.
When it comes to designing an e-commerce site, the simpler the design is, the better.
Having too many elements going on your page (all these colors, banners, pop-ups) takes away the whole point of having a website in the first place.
2. Design for the users
Every detail of your e-commerce site should contribute to the customer’s decision to make a purchase. This includes your product images, description, and checkout process.
Ideally, your storefront should provide the best first impression on your users. You should also keep the user in mind with every decision you make, especially when it comes to your e-commerce design.
User experience is vital to turn your prospects into paying customers. And when they are happy with buying from you, it will be easy for you to turn customers into repeat buyers.
If you’re unsure how to apply UX for your e-commerce website, we suggest that you hire professional web designers. They can help audit your online store’s usability and then work on improving it.
That way, you have a visually-pleasing and straightforward online store. And as mentioned earlier, a usable website can increase customer satisfaction.
3. Tell a compelling story
Every great product has a compelling story behind it.
That’s why your ability to tell a compelling story to users will allow you to develop a strong brand image. Good storytelling helps foster loyalty, as well.
More people are likely to remember your brand and what you represent if they feel that you’re sincere and you reach out to them on a more personal level.
Now, the best way to get personal is to tell a unique story:
- What made you create the product?
- How did this product affect your life?
- What your vision for the future?
- Who is your target audience?
Once you start answering these questions, you’ll have a better idea of how you can effectively structure your e-commerce design. It also helps that you make users feel as if they’re part of something special.
Wouldn’t you love it if customers return to your store because they were inspired by something you’ve put out?
4. Choose the right theme
To save a lot of time, you purchase a theme to look for a layout that closely resembles how you want to look and feel from an e-commerce perspective.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel completely. Instead of building your site from scratch, why not purchase a theme instead of ThemeForest or something similar.
The whole customization process can be frustrating. So, what you can do is to look for a theme that you like. That way, you’ll be saving yourself from headaches later on.
5. Add a visible search bar
If you find it challenging to fit your products in a single page view, you need to have a search bar. The more products you have, the more critical your search becomes.
You can skip the magnifying glass icon or the small search features. Rather, you can opt for a prominent search box displayed at the front and center. This makes it easier to find.
Also, think about when you bought something from a brand you loved when it was the last time. Well, you probably didn’t notice the design. That’s because a good design doesn’t get in the way.
A good design will showcase your products, making them the center of the whole experience. It also makes shopping an easy and smooth experience.
Meanwhile, having a lousy design causes friction, confusion, or even frustration on your customers’ part. Eventually, this leads to abandoned carts and lost sales.
6. Use color psychology
Using colors in your site to represent your brand and caters to your company’s mood and audience.
That’s because using colors has the power to spark emotions in people and how they feel about a particular product or brand.
For example, a company selling spa products would opt for a website design that uses plenty of ample white space. Doing so gives the website a crisp, fresh feeling as if you’re ready for that relaxing spa experience.
Moreover, introducing the color purple, which hints at luxury, can also boost its appeal to a more high-end audience.
7. Have a filtering option
Let’s say that a user searches for your site for a pair of jeans, and there are hundreds of results that will appear, from lowest to highest pricing.
Now, the question is, would a customer go through all the jeans one by one for a specific color or size? Probably not.
If you have an available filtering option, it will be a lot easier for your customer to search for your desired brand, price, size, or color.
If none of their choices are available, then the customer immediately knows that. A search filter will be the one who will filter the size, color, brand, price, etc.
Over to You
It can be challenging to achieve a visually-pleasing and usable web design for an online store. You need to understand customer behavior and ensure that any design endeavor is meant to help them purchase your products.
But we hope that by following the e-commerce web design tips listed above, you will be able to improve your online store’s user experience.