The purpose of an ecommerce site is to generate business for a product or to promote a service. Ecommerce web sites are store fronts that you can access from the convenience of your home. Goods and services can be viewed, read about and purchased with great ease. Without a doubt ecommerce is not just the way of the future but the way of purchasing now. Almost every business now realizes to stay competitive one must have a presence on the internet, even if they already have a brick and mortar store. Even restaurants have ecommerce web sites where customers can make a reservation, order food online, have food delivered and order gift certificates. However, all this ease for the purchaser means a lot of preparation, planning and precise execution on the part of the business owner.
An ecommerce web site can help a business to boom faster than anything. But it can also be a thorn in the side of a business, if it isn't done properly. Fortunately, there are numerous web designers and developers that are pros at ecommerce web design. Although it is much easier and a lot less expensive than opening a brick and mortar store, careful considerations must not be overlooked. Remember these 5 key factors and your ecommerce web design will help your business to be fruitful.
1) Browser Compatibility
It's a fact that not everyone is using the same operating systems or web browsers on the internet. It is for this reason that you must be certain that your ecommerce web design is compatible with different browsers. If it is not compatible then you will be drastically limiting the amount of traffic you will be able to receive to your site. This in turn means that you will be losing sales.
Some sites have incorporated Flash design in their web site development. Unfortunately, not all search engines access the information in Flash. While the functionality of Flash is a positive for visitors it may be best to develop a Flash and Non-Flash version of your site so search engines can read your site content.
2) Pictures
Most of us have seen the research. People don't read wordy, jargon-filled pages - they skim.
People prefer web sites loaded with pictures and with fewer words, with the option of drilling down to more depth if they need it. Pictures have the ability to communicate messages which words often fail to convey. So be certain to put relevant pictures on your site to promote your gods and services. Make sure not to put up pictures that are outdated or irrelevant to your sites' content and message.
3) Cohesive Color Combinations
It is very important to carefully consider the color combinations of your website. There is a fine line that one must be aware of with an ecommerce web site in that you must take precautions to not be flagrant or too dull in the color choices. The colors should not invoke any type of negative response or feeling from the site's visitors. You do not want to deflect from the visitor viewing the items that can be purchased. Attractive color combinations that are not too outlandish serve well.
4) Easy Navigation
Even if you have the most tasteful and attractive web site it won't matter if your site isn't navigable. The site must function properly and be easy for the visitor to move around in order for them to stay long enough to actually make a purchase. Believe me, if the visitor becomes in the least bit frustrated with the site, they will leave. There are just too many other sites that a visitor can visit and probably find the same or similar products without the mishaps. This is why it is paramount that the site have proper navigability and functionality.
5) Relevant Content
It is vital to the success of your site that the content be relevant. After all, it is why the visitor is there. They want to see your content, so make sure it is proper and pertinent for the site. Let trusted friends or family look at the site and give you constructive feedback. If others don't see the relevance of items you have on the site then consider pairing down. Visitors may feel turned off by clutter on a site. By keeping it simple and appealing visitors will be more likely to linger on the site which in turn will lead to more sales.
An ecommerce web site can help a business to boom faster than anything. But it can also be a thorn in the side of a business, if it isn't done properly. Fortunately, there are numerous web designers and developers that are pros at ecommerce web design. Although it is much easier and a lot less expensive than opening a brick and mortar store, careful considerations must not be overlooked. Remember these 5 key factors and your ecommerce web design will help your business to be fruitful.
1) Browser Compatibility
It's a fact that not everyone is using the same operating systems or web browsers on the internet. It is for this reason that you must be certain that your ecommerce web design is compatible with different browsers. If it is not compatible then you will be drastically limiting the amount of traffic you will be able to receive to your site. This in turn means that you will be losing sales.
Some sites have incorporated Flash design in their web site development. Unfortunately, not all search engines access the information in Flash. While the functionality of Flash is a positive for visitors it may be best to develop a Flash and Non-Flash version of your site so search engines can read your site content.
2) Pictures
Most of us have seen the research. People don't read wordy, jargon-filled pages - they skim.
People prefer web sites loaded with pictures and with fewer words, with the option of drilling down to more depth if they need it. Pictures have the ability to communicate messages which words often fail to convey. So be certain to put relevant pictures on your site to promote your gods and services. Make sure not to put up pictures that are outdated or irrelevant to your sites' content and message.
3) Cohesive Color Combinations
It is very important to carefully consider the color combinations of your website. There is a fine line that one must be aware of with an ecommerce web site in that you must take precautions to not be flagrant or too dull in the color choices. The colors should not invoke any type of negative response or feeling from the site's visitors. You do not want to deflect from the visitor viewing the items that can be purchased. Attractive color combinations that are not too outlandish serve well.
4) Easy Navigation
Even if you have the most tasteful and attractive web site it won't matter if your site isn't navigable. The site must function properly and be easy for the visitor to move around in order for them to stay long enough to actually make a purchase. Believe me, if the visitor becomes in the least bit frustrated with the site, they will leave. There are just too many other sites that a visitor can visit and probably find the same or similar products without the mishaps. This is why it is paramount that the site have proper navigability and functionality.
5) Relevant Content
It is vital to the success of your site that the content be relevant. After all, it is why the visitor is there. They want to see your content, so make sure it is proper and pertinent for the site. Let trusted friends or family look at the site and give you constructive feedback. If others don't see the relevance of items you have on the site then consider pairing down. Visitors may feel turned off by clutter on a site. By keeping it simple and appealing visitors will be more likely to linger on the site which in turn will lead to more sales.
| Andy Doan is a software developer that founded ICONVEX in 2001. Andy's vision was to create a full-service web design and IT firm that produced premium-quality services at very reasonable prices. For more information visit: Strategic Web Design and Ecommerce Web Design |
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