Wondering how to improve the user experience on your website? The best web design practices are the best way to achieve it.
If someone was to ask you what you consider the top five qualities of a good website, what would your answer be? If we could hazard a guess, fast loading speeds would be one of the critical factors. Functionality and ease of navigation would probably top the list as well. You may also cite aesthetic appeal as something that would attract you to a particular site.
The above are just some of the things that constitute a good website. They ensure a good user experience (UX), resulting in low bounce rates. As an e-commerce business owner, you improve the chances of conversions quite significantly.
Our article will explore the 5 best web design practices to Improve the UX of your eCommerce website.
E-Commerce Website Design Practices to Improve the User Experience
User experience (UX) looks at four main factors:-
- Utility plays a role in helping customers choose and by
- Usability that factors in ease of use
- Accessibility especially for particular groups of people such as the disabled
- Desirability has to do with aesthetics and functionality. It helps to attract people to use the platform.
It is essential to consult with professional web designers. You get to benefit from their skill and knowledge of the latest trends. They’re more aware of the different factors that can affect the user experience of your site.
So, what are some of the web designs that will help improve the user experience on your e-commerce platform?
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Responsive Designs Are the Way to Go
Do you know the typical human being has a shorter attention span than a goldfish? That means you only have less than 8 seconds to grab their attention. If you were dealing with a goldfish, at least you would have nine seconds.
But seriously, digitalization and technology are to blame for the decline in concentration. There is too much content on the online platform. Companies are competing with each other for a minimal pool of audiences.
You must ensure whatever web design you choose is responsive. Look out for:-
- Fast loading pages
- Mobile optimization
- User-friendly and intuitive navigation
- SEO for good rankings on the search engines
The above are just some of the things you need to consider. Remember, online visitors want quick and fast services.
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Product Presentation Is Critical In Web Design
You do not want to cause choice paralysis by poor product display. You increase the chances of conversions by limiting choice.
The designers should pay attention to how much information they include in the product pages. Always have it at the back of your mind that online shoppers like convenience. If you require them to visit too many different pages, you will lose them.
Understand your target audiences well to know what kind of information they need. You can then use categories or filters to show only what belongs to them.. See examples of work from San Francisco design firms to get an idea of what a product presentation should look like.
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Incorporate Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies
Artificial intelligence improves the user experience because it learns behavior. You get information on specific customers, allowing for better targeting. You get information on the kind of products they buy, and how often. You can even get information on how they like to shop and what devices they use.
Digital assistants make shopping so much easier. They remove the hassle of remembering to shop or even place orders.
Virtual reality is gaining inroads in e-commerce platforms. It helps create an in-store experience online. The immersive experience creates greater engagement resulting in higher chances of conversions.
Chatbots and virtual assistants are improving customer service. Such technology eliminates the need for hiring full-time staff.
You avoid having to deal with human resource issues. Such include sick days, leave days, furnishing the offices, and salaries. Most importantly, you avoid human error and can take advantage of machine learning for a better user experience.
Incorporating such designs in your e-commerce platform will improve the user experience. Ultimately, you get ROI due to loyal, repeat customers.
- Invite the Right Attention with Minimalism
You know the experience of trying to navigate through a cluttered website. Everything seems to be everywhere, and getting information can be difficult. What are the chances of you exploring other pages?
One web design style that continues to remain relevant is minimalism. It is especially important on the landing page. Remember, this is the first point of interaction for online visitors. It determines the perception they have of your brand.
Minimalism presents a clean clutter-free look. You can incorporate the use of 3D graphics or animation for better interaction. Be careful not to go overboard with these. You do not want to distract from the messaging. The advantage of minimalism is it allows you to position your product prominently.
While before, minimalism would incorporate a lot of white space and contrasting dark colors. Now, there is a shift to colorful minimalism. It allows you to bring out your creative side while sticking to the basics of less is more.
Another advantage of having less clutter is your call-to-action can stand out. Your CTA is a subtle push to audiences to take a specific action. Do your research on how to come up with a powerful one.
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Pay Attention to the Checkout
Many web designs fail in delivering a seamless checkout process. Yet, complicated checkouts are some of the leading causes of abandoned carts.
The checkout process should be concise and easy to understand. Do not ask for too much information that adds no value to the process. Present the checkout chronologically to make it easier to follow.
Be upfront about costs and policies, especially around shipping.
Final Thoughts
The best way to achieve conversions on your website is to provide a good user experience. Pay attention to the responsiveness of the site. Ensure fast loading pages and easy navigation.
Budget allowing, utilize the latest technologies for a better experience. Such include voice assistants, chatbots, augmented, and virtual reality.
Do not forget to test your website frequently. You have tools available that can give you relevant information.
Google Analytics, for example, is free and easy to use. You get information such as the kind of content your audience is interacting with. It allows you to make relevant changes to improve the overall performance of the website.
