How essential is an eCommerce website in the digital age? It may go without saying, but since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, there has been a considerable uptick in digital transactions and sales. While eCommerce isn’t new, it can be argued that the pandemic has accelerated the business world in this direction. In other words, if a business that sells goods lacks an eCommerce storefront or site, the proverbial train will pass them by.
Of course, building a website isn’t a simple endeavor. It requires everything from content creation to branding to an overall understanding of how users interact with websites. These are just a few components that a website design agency will be able to use as building blocks, not unlike a contractor or construction worker tasked with creating new property. Concerning eCommerce website development, here are some of the essential questions and answers that, provided the effort is put forth, will yield success.
“How should an eCommerce website look?”
First and foremost, keep the look of the website as simple as possible. While it may be enticing to make the site stand out with multiple images meeting the user’s eye, keep their experience in mind. They will log onto your website to purchase an item or complete a transaction. When they are bombarded with various examples of multimedia, their experience will become overwhelming. Thus, they will be more likely to turn away, even without finding the item they wanted to purchase. By keeping the layout of the eCommerce site simple, its effectiveness will increase.
Second, consider branding. If your business has been in existence for years, it’s safe to assume that you understand what your brand entails. Such details as the company’s logo and its color scheme will have to be seen in the eCommerce website’s overall design. Ensure that it looks like an extension of the business. If need be, take inspiration from your company’s social media channels if they’ve already been established. Ultimately, from a presentation standpoint, the goal of an eCommerce site is consistency.
“What types of content should an eCommerce website include?”
Outside of the ability to let users purchase products, an eCommerce website should include different types of content. Not only will this increase the time that a user spends on-site, but it will have a positive impact on the site’s SEO to boot. Regarding eCommerce content, testimonials matter. Did previous customers have positive experiences doing business with you? Reach out to them to see if they’d be open to providing reviews. These can be added to the website, which will build trust with future customers.
To ensure a steady stream of content, even during periods when business is slow, consider adding a blog page. This will consist of written posts that discuss various topics within given industries. For example, if an eCommerce website specializes in coffee and tea, their blog can discuss topics such as the best home brewing methods or trendy shops to check out in one’s local area. A blog that’s consistently updated will help build the eCommerce site’s authority. Consult hiring an experienced social media agency to learn how to implement a blog to your site.
“How do I make my eCommerce website more secure?”
A lack of security, from an eCommerce standpoint, negatively impacts all parties involved. This will put the information of customers at risk. More so, it will compromise a business’ website, not to mention the trust said business has built with their audience. Given the scope of eCommerce across all industries, it should come as no surprise that it may be vulnerable to nefarious cyberactivity. There are a few ways that businesses can keep their digital platforms secure.
One of the best security methods is installing an SSL certificate. This is a type of certification that provides a business with authentication, ensuring that data transmitted from both sides is encrypted. This information includes, but isn’t limited to, credit card numbers and login credentials. To determine whether a site has an SSL certificate installed, look at its URL. If it begins with the “https” extension, as opposed to “http,” an SSL certificate was previously installed, meaning that it offers greater security.
Next, confirm that all eCommerce website plugins are up to date. These plugins provide several benefits, such as those related to SEO, but eventually, they will have to be updated to be as functional as possible. Among the features included in plugin updates are enhanced security measures, which reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks. Does your eCommerce site have multiple plugins enabled? If so, check to see that they are at their most recent versions. The long-term health of your site will benefit.
About fishbat: fishbat is a full-service online marketing firm located in New York. Utilizing the latest technologies and forward-thinking strategies, fishbat is able to create marketing plans that are tailor-made for specific needs and goals. The services that fishbat provides include, but aren’t limited to, social media management, search engine optimization, content marketing, email marketing, and branding. With these, businesses will be able to market directly to their audiences, increasing traffic, engagement, and ultimately, revenue.
