10 Essentials for a successful online store
Don't Just Buy A Store - Build A Business
There are a lot of online stores out there... some better than others.
We've spent time researching the essential elements that make up the best online stores from three perspectives - customer, store owner and search engine. If you are planning to setup an online store for your business, we think this may help.
Let's get straight into it and take a look at No.1!
1. Simplicity
First up, if you have done all the ground work to get a potential customer to your site - don't frustrate them.
Navigation
- Allow customers to select items with just a click
- Keep the navigation consistent across the store
- Don't clutter the site - keep control of your customers attention
Shopping Cart
- The shopping cart should be clearly visible for the customer to see
- When you add something to the cart, the change should be visible.
- Allow customers to add/remove/adjust products from within the shopping cart rather than having to remove and then re-add that product
- Offer product bundles / kits that fit a particular need or purpose - rather than making the customer select each item individually.
Checkout Process
- Make the Checkout button clear for the customer - don't make them hunt for it.
- Don't require the customer to login before they can check out.
- Only ask for information that is absolutely required to complete the checkout.
In a nutshell, if you can make it simple your customers can spend more time buying and browsing rather than working out how to use your site. Remember, if customers are frustrated with your site - the perception will be that it's hard to do deal with you and your business.
