It's not just about having an online shopping website; it's about having an ecommerce website experience that stands out, performs well, and keeps customers coming back. Whether you're launching a new ecommerce site or looking to improve an existing one, these 11 development practices from professional website developers in Dubai can help your online business stand out.
Start with Mobile in Mind
Mobile devices contribute a significant share in all the product and service searches happening online. While people are always on the go, it is ideal to tap the target audience with mobile-first experience.
To optimize your ecommerce website for mobile experience, your website should be responsive, meaning it automatically adjusts its layout to fit different screen sizes and devices. It will help you teleport your products in your shoppers’ hands, simplify buyer journey and create a 24*7 connection.
Loading Speed
Research shows that even a one-second delay in page load time can lead to a significant drop in conversion rates. Slow-loading pages contribute significantly to the bounce rate, which in turn affects your SEO and visibility online.
To improve the loading speed of your ecommerce website, make sure to compress images to reduce their file size, use a trusted hosting provider and utilize browser caching.
Easy Navigation
Simplify your site's navigation. Make sure menus and categories are easy to understand. If a customer can't quickly find what they're looking for, they're likely to abandon your site.
You can also add a search bar in the header tab of your website. It should provide accurate results and suggestions as users type, making it easy for customers to discover products they're interested in.
Furthermore, you can provide filters and sorting options to enhance the user experience.
Secure Payments
You need an ecommerce website that builds trust and reputation. This is important for a secure shopping experience as well as customer loyalty.
Remember that users make payments on ecommerce websites. They add card details, and delivery addresses, which if compromised can financially damage your stakeholders and affect your business reputation.
You can ensure website security by using SSL certificates, HTTPS protocols and third-party security plugins like captcha and Cloudflare.
Smooth Checkout
One of the leading causes of cart abandonment is a checkout that feels overwhelming, burdensome or invasive. A lengthy and complicated checkout process can put off customers.
To address this, provide a guest checkout option that allows customers to make a purchase without creating an account. Store customer data securely for registered users to streamline future purchases. It's also essential to provide clear progress indicators during the checkout process.
Customers should know how many steps are left and what information is required at each stage. This transparency reduces frustration and encourages completion.
Work on your listings
You need to showcase your product in a visually appealing way to improve conversions. In that case, product images, tags and descriptions matter.
High-quality product images and detailed, compelling descriptions are essential for helping customers make informed purchase decisions.
Think of it this way: in a physical store, customers can see, touch, and examine products up close. In an online shop, images and descriptions must bridge this gap.
As a best practice, Use high-resolution images that showcase your products from various angles. Provide zoom-in features for a closer look, and, when applicable, include videos that demonstrate how the product works or how it can be used. If you are offering a digital download, provide preview options.
In your product descriptions, add relevant SEO keywords to increase the visibility of your product, focus on the unique selling points, benefits, and specifications. Answer common customer questions, and consider including user-generated content, such as reviews and ratings, to build trust and credibility.
Prioritize SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can improve your site's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) to attract more organic (non-paid) traffic.
To achieve this, utilize proper meta tags, such as title tags and meta descriptions, that are relevant to each product and category page's content.
Implement structured data markup, which can enhance your website's appearance in search results with rich snippets. Also mentioned in the last pointer, Incorporate high-quality, keyword-rich content that caters to your target audience.
Utilize tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential customers are searching for. If you want a more user-friendly, premium tool, try Ahrefs.
To ensure the best SEO results, keep your content fresh and up-to-date. Regularly publish new blog posts, articles, or product pages, and earn backlinks from reputable sources to establish your website as an authority in your niche.
When analyzing the results of SEO steps, make sure to check the performance of your site on Google Page Speed Insights. You can also check Google Search Console and Analytics for major SEO-side errors.
Test and Optimize
Constantly test and optimize your website to improve user experience and drive higher conversions.
Begin with A/B testing, where you compare two versions of a web page to determine which one performs better. The variables you can test are vast, including layout, color schemes, call-to-action (CTA) buttons, and even the placement of elements on the page.
Add it to your weekly or monthly KPIS then regularly analyze your site's analytics to identify areas for improvement and monitor user behavior.
It's essential to remain agile in your approach, as consumer preferences and technology are constantly evolving.
Content Management System (CMS)
Popular platforms like WooCommerce (for WordPress), Shopify, and Magento offer robust features tailored to ecommerce websites.
These CMS programs provide essential tools for product management, inventory control, payment processing, and more. You can pick a CMS that aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Start with carefully evaluating each platform's capabilities, scalability, and the availability of plugins or extensions that can enhance your website's functionality. Keep in mind that while these platforms offer a range of features, they may also require a learning curve. Be prepared to invest time in understanding your chosen CMS to make the most of its capabilities.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another regular KPI you need to practice to keep your ecommerce website in good shape. You need to ensure it is secure, responsive, has no bugs, doesn’t lag, loads faster with CTAs working like flash. Keep checking the 404 redirects and broken links.
If you’re using a CMS, or an ecommerce builder, you can even opt for automatic updates. Make sure you are always running the latest versions and using premiums of the pro tools.
Voice Recognition Features
Voice recognition can amplify the search experience on your ecommerce website. You can integrate via a ready-made voice assistant or get a custom chatbot made that can recognize and present the products in your store.
Wrapping up…
Here's the bottom line: whether you're starting from scratch with a new online store or looking to revamp an existing one, adhering to these development best practices will place your ecommerce site at the forefront of the digital marketplace. Remember, your website is not just a virtual storefront; it's a reflection of your brand, your commitment to excellence, and your dedication to meeting your customers' needs.
