In all digital projects, imagination and organization are essential. When these two blend, many ideas come together to create unique products. In this context, as we know, current events accelerated eCommerce's rise. Users got used to purchasing products or scheduling appointments with any device. Most importantly, the demand for quick solutions increased as more companies joined the market.
For all this, good eCommerce design and development are fundamental. As a result, companies can achieve better experiences for their users. This time, we'll review all the essential edges to take eCommerce to its greatest level. Also, we'll see its basics, processes, and impact. Hope in the shopping cart!
What is eCommerce Development?
While it may not seem like it, eCommerce development is also a creative process. Yet, throughout this process, developers have an essential role. And as you might know, developers divide into two main categories. These are front-end and back-end devs. In the context of eCommerce, developers handle the environment and its systems. Besides organizing items, they manage integrated payment platforms and security measures.
There are different reasons to tackle the relevance of eCommerce development. For instance, good development spawn trust that can lead to brand loyalty. In this sense, it can also lead to good reviews and comments. Further, dev elements influence the position of eCommerce sites in search engines. Thus, the process also comprises Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and App Store Optimization (ASO).
What is eCommerce Design?
We've already discussed eCommerce Development. Yet, Design is vital for successful outcomes. To put it poetically, the Design brings color to the Development's drawing. But it also has its procedures and best practices.
For a start, eCommerce Design handles creating and organizing ideas and content. Following this logic, it focuses on the appearance and aesthetics of products. This approach creates pleasant experiences that encourage users to perform the wanted action. For example, both Walmart and Amazon are examples of innovative eCommerce designs. While they may have different focuses, both achieve outstanding conversion rates and ROI.
The Design of a proper eCommerce includes many highlighted factors. Some include font styles and sizes, color patterns, and themes. All these elements are worth noticing to achieve prosperous first impressions. But why are first impressions so important?
Different researches show that 94% of users' image of a brand relies on its Design. Also, almost 90% of them could leave an eCommerce for not liking its Design. Finally, at least 73% of companies rely on good Design to stand out from the competition. If a website is compelling, users get positive impressions, which increases brand loyalty.
What are the Types of eCommerce?
Before giving life to an e-commerce, you should define its type.
1. B2C: Business-to-Customer. In this model, companies sell products or services to their final consumers.
2. B2B: Business-to-Business. Here, businesses partner up to create specialized solutions for third-party users.
3. C2C: Customer-to-Customer. In C2C, regular people connect online to trade products or services.
4. C2B: Customer-to-Business. In this case, a single person sells products or services to a company.
What to Consider in eCommerce?
Online shopping is taking over more and more retail. Nowadays, 15% of US sales are online. In contrast, according to the US Census Bureau, in 2011, eCommerce only accounted for 5% of retail sales. Companies like Amazon and eBay were fundamental for eCommerce growth. Over time, the trend increased. You can identify good eCommerce sites if these follow some parameters.
1. Good Interfaces. Any eCommerce must have a good UI and UX. In this context, there are essential elements to notice. Search filters and bars are among the most relevant. This aspect goes along with clean design and readable descriptions.
2. Security Management. In eCommerce, there is sensitive financial information. This data includes credit cards and postal addresses. To protect users, you'll need to prioritize User Security and handle specific technical aspects. These include TLS, SSL, and HTTPS authentication. Also, it helps if you add security mechanisms. As a result, you can encrypt data between users' devices and the eCommerce platform.
3. Mobile Experiences. According to Forbes, mobile sales accounted for 73% of online sales in 2021. Yet, mobile experiences are more than a replica of desktop ones. Different devices need different structural processes. The goal is to achieve a simple yet responsive design.
4. Payment Flows. eCommerce must be 100% payment optimized. Many users give up buying something because of a rotten buy process or a poor registration form. Thus, integrations with platforms like PayPal or Apple Pay help to speed up the processes.
5. Engines Optimization. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is indispensable for every website. Among its benefits, it achieves visibility and higher percentages of conversions. You can be more visible and recognizable with keyword research and text optimization. These will help when users search for products or services like your offer.
What is the eCommerce Life Cycle?
eCommerce sites go through the same type of life cycle as any digital product or business. These standards enclose sales growth and marketing strategies, to name a few. Yet, in this scenario, there's also the need to address the eCommerce Lifecycle. This journey takes care of the buyer's needs at each purchase stage. The stages of this cycle are as follows:
1. eCommerce Scope
The scope focuses on the reach and engagement of the applied dev and design strategies. Here, the goal is for users to acknowledge the site and its products or services.
2. eCommerce Acquisition
This eCommerce stage handles the communication of all the necessary information. In this scenario, the emphasis is on achieving further interactions or conversions. Some acquisition methods include rich web pages and handy forms.
3. eCommerce Nurturing
This phase prioritizes more robust communication with users about the offered products. An example of the nurturing stage is the "Related Products" section for users when buying. These customized actions increase both trust and revenue.
4. eCommerce Retention
In every product scenario, feedback is fundamental. Customers' thoughts guarantee further improvements in experience. Or at least they should do so! Thus, it's vital to treat potential customers with respect and authenticity. You can add users to the customer list if they come back.
5. eCommerce Advocacy
Worldwide, advocacy is the most desired stage for companies. But the trick is that the best way to achieve it is by doing things right. Yet, business motivation can include discounts and gifts for frequent users. If users recommend your site or products by word of mouth, you're on the next level!
10 Business Benefits of eCommerce
eCommerce is a vital element in today's business world. As a result, owning and maintaining one brings many benefits. In today's sun, eCommerce sales don't seem to decrease; quite the opposite! Let's review some of the most outstanding ones.
1. eCommerce has no limits. It can reach other continents with one click.
2. Transactions are faster, more efficient, and can also fit better users' needs.
3. Maintaining an eCommerce can be more profitable than a physical store.
4. Following the last point, users can compare prices easier than in physical stores.
5. Automation tools optimize response times and create solid interactions, raising conversion chances.
6. eCommerce has no size or layout-related restrictions, they're perfect for displaying as many products as you want!
7. Information about your company is always available on your web while also presenting your products or services and their prices.
8. Through user data and preferences collection, customization allows refining attention over time.
9. With Artificial Intelligence, it's possible achieving more stunning effects on the public.
10. Search Engines tend to put eCommerce at the top of their rank results.
eCommerce Design and Development Trends
Since 2020, online purchases have increased. Moreover, it will remain latent in the following years. Given this fact, are eCommerce changes temporary? Had any of them become the standard? Or have they gone out of style? Often, trends are only transient states of popularization. But there are cases when eCommerce innovation comes to stay. Some trends include:
● More Payment Options. These alternatives enclose digital and crypto wallets, QR payments, and buy-now-pay-later systems.
● Reviewing Integration. Allowing customers to be part of the conversation is beneficial. It shows business trust in their catalog. Include five-star ratings and sharing options!
● Shipping Flexibility. Companies should provide a variety of methods when delivering products. These methods include different addresses, advanced orders, or in-store picking. You can add banners to tell users what their choices are.
● Chatbots Incorporation. With chatbots, businesses encourage instant interactions with users. Chatbots Incorporation. With chatbots, companies encourage instant interactions with users. Many FAQs can find answers and fulfill users' needs before acquiring a product.
● Brand Ambassadors. Recognized people can act as intermediates between ventures and users. It's a widely used and cost-effective marketing channel. Yet, you should study profiles that align with your ideals, values, and goals.
● Data Personalization. Most CMSs allow you to track conversions, invoices, and purchases. Also, you can keep an eye on user journeys within your platforms. Please take advantage of them! You can create customized solutions for each type of user.
Conclusion
Developing and designing an eCommerce is a challenging task. It's vital to channel and outline an action plan that includes all the needs and goals. Yet, companies with eCommerce have a lot to gain. More customers, business control, and accessible inventories are some of them. Are you ready to join the game and proceed with the checkout?
