Not all websites are the same. And while all webmasters need to take web design into account, those dealing directly with money and customers have extra considerations to make. After all, for owners of e-commerce (or sales) websites, "conversion" is the number one priority. Conversion refers to turning visitors to a website into paying customers, and the "conversion rate" of an e-commerce site is hugely dependant on how potential customers feel about the site itself.
This brings the question... When designing a website, what is the difference between e-commerce web design and regular web design? Can you design an e-commerce website just like you would an informational web page? The answer is no. Though they are similar in concept and execution, there is quite a lot of difference between e-commerce web design and regular web design-- it's all in the details.
E-Commerce Web Designers
When an Internet user visits an e-commerce site, he/she is often looking to buy. But the truth is, if that potential buyer doesn't feel good about the website, they won't buy-- even if the items for sale there are just what they're looking for.
Since turning browsers into paying customers is the way for an e-commerce site to make money, e-commerce website designers must keep in mind the importance of creating trust and good feeling with potential customers. Before deciding to spend money, most online customers look for security, convenience, and accessibility, and a successful e-commerce site must make all three a priority. Because of this, e-commerce web designers must put a special focus on:
Branding
In order to create trust and a feeling with security with potential clients, it's important that an e-commerce website be well branded. This means that sales websites must put more effort into logos, mottos, designs, etc., than non-commercial websites.
Shopping Carts
The ease and convenience of e-shopping carts, shopping baskets, etc., is an important factor in converting browsers into customers. Because of this, most e-commerce website designers should offer custom shopping cart design for websites. This includes but isn't limited to shopping cart appearance, databases, product display, and email receipts.
Security and Merchant Accounts
The biggest reason why online shopping is such a huge industry is convenience. And what makes shopping online so convenient is the ability to pay online securely with credit cards. Since paying online is one of the last remaining 'sticking points' for reluctant online shoppers, it's important to make them feel safe and secure when ordering from an e-commerce site. Because of this, e-commerce web designers are specialized in creating secure websites, and often help users to apply for and create secure e-commerce merchant accounts for credit cards.
Of course, all of this specialized knowledge requires specialized training, and an e-commerce web designer needs to be trained in this highly specific field. An e-commerce web designer must know both regular web design and the specialized skills in the areas listed above, as well as other e-commerce related areas.
Once you've got the right marketing approach, you need a place where your customers can come with your advertisements recall value, your professionalism and your ability to meet their requirements. An innovative E-commerce website design is the key for a success in business in the age of communication and internet. Without an effective, professional E-commerce website design, you might as well pass on your customers to the next company in line.
Surprisingly all companies do not have a web site. There are several companies that fear losing of "personal touch" by being an e-commerce society member. After all, we have transit from a society of nosy neighbors and mom-and-pop stores to a corporate based e-commerce society, and that scares some of us. The internet is developed for efficiency, and in our rapidly growing society, its necessary. However, the loss of personal touch is realized by the people, and is using E-commerce website design to get back that touch.
In today's time success in business means having a functional and professional website that is created with e-commerce website design in mind. There are plenty of professional web designing companies and individuals who can custom build a website design for your business, and help develop your strategy for marketing for a business success. You can make your own website design, but you cannot give it a professional look which is possible by an expert designer or design company unless you specialize in it.
You wouldn't build a retail store and set up the interior design without consulting a professional designer, unless you are qualified and experienced in merchandising and retail design. Why should your e-commerce website design also be any different then? You get what you pay for, isn't it?. If you're ready to invest a little more money into your website design, you'll see a great return on your investment in the form of more visitors and new customers online.
Get customized solutions for your business's website needs, by a company offering affordable service. Whether you're looking for e-commerce website design, SEO, SEM, or other services, consulting a professional web site designer or design company can help.
Both Amy Nutt & Astra are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.