Access to online shopping has drastically increased over the last few years. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, retailers were forced to come up with creative alternatives to their brick-and-mortar stores and to expand into the world of eCommerce.
But not all eCommerce sites are effective sales platforms. Poorly designed websites that are confusing or frustrating to use may end up driving customers away from your business. Wondering how to design an appealing, user-friendly eCommerce platform?
Here are our tips on the most important features of an eCommerce platform in 2022.
#1 Real-Time Inventory Management
In a world where sales are fast-paced and online shoppers are able to complete their checkout process in a matter of seconds, real-time inventory management is a crucial component of your eCommerce platform. Ecommerce managers need to have instant access to inventory data so they can adjust availability and order new stock if necessary. Real-time inventory management is an essential part of staying up-to-date with your budget and anticipating order volume.
#2 Website Customization
An eCommerce site is like a digital business card for your brand. Sure, you want to provide clear and accessible information, but you also want to convey the aspects of your brand that set you apart. Customizable sites allow you to add those extra touches that make your brand unique. Provide links to social media pages, include video content, and customize each page to include your logo and color scheme.
#3 Security
You should never have to worry about website security if you’re paying a third-party company to manage your site. From customer information to account details, you should have confidence that your site is equipped with the latest secure technology.
#4 24/7 Support
If your site crashes or malfunctions it’s essential to have immediate professional support only a phone call away. Additionally, customers value companies who prioritize customer service and offer accessible customer support. Providing quality customer care will set your brand apart from the competition.
#5 User-Friendly Design
Ecommerce sites should be intuitive and simple to navigate. After all, online customers have plenty of other options to choose from and will take their business elsewhere. User friendly design includes:
- An easy-to-navigate homepage.
- Informative, clutter-free product pages linked to the main page.
- Search capabilities via a search bar at the top or bottom of the homepage.
- Accessible contact information for inquiries and feedback.
#6 Mobile Optimization
Nowadays, over half of all online shoppers completes their transactions on their mobile devices. If your site doesn’t translate well to a mobile platform, you may be missing out on significant opportunities. Mobile optimization ensures that customers have a seamless experience regardless of platform. Some eCommerce platforms will allow you to preview your site in a mobile format, so it’s easier to fix any inconsistencies before your site goes live.
#7 Detailed Product Information
While you don’t want your site to overwhelm customers with all the details and specs your product offers, it’s still important to provide curious customers with detailed descriptions of your product. In-depth product information helps customers discern whether or not your company would be a good fit for their needs.
#8 Order Tracking
With the current spate of supply chain shortages and increased strain on the postal system, tracking capabilities are a must-have to assuage customer anxiety about their order status. Tracking programs that provide real-time updates are particularly ideal so customers can anticipate their package’s arrival.
#9 Multiple Payment Options
If you don’t already offer customers multiple payment options, we recommend making the upgrade. Payment methods like Venmo and Apple Pay are gaining in popularity, and customers expect to have flexibility when they reach the checkout.
Plan for the Future with Digitbridge
Are you wasting time managing your eCommerce business across multiple platforms? At Digitbridge, we offer one easy-to-use platform that houses all your eCommerce management needs. From inventory management, to order fulfillment, to customer service and more, Digitbridge consolidates your business tasks into one user-friendly platform. Using cloud-based data, Digitbridge is the go-to platform for business owners on-the-go. Manage your business anytime, anywhere.
Start streamlining your eCommerce business today! Contact us to start your free demo and experience the benefits of our intuitive platform.
