Top 8 Must-Haves of an eCommerce Website in 2022
With the onset of the global pandemic, the shift towards online shopping is rapidly becoming the new normal. In 2021 alone, eCommerce generated 4.9 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.
A functional eCommerce website typically has a Homepage, a Products page, a Blog, and an About Us page. But in 2022, eCommerce owners need to think beyond the basics to meet the ever-changing technological landscape and developing needs of their customers. Here are some of the essential elements every eCommerce website should include in 2022.
1. Responsive Website Design
2. User-Friendly Navigation
Amazon is a great example of an optimized website with a both a vertical and user-friendly navigation interface. Other navigation best practices include:
- List the most important features at the top
- Choose SEO-optimized terms for your menu
- Include a search bar
- Label important pages and cluster them accordingly
3. Multiple Security Features
To keep your website – and your customers’ information – secure and protected – it can pay to enhance your website with the following security features:
Install an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificate
This ensures that all data passed between the webs server and browser remains private.
Set up multi-factor authentication
You never know when and where your passwords might get compromised. That’s why setting up a second authentication factor to verify a log-in attempt is essential for maintaining the integrity of your accounts
Choose plug-ins carefully
While plug-ins can enhance the digital customer experience of your website, it’s important to be careful as to not compromise your website.
4. Offer Multiple Payment Options
Your eCommerce website should also be flexible in terms of payment options and methods. While you should know what specific payment method your target audience prefers, having other options available can enhance the customer experience.
Offer various payment methods
Display your payment options prominently before checkout
6. Detailed Shipping and Return Information
To enhance trust and set expectations, it’s important to display whether your website offers free or paid shipping. Failing to do so may lead to abandoned carts, or even customers shifting to a competitor brand.
Another thing you should consider on your checkout page is informing clients of your return process. This is because 92% of consumers will buy again if the return process is easy.
If you give your customers a great user experience, they will become repeat customers. This not only helps in reducing losses but also in creating better customer relationships.
To address these changes in customer behavior, here are some best practices:
- Display whether the item is on-hand and has remaining stock
- Inform customers about your returns process and expected arrival times.
- Offer real-time customer service options to cater to queries.
- Display Shipping Policy, as well as your Return Policy.
7. Contact Page with Multiple Contact Options
8. Create an Omnichannel Platform
Optimize Your eCommerce Website in 2022
An optimized eCommerce Website can greatly impact your business. While it’s only one element of your marketing tools and strategies, it’s a major player that could make or break the success of your eCommerce business. Don’t miss the eCommerce train! Optimize your website today and take your brand to the next level.