Orisha Naidoo, a Senior Product Designer at Payfast by Network who has over 10 years of experience in the UX industry, shares her top tips on what you can do to improve the user journey on your ecommerce website.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any merchant looking to thrive in the competitive world of ecommerce. Whether you’re catering to digital natives or seasoned online shoppers, mastering the user experience (UX) game is key to ecommerce success. Let’s dive into five essential UX tips that will turn your website into a customer magnet:
1. Go mobile or go home
In a world where smartphones are practically an extension of our hands, having a mobile-friendly website is non-negotiable. Your site should look and function flawlessly on any device, from smartphones to tablets.
Ensure that your website design is responsive, meaning it adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions. This ensures that users can easily navigate your site, browse products and make purchases regardless of the device they’re using.
A mobile-friendly design not only enhances the user experience but also improves your site’s search engine ranking, as Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites in its search results.
2. Checkout should be a breeze
Nobody has time for a lengthy checkout process. We all want to click, pay and be on our way. It’s therefore important to streamline your checkout process to make it as straightforward as possible.
Some ways you can do this is to:
- Offer your customers a variety of payment options that suit their preferences.
- Save payment details for returning customers, such as through tokenization.
- Streamline the process to minimise clicks – trust me, they’ll thank you for it.
3. Need for speed
We live life in the fast lane, and that includes browsing online stores. Time is money, and slow websites are a one-way ticket to losing both. Speed up your site by optimising images, reducing unnecessary clutter and leveraging caching techniques. A lightning-fast website will keep users engaged and coming back for more.
4. Navigate like a pro
Confusing menus and hidden links? No, thank you. Make it a breeze for users to find what they’re looking for. Simplify your navigation menu, offer a prominent search bar with autocomplete suggestions, and provide filters to help users refine their search results. Because everyone appreciates a smooth shopping experience, regardless of age.
5. Picture-perfect products
A picture is worth a thousand sales, right? We’re all about that Insta-worthy lifestyle, so make sure your product images are drool-worthy. Invest in high-quality product images that showcase your offerings in the best light. Allow users to zoom in for a closer look and provide concise yet informative product descriptions. After all, a compelling visual and clear description can seal the deal for any shopper.
There you have it, folks. By implementing these five UX hacks, you’ll create an ecommerce website that not only attracts customers but keeps them coming back for more. By continuously monitoring user feedback and behaviour and making iterative improvements to your website, you can ensure that your ecommerce business remains competitive in today’s digital landscape. So, go ahead, optimise your site for a stellar user experience, and watch your sales soar to new heights. Happy selling!
