This can happen to anyone: you find a link to an item you need in the search engine, then click it, but close the page right away because the design of the website does not look interesting at all. On the other hand, you arrive at a striking site, but it is not difficult to navigate through it. The following is a list of eCommerce usability tips that can help anyone who likes to build an online store or enhance an existing one:
Simple System of Filters
Products may be available in a range of sizes and colors, as well as diverse types of packing. Even the most particular customers will be happy to use your site if it has a simple, clear filter system by different parameters. Look for examples into the filtering options offered by electronics online stores with a large consumer base.
Visible Search Line
When users visit an online store and do not find what they need or want, it is just natural for them to seek out the search field. For this reason, the search line should be visible.
In/Out of Stock
From the SEO viewpoint, it is not good to remove a product from the site when it is no longer available. However, from the business approach, it matters if visitors to your site get disappointed when they find what they need then add it to cart only to get a cold reply, which is “sorry but the item it out of stock”. In any case, the people and not the search engine bots bring you income. That is why your customers should always come first. Create a prominent section with information on the availability of products. This way, it could be easily seen. Also include the statement “Notify me by email when this item is back in stock”.
Shopping Cart
In general, there are 2 distinct ways of implementing a shopping cart. In the first one, the shopping cart shows up each time an item has been added. In the other one, you are only notified about the addition of another item. No matter what variant you like to use, put the shopping cart where customers can easily see it. Another option that other online stores offer is letting the shopping cart stay visible as users scroll down the page. The main point is to make everything as convenient as possible for customers who want to make a purchase on your site. In addition, make the shopping cart button look more attractive by attaching small images of items that have been added.
Bread Crumbs
Bread crumbs are another useful, effective and navigating tool. They let users easily navigate across the site after they have just landed from the search engine results, move ahead fast and recognize the category construction. There are 2 variants of implementing bread crumb when they reveal the route that users have taken. These variants have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they also can be combined to be more creative – though no one has tried it up to now.
