Mobile e-commerce websites are all the rage now, claiming to take responsibility for the current rise in product browsing from mobile devices, and why not? Don’t we just love whipping out our cell phones to find a restaurant, set a reminder, or Google facts to support our stance in some hugely intellectual discussion? So why shouldn’t shopping be that easy?
We love the versatility of these gadgets, and we like it even more when our favorite merchants make it so very convenient for us with a dedicated mobile website. According to recent surveys, websites seem to have a significant edge over e-commerce apps, because with an app, the issue of compatibility crops up, especially in the case of Android devices. Sure, websites too need to be optimized according to screen size, resolution, etc. and this is where the crucial aspect of design comes in. Let’s break down the factors that can help you get your customers hooked!
A big ol’ search bar
A search bar that plays hard to get is can be mighty frustrating. When people are browsing on their phones, they’re usually looking for specifics, rather than on a laptop whose screen size allows for leisurely window shopping. For quick access, put your search bar where it’s easily accessible. Let them type in a query pronto and be wowed by your impressive range of products.
Minimalism is key
A cluttered website with tons of information will only serve to confuse the customer, engaging them for not more than a few seconds, to ultimately watch them navigate away to a competitor. Formulate an organized display system for your products with minimal verbiage. Sure, you might want to talk at length about how great the merchandise is, but the small screen size of these devices only allow for so much superfluous information. Keep it simple, and anticipate a meteoric rise in sales, no matter what Neil deGrasse Tyson says.
Pay attention to the load time
Mobile internet connections and processors are becoming faster with flagship phones flaunting RAMs at par with some mid-range laptops! However, those without such specs would be expected to rely on the loading time of your site for hassle free shopping. Get rid of unnecessary elements and cut down the size of images to significantly reduce load time.
The importance of responsive design
Nothing is more annoying than having to scroll sideways when you’re reading or shopping on your phone. Pick and choose your essential navigational elements and make them accessible in an uncluttered single column that doesn’t involve scrolling sideways to view the items in the cart, while filtering products or proceeding towards payment as these are the most important aspects of the shopping experience. Sometimes one size doesn’t fit all, and so it pays to invest in a responsive website.
Social media integration
Eager to get the word out? Why not integrate share buttons in strategic locations on both the desktop and mobile site? In the age of lightning fast information swapping, social media websites are the enablers. And, who better to put in a good word than sufficiently impressed and satisfied shoppers? Make way for a boost in direct incoming traffic.
Design for the tap, not the click
Laptops and desktops allow for some degree of precision while selecting things and clicking on elements like buttons and links with a mouse. However, the mobile UI relies on tactile feedback. Space out the objects and arrange them neatly in order of preferred visibility to allow users to navigate comfortably using their fingers. No one likes walking on egg shells when it comes to browsing on their mobile – pinch and zoom may be an important feature, but definitely an undesired one while shopping on the phone. Design and place your elements for the blunt reception of finger taps, thereby making sure no button or link is clicked accidentally leading to a disruption in the shopping process.
Be Approachable
Allow customers to contact you directly through emails, phone calls and instant messages right away from the website. A transparent process that allows customers to reach out to you not only gets rid of any bottlenecks, but in answering their queries in a timely manner, you put your best foot forward to promote a sense of security and authenticity.
Conclusion
This generation of tech-savvy customers relies heavily on the benefits of mobility to browse, compare, select and buy their desired products. Thus, it’s essential to look into every Aspect of your mobile e-commerce website design, especially safe and secure payment gateways to make transactions a breezy affair. It’s not that hard to become visible as a reliable online e-commerce seller if customers indeed believe what you’ve got in store for them is the bee’s knees and worth sharing with friends, family, or other interested individuals on social media. After all, nothing beats the satisfaction of a good deal and a convenient shopping experience (except perhaps new episodes of Game of Thrones and Sherlock.)