Years back I had to design my first website, and I hired an agency. I still remember how excited I was. I had so many ideas on a piece of paper. I had searched other websites online, what I liked or disliked, identified my favorite colors and I was ready for it! However, I just didn’t have the slightest clue as to what it took to actually design a website. I got confused very quickly with the technical jargon but I remember the moment when I saw the project completed.
A few years forward, I am on the other side with my team, making people’s ideas come to life. I still love every minute of it. A website is an ideal way to communicate with people you may not know, and who are looking for the products or services you have to offer. And if you build a strong foundation from the start you can only grow from here.
Like everything about an online presence, there is no one solution that fits all. Whatever the business, whether it involves selling a product via an eCommerce website or offering coaching services – different industries, different concepts, different websites. But, a few basic rules apply; some must-have features that everyone expects to find when they land on your eCommerce website.
So which pages and functionalities make an eCommerce website successful? As a customer yourself, you will certainly know about the home page, product page, shopping cart, and easy checkout. You will be used to finding specific elements on a website, and understand the importance of things simply working – and working fast. As a business you want to make sure the experience is flawless and enjoyable. Remember that people don’t search further high and low for something they’re looking for. They act on what is in front of them.
Below is a checklist of 25 must-have features for an eCommerce website. Use this list as a starting point when planning your new website.
- Top banner for promotions
- Clear navigation
- Featured products or categories
- Category overview (grid layout/list layout)
- Detailed product description (colors, patterns, fabric, sizes, pictures with various views, videos, etc.)
- Return, exchange and refund policy
- SSL for security
- Privacy policy and terms and conditions
- Cookie consent bar
- FAQs
- Support/help/contact us email
- Add to cart and confirmation window
- Wishlist
- Footer with email sign-up and pop up window with x% offer
- Bestsellers
- Most popular products
- Reviews
- Related products (You may also like…)
- Multi-currency options
- Multiple payment options
- Post-purchase messages
- Detailed shipping information
- Search and search results
- Login/create account and guest checkout
- Social proof
A successful eCommerce website is about convenient filters, clear navigation, and easy-to-access search. It is also about upselling and cross-selling to make the most out of your customers’ visit.
This checklist will help get you started in the best possible way. Email us if you have any questions regarding any of the aforementioned must-have features for your eCommerce website.
At Them You & Me, we simply love websites. We use friendly words to explain technical words that may sound intimidating otherwise. We will sit down with you, understand your vision and design an eCommerce website that makes you happy – and your customer happier!
Please visit our website to learn about our other services.
*Please consider our content as recommendations and not concepts to apply as is, without questioning it. Every business is unique, so find the solution and strategy that works especially for you. You may keep what you need and disregard what you don’t.
