Website Usability: Best Practices for Builders Merchants

Crafting a user-friendly homepage

A homepage is the first impression your website makes. For builders merchants, it’s crucial to have a clean, intuitive design that immediately communicates your value proposition. A cluttered homepage can overwhelm visitors, leading to high bounce rates. Instead, focus on a simple layout with clear navigation. Highlight key services, special offers, and popular products to draw users in.

Statistics show that 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. Here at iWeb, we recommend using high-quality images and concise, compelling text to keep users engaged. Our expert solution architects can help you design a homepage that not only looks good but also functions seamlessly.

Moreover, consider the loading speed of your homepage. A slow website can frustrate users and drive them away. According to Google, 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than three seconds to load. iWeb’s 29 years of e-commerce experience ensures that your homepage is optimised for speed, providing a smooth user experience.

Optimising product pages for better engagement

Product pages are where the magic happens. They need to be informative yet easy to navigate. Start with high-quality images from multiple angles, and include detailed descriptions that answer potential questions. This helps build trust and encourages purchases.

A study by Salsify found that 87% of shoppers rate product content extremely or very important when deciding to buy. Our talented team at iWeb can help you create compelling product pages that convert. We also recommend integrating user reviews and ratings to add credibility and assist in decision-making.

Additionally, consider implementing a Product Information Management (PIM) system like Akeneo PIM. This allows you to manage product data efficiently, ensuring consistency across all channels. iWeb are expert Akeneo PIM Integrators, and we can help you streamline your product information to enhance user experience.

Streamlining the checkout process

A complicated checkout process can be a deal-breaker. Simplify it by minimising the number of steps required to complete a purchase. Offer guest checkout options and multiple payment methods to cater to different user preferences.

Baymard Institute reports that 69.57% of online shopping carts are abandoned, with a complicated checkout process being a major reason. iWeb’s e-commerce expertise can help you design a streamlined checkout process that reduces cart abandonment rates. Our talented in-house team can implement features like auto-fill forms and progress indicators to make the process smoother.

Security is also paramount. Ensure that your checkout process is secure and clearly communicate this to your customers. Display trust badges and SSL certificates to reassure users that their data is safe.

Enhancing mobile usability

With more people shopping on their phones, mobile usability is non-negotiable. Ensure your website is mobile-responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes without compromising on functionality or aesthetics.

According to Statista, mobile commerce accounted for 72.9% of total e-commerce sales in 2021. iWeb – an enterprise e-commerce agency, can help you optimise your site for mobile users. Our talented UK team specialises in creating mobile-friendly designs that enhance user experience.

Consider implementing Progressive Web Apps (PWA) for a more app-like experience. PWAs offer faster load times and offline capabilities, making them ideal for mobile users. Our expertise and experience in e-commerce spans three decades, and we can guide you through the process of implementing PWAs.

Utilising search functionality effectively

A robust search function is essential for any e-commerce site. It helps users find what they’re looking for quickly, improving their overall experience. Implement features like auto-suggestions and filters to make the search process more efficient.

Research by Econsultancy shows that up to 30% of visitors use the site search box, and those who do are 1.8 times more likely to convert. iWeb’s track record in e-commerce ensures that your search functionality is top-notch. Our expert solution architects can help you implement advanced search features that enhance usability.

Additionally, consider integrating with a PIM system to ensure that your product data is accurate and up-to-date. This improves search results and helps users find relevant products more easily. iWeb are expert Akeneo PIM Integrators, and we can assist you in this integration.

Good navigation is the backbone of a user-friendly website. Use clear, descriptive labels for your menu items and organise them logically. Avoid overwhelming users with too many options; instead, use sub-menus to categorise products and services.

A study by Forrester Research found that 50% of potential sales are lost because users can’t find what they’re looking for. iWeb’s e-commerce expertise can help you design an intuitive navigation system that guides users effortlessly through your site. Our talented team can also implement breadcrumb trails to help users keep track of their location within the site.

Moreover, consider using a mega menu for larger websites. This allows you to display multiple categories and subcategories in a single, easy-to-navigate menu. Our expert solution architects can help you design a mega menu that enhances user experience.

Incorporating customer feedback and reviews

Customer feedback and reviews are invaluable for building trust and improving your website. Encourage customers to leave reviews and make it easy for them to do so. Display these reviews prominently on your product pages to provide social proof.

According to BrightLocal, 91% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. iWeb – Experts in Commerce, can help you integrate review systems that encourage customer feedback. Our talented in-house team can also implement features like star ratings and review summaries to make the information easily digestible.

Additionally, use customer feedback to make continuous improvements to your website. Regularly review the feedback and identify common issues or suggestions. This helps you stay responsive to customer needs and enhances overall usability.

Ensuring accessibility for all users

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it’s also good business practice. Ensure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Use alt text for images, provide transcripts for videos, and ensure that your site is navigable using a keyboard.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a comprehensive framework for making websites accessible. iWeb’s 29 years of e-commerce experience can help you meet these guidelines. Our expert solution architects can conduct accessibility audits and implement necessary changes to ensure compliance.

Moreover, consider using tools like Adobe Experience Manager to manage your content more effectively. This allows you to create accessible content that meets the needs of all users. Our talented team can guide you through the process of implementing these tools.

Call to action

Ready to transform your website’s usability? Reach out to iWeb today to learn how we can help you create a user-friendly, high-converting website. Our expert solution architects and talented in-house team are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact iWeb now to start your digital transformation journey.