A web design checklist for new ecommerce websites

Having an eCommerce website designed and built by an agency can be expensive, but is likely to provide an excellent return on investment. During the design process you will be given the chance to see how the project is coming along, so you can check that the web designer is meeting your needs and requirements. Before you sign off the project as complete, it is important to carry out an audit of the design. Here we will provide you with a ten point web design checklist for new ecommerce websites.

Use a checklist to guide you through the evaluation of your new web design.

1. Easy to read fonts

The type of fonts your web designer will have chosen for your website will be based on the specification you gave them. Although you may like fancy fonts, it is important to consider how they impact the usability and functionality of your website. First and foremost users need to be able to read the content on your site and if your fonts are too fancy, this may prove to be difficult. When auditing your web design, make sure that the fonts are legible and that along with other elements of the design, they create a professional image of your business.

Image Source: Pixabay

2. Simple and effective navigation

It is important to test your websites navigational elements. Users do not want to have to browse through pages and pages in order to find the content they need. Your ecommerce websites navigation should be simple and logical. Also check that your web designer has implemented a search bar, as this allows customers to locate the products they are looking for quickly and efficiently. The quicker they can locate what they need, the more likely they are to make a purchase.

3. Clear call to action buttons

Call to action buttons are an essential part of an ecommerce websites web design. They tell users what they want them to do, for example add to cart or go to checkout. It is essential that the call to action buttons are clearly displayed on your website. It is also important that there are not too many buttons on one page, as this can cause confusion.

4.Easy checkout process

How easy and quick your checkout process is will have an impact on the percentage of visitors that convert to customers. When building and designing an ecommerce website, it is important that the checkout process is straight forward. Customers hate having to go through pages and pages just to input their card details. One page checkouts are highly recommended and are known for increasing conversion rates. Always test out the checkout process to make sure customers can buy your products quickly and easily.

5. Attractive and effective design

Before you go any further, you need to make sure that the web design serves its purpose. Is it attractive? Will it appeal to your target audience? It is also important that the design fits in with the type of business you own, yet is unique enough to stand out amongst your competitors’ websites.

6. Browser compatibility

When testing the design of your ecommerce website, try viewing and using it in different web browsers. It is important that your website loads well in all browsers, or you may risk alienating users and losing potential sales.

7. Speedy site loading time

During the evaluation of your new web design, you will need to test how long it takes to load. It is important that your ecommerce website loads quickly, as if it takes more than a few seconds, you will risk losing customers. If your site is loading slowly, ask your web designer if there is any way that they can clean up the code. You may also want to consider removing any unnecessary content like images and videos. Remember all content should serve a specific purpose!

8. Social media integration

If you want to encourage users to share your products and interact with your company, then you will need to check that your web designer has integrated your ecommerce website with various social media channels. Check that the buttons have been installed correctly and that they are easy for customers to see.

9. Mobile-ready

Today it is no longer good enough for an ecommerce site to simply work on a desktop computer or laptop, with so many smartphone users there is a great need for businesses to create mobile-friendly sites too. If you have asked for a responsive web design, then try viewing your site on a mobile device and digital tablet to check that it looks aesthetically pleasing and functions well.

10. Clearly displayed contact information

All companies should make it easy for their customers to find their contact information on their websites. Make sure that your website has a ‘contact us’ page and that your contact information is displayed on the header of the main page and in the footer of every other page. Customers are more likely to trust your company, if you provide them with a contact number, email address and even physical address.