Amongst the rush of back-to-school, it can be difficult to run your website, especially if you don’t have the right tools. There are simple ways you can boost your online customer base with your website design that you can set up before busy season is in full swing. Here is a quick guide of things to consider when refreshing your website for back-to-school.
Keep it simple
It can be easy to get carried away with all the features websites can offer, from pop-ups to banner ads to colors and more. Try to view your website as a customer and remove unnecessary clutter. Keep the design simple, easy to scan, with clear calls-to-action to help drive sales. Make sure that your website’s navigation is user-friendly and easy to use. Keep your menus simple and organized to make it easier for your customers to find what they’re looking for.
Make it mobile-friendly
Your main customer base will be shopping on their phones more than they will on a desktop. If your website is not mobile-responsive you may lose a lot of potential online sales. Your website content should fill the screen without running off the sides and be simple to navigate on a mobile device. Ensure that your website loads quickly on mobile devices and all content is easily accessible.
Showcase top products
Use the layout of your website to highlight your most popular items, whether by using colors, placement, or banners. Think of this as the online way to have a display merchandiser in-store! Just as with displays, you can use color to your advantage by studying up on the psychology of color. Use strong calls-to-action (CTAs) to direct visitors to contact you, place an order, or browse your products. Make your CTAs easy to locate and visually appealing.
Focus on SEO
SEO stands for search engine optimization. Put simply, it is the use of keywords and descriptions to move your website higher on search results to gain more exposure, views, and a wider reach. When considering keywords, think through searches a person would make when trying to find a product (example, “best laptop for college”). You’ll also want to make sure that your product descriptions are easy-to-read, accurate, and thorough. This also helps customers feel more inclined to purchase a product when the description is clear and relevant!
Here are some SEO tips for beginners to help get you started.
Use high quality images
When shopping online, customers are unable to experience the product as they would in your brick-and-mortar store, making pictures a vital element in your ecommerce site. Product images help a customer see the item in action and helps them decide to purchase. A case study even found that incorporating relevant images increased conversions by over 40%!
Add customer reviews
Social proof helps build customer trust and drives conversions. By allowing your customers to share positive feedback on your products, other customers are more inclined to then purchase those products. Consider adding a rating section or a place to share testimonials with customer photos and quotes. Ask your current customers to submit reviews to help build your credibility. For tips on asking for reviews, check out this article.
For more on the benefit of reviews on your site, check out this article.
Final Thoughts
Building your ecommerce site may feel like a large task at the beginning, but with the right time and strategy your website can help you make even more sales. By implementing these simple tips, you’ll be able to improve your website for back-to-school season and ultimately see an increase in customer engagement and sales.
Sources:
https://99designs.com/logo-design/psychology-of-color
https://99designs.com/blog/web-digital/ecommerce-website-design-tips/
https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/ecommerce-website-design-tips/
https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/website-seo-tips-for-beginners/
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