As a digital marketing agency, we run into a lot of questions and false beliefs about web design — particularly eCommerce website design.
Building an eCommerce website is different than a non-eCommerce site, mostly owing to the fact that for many eCommerce marketers they are actually selling a product through their website – not just marketing it.
This might include having an online store, setting up a method to take payments, dealing with shipping requests, and more.
This process can be confusing and overwhelming for even the most experienced marketers, especially if you are just starting to make the move to omnichannel selling.
We’re breaking down the top eCommerce website design myths we hear to get to the truth of the matter and help you recognize what you truly need in a web design service.
Myth #1: eCommerce Website Design is More Expensive
The Myth: Because eCommerce websites can appear to have more bells and whistles (the product listings, secure checkout portal, shipping, etc.) some businesses automatically assume they are more expensive to build and not worth the cost
The Reality: Like any website project, eCommerce or non, in general the bigger your site, the pricier it will be.
That said, an eCommerce website is not automatically more expensive and there are plenty of ways to get the costs down, especially when you are just starting out. This might include:
- Using templates so you can create numerous product pages with only one design.
- Intelligently assessing and using eCommerce partners that have pre-built online stores or plug-ins (a reputable digital marketing agency, like Pulsion Marketing, can help you evaluate which one is best for your business).
- Choosing the right website platform. Certain providers might seem cheaper upfront but don’t offer as much value in the long-run.
Ultimately if you are considering launching an eCommerce website, you also need to consider the fact that you are building a revenue-generating platform. While you don’t want to spend more than is necessary, it’s going to cost more than a static one-page website – but it’s also likely to bring in more business.
Myth #2: If You Build It, They Will Come…
The Myth: Once the eCommerce website is built, some businesses think that it’s all they need – and proceed to cancel other marketing initiatives, like social media, pay-per-click campaigns, and so on.
The Reality: A great eCommerce site is one part (albeit an essential part) of building an online business. But it’s not the only part. While the website is your base — your online version of the bricks-and-mortar store — you still need to drive traffic there.
This is where other digital marketing methods, such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, pay-per-click campaigns, email marketing, and beyond, actually become even more crucial. These methods funnel traffic to your site – and then when the traffic is there, they stay and purchase your products.
Brand recognition is important to build and maintain, particularly during a new website launch. Choosing one over the other can often defeat the purpose!
Myth #3: More Features Equals Better Design
The Myth: The fancier an eCommerce website, the better it is.
The Reality: While bells and whistles can look good, if they’re unnecessary they can complicate the user experience and rack up your web design services bill.
We’ve all been on those websites that seem to have it all, yet we can’t actually find the item we’re looking for…
Never sacrifice user experience for design. Make the priority be that the customer can easily find the product they need and purchase it — and hopefully come back for more!
Myth #4: You Need a Lot of On-Page Text
The Myth: Some marketers believe that websites (eCommerce or not) require a lot of text for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes. As a result, you’ll see pages with large blocks of text and few images, lists, or visual elements.
The Reality: While a certain amount of text is important for any website, it shouldn’t be the predominant feature – especially in an eCommerce design.
Text on websites has a purpose: for SEO, in a blog (like this one), product descriptions, etc. But it’s also important that your site has other components – like high-resolution images, videos, lists, good flow, and more.
Especially in an eCommerce website, the visuals are even more important. People need to be able to see your products, not just read about them.
Myth #5: All Platforms are the Same
The Myth: All website building platforms are the same and any will work for your eCommerce website.
The Reality: In an effort to save costs, some marketers will turn to DIY web design services. But what these platforms can offer in cost savings, they lack elsewhere.
Typically, these DIY platforms aren’t search engine optimized and do not rank highly on Google. They are also limited in the customization, which is particularly important for eCommerce websites. You might have a certain look you want to achieve but the platform you have chosen doesn’t enable you to achieve it.
Look carefully at the website platform you are choosing and why you are choosing it. If the main reason is to save money, then consider looking for alternatives.
It’s also best when building a website with eCommerce capabilities to work with an experienced web design service – like Pulsion Marketing.
Building an eCommerce website opens up a lot of possibilities for your business – more revenue potential, more sales channels, and more exposure. Don’t hurt your prospects by making common website design mistakes.
Working with a reputable digital marketing agency during the creation of your eCommerce website can help you build the best site possible. Pulsion Marketing offers website development project management services, website reviews and recommendations, WordPress website support, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about our solutions for your eCommerce website design. Call 1-888-701-4441 or visit www.digiforcemarketing.ca.