Having an online store offers immense potential for your business. It’s one of the most effective ways to reach customers and make sales, but website design also needs to be taken into account if you want visitors to stick around and purchase something from you. There are a few key elements that website visitors expect before they will commit to making a transaction with your store.
In this blog post, I’ll cover the 5 things that your customers want to see on your website before they will buy from you.
A clear sense of what your company offers
You will be surprised how many websites do not explicitly state what they offer. When customers visit your website, they should be able to quickly understand what your business provides and if you product or service is what they are looking for.
Be sure to make the products and services you offer crystal clear by having a well-thought website design that clearly states what your company does with an easy to read font and attractive graphics.
You can also Include an “about us” section or well-written product descriptions so customers know exactly what products or services you provide, how it benefits then and why they should choose your business over anyone else.
Contact information, including a phone number and physical location
No one wants to feel like they’re shopping in the dark – customers want to know that there’s someone on the other end of their transaction who can answer questions and provide assistance when needed. Always include contact information, such as an email address, phone number and physical address, on your website so customers feel secure in their purchase.
I can speak from experience and say a website with no direct contact information and that just have a contact form is major turn off. Customers want to know that if they have an issue with the product, there’s someone who can help them.
Third-party validation
Your website should include customer reviews and other forms of third-party validation such as awards and media mentions to show website visitors that your business is credible and trustworthy. Customer reviews are a great way to let website visitors know that other people have had a positive experience with your business.
It also helps increase trust and encourages website visitors to convert into customers. Adding customer reviews and other forms of third-party validation, such as awards or ratings, is an easy website design element that can go a long way in creating website visitors into customers.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
Having website security is absolutely essential for any website. An SSL certificate is a website security measure that encrypts web traffic and verifies the website’s identity to website visitors.
It is important to website visitors that their personal and financial data is secure, so having an SSL certificate can help build website visitor trust, which can lead to more website conversions.
Clear guidance on your processes
Be sure to include steps for customers in regards to returns, refunds and other customer service related policies. This website design element will help website visitors make a better decision on whether or not they want to purchase from you.
Including clear guidance and policies on your website will give website visitors the confidence that if something goes wrong, there’s someone who can help them.
Conclusion
Overall, website design is just as important as product offerings when it comes to website visitors converting into customers. By making sure to include the 5 elements I’ve discussed in this post, website visitors will feel more assured in their purchase and trust your website.
It is important to make sure that website design is an integral part of your website strategy, as it can have a significant impact on your sales and sales reach. By following website design best practices, website visitors will be more likely to convert into customers and help your business grow.