Published: May 6, 2024
The way your e-commerce website looks is very important for your business’s success. A good website design can bring in more visitors, turn them into buyers, and make them want to come back. This blog talks about the important do’s and don’ts of creating an e-commerce website. We’ll help you build a website that not only looks great but also works well to achieve your business aims. At BrandVillage, we focus on making unique and effective e-commerce website design & development solutions that show off what your brand is all about and connect well with the people you want to reach.
The Dos of E-Commerce Website Design

Easy Navigation
- How to structure your site for ease of use: Your e-commerce site should be set up in a clear and logical way, making it easy for customers to find their way around. Think of your website as a physical store where items are neatly categorised and signposted. Each category should be clearly labeled and logically placed, often based on popularity or type.
- Importance of a search bar and clear categories: Including a prominent search bar and distinct categories helps users quickly find what they’re looking for, enhancing their overall shopping experience. This reduces frustration and increases the likelihood of conversions.
Mobile-Friendly Design
- Statistics on mobile shopping trends: More than half of all online shopping happens on mobile devices. This shows how important it is to have a website that works well on phones and tablets.
- Tips for optimising for mobile devices: Make sure your website can adjust its layout for different screen sizes. Keep buttons big enough to tap easily on small screens, and check how fast your site loads to make sure it’s quick enough for mobile users.
High-Quality Product Images and Descriptions
- The role of visuals in online sales: High-quality visuals can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your products. Good images give a clear idea of what the product looks like, which is crucial since customers cannot touch or see the items in person.
- Best practices for product photography and description writing: Use professional photos taken in bright light and from different sides. Add detailed descriptions with each picture, telling about the size, what it’s made of, and any special features. Being clear and open about your products helps build trust and lowers the chances of returns.
Fast Load Times
- Impact of loading speed on user experience and sales: If a website takes too long to load, customers may get impatient and leave, which can hurt sales. Quick loading times are important to keep customers interested and make sales.
- Tools and tips for improving website speed: To speed up your website, you can reduce the size of images using compression tools, use content delivery networks to help it load faster, and cut down on the big scripts that make your site slow.
Secure Payment Options
- Importance of security in e-commerce: Online shoppers need assurance that their personal and payment data are secure. A breach can severely damage your brand’s reputation and customer trust.
- How to integrate trusted payment gateways: Implement reputable payment solutions like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay, which are recognised for their security measures. Also, ensure your site has SSL certification to encrypt data.
Effective CTA Placement
- What are CTAs and why they matter: A Call to Action is a button or link that prompts your visitors to take steps toward becoming a customer or client. Effective CTAs are clear and compel users to act, driving the sales process forward.
- Examples of effective CTA strategies: Use contrasting colors for your CTA buttons to make them stand out from the rest of the page. Place them in intuitive spots where users naturally focus, such as below product descriptions or at the top of your homepage.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
- Benefits of showcasing customer feedback: Showing reviews and testimonials from customers acts as proof that your products and services are good. When new customers see positive feedback, it makes them feel more confident about buying from you.
- How to encourage and display reviews: Make leaving reviews easy and accessible for customers. Consider sending a follow-up email after purchase asking for a review and include a direct link to the review page.
The Don’ts of E-Commerce Website Design
Overloading with Information
- Why too much information can drive customers away: An overloaded website can overwhelm visitors, making it difficult for them to find what they need. Too much information can distract from the main messages and products you want to highlight.
- How to keep design clean and focused: Aim for a minimalist design that emphasises clarity. Use bullet points for product features, keep menus concise, and avoid cluttering pages with unnecessary information.
Ignoring SEO
- Consequences of neglecting SEO: If you don’t focus on SEO, your website might not show up in search engine results, making it hard for people to find you. This can lead to fewer visitors and potential customers.
- Basic SEO practices for e-commerce: Make sure your product descriptions are detailed, use alt tags on images, and include important keywords that relate to your products in your content. Keep your website’s content updated regularly to stay relevant to search engines.
Complicated Checkout Process
- How a difficult checkout can lose sales: A complex checkout process can frustrate customers, leading to abandoned carts. Simplifying this process can significantly increase your conversion rates.
- Tips for simplifying the checkout experience: Reduce the number of steps required to complete a purchase. Offer multiple payment methods and ensure that entering payment information is straightforward and secure. Enable guest checkout to allow users to complete purchases without creating an account.
Neglecting Cart Recovery Strategies
- Importance of addressing cart abandonment: Cart abandonment is a significant issue in e-commerce, with many customers leaving before completing their purchase. Addressing this can recapture otherwise lost sales.
- Tools and tactics to recover lost sales: Use cart abandonment emails to remind customers of their incomplete purchases. Offer incentives such as discounts or free shipping to encourage them to complete their transactions.
Forgetting About Analytics
- The role of data in e-commerce success: Data analytics helps you see how customers use your website, which products they prefer, and where you might be losing sales.
- Key metrics to track and analyse: Keep an eye on how visitors move around your site, how often they buy something, how often they leave without buying anything, and how much they seem to like what you offer. Use this information to keep making your e-commerce strategy better.
By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you can craft an e-commerce website that not only draws in visitors but converts them into loyal customers.
Examples
Real-life examples of successful e-commerce website designs
Amazon
Amazon’s website is easy to use because of its simple layout, good search engine, and special recommendations that make shopping easy and specific to each customer.
Zappos
Zappos is known for its straightforward design and clear navigation, making it easy to shop for shoes and clothes. It offers detailed descriptions of its products and a simple return policy that builds trust and keeps customers happy.
Etsy
Etsy is notable for its distinctive design that showcases individual shops within its marketplace. This design helps small businesses and artisans by putting their products in the spotlight, offering a personal and unique shopping experience.
Conclusion

Remember, e-commerce website design is about balancing aesthetics with functionality. By following these dos and don’ts, you can create a more appealing and effective online store. Continuously test and update your website based on customer feedback and analytics to stay ahead of the competition. With BrandVillage, you get a partner from the design agency in Melbourne committed to improving your online presence to keep up with market trends and meet customer needs. This helps ensure your e-commerce site stays ahead and attracts more customers.
FAQs
1. What is the most important element in e-commerce website design?
The most important part is making sure the website is easy to use. This includes having simple menus, quick loading times, and working well on phones.
2. How often should I update my e-commerce website?
Regularly review and update your website at least every six months to keep it fresh and aligned with current web design trends and technologies.
3. What are some common security issues for e-commerce sites?
Common issues include data breaches, malware, and phishing attacks. Use secure, updated platforms and conduct regular security audits to protect your site and customers.