Are you a current Shopify owner eager to boost your sales and engagement?
Or maybe you’re about to launch your Shopify store, but are still unsure about the dos and don’ts to bear in mind with your Shopify Website Design? Trust us, there are definitely some pitfalls you need to avoid.
If you’re looking to optimise your Shopify page, you’re in the right place, as we’re to guide you through the top 10 enhancements and removals for your Shopify store to assist its success.
1. Relocate Your Social Media Icons
Social media is pivotal in today’s digital world, whether you’re reaching potential customers or engaging loyal fans.
But there’s a strategic way you want to be placing those enticing social media icons on your website.
Why the Placement of Social Media Icons on your Website Matters
Improper placement can distract customers from the crucial task at hand: exploring the products you have on your website.
Many websites make the mistake of placing social media icons prominently at the top. This can divert attention and lead customers away before they’ve even had a chance to engage with your product offerings.
Tip: Move your social media icons to the footer of your site. Doing this maintains focus on your sales funnel, while still offering a way to connect socially seamlessly.
“Keep your visitors focused on your products and services while still connecting with them on socials.”
A valuable add-on is to create a call-to-action near your social media icons inviting visitors to follow your brand on socials with an incentive, like a discount or exclusive offer.
2. Limit Intrusive Pop-ups and Overlays
We’ve all been there: you haven’t even been on the website for a few seconds and you’ve got a pop-up in your face, or you’re getting inundated by relentless pop-ups that seem never to end.
While pop-ups can effectively expand email lists and promote offers, less is indeed more. The timing of a pop-up is super important.
Timing wise, compare a website pop-up to a physical bricks and mortor store. How keen would you be to explore a physical store if you hadn’t even got one foot in the door and you’ve got a shop assistant right up close in your face. Not a good user experience is it.
Similarly, a website pop-up in your face very quickly after you land on a website is not a good user experience.
Implementing Smart Pop-ups
Make sure your pop-ups serve essential functions such as:
- Age Verification
- Email Capture on the Homepage
- Exit Intent on the Cart Page
Personal Insight: It’s best when a pop-up appears no sooner than 20 to 30 seconds after landing on a product page, especially if it promises a discount or free shipping.
“Typically, two to three well-timed and strategically placed pop-ups are effective.”
3. Optimise Live Chat Implementation
Gone are the days of annoying pop-up messages. Enter: the strategic use of live chat for user satisfaction.
Enhancing User Experience with Live Chat
A non-intrusive live chat feature elevates user experience without the disruption. Position the Live Chat option discreetly at the bottom corner, allowing users to initiate engagement at their convenience.
“A well placed, unobtrusive live chat widget can boost customer satisfaction and increase conversion rates.”
Avoid becoming an annoyance like the self-checkout computer assistant that says, “Unexpected item in the bagging area!” every time you breathe near it.
4. Declutter and Update Outdated Shopify Apps
A slow website page is a conversion killer. Many Shopify store owners overlook the detrimental impact of excessive and outdated apps.
The Decluttering Act
Retain only crucial apps that enhance customer experience and conversions. Eliminate the digital equivalent of that old bin of tangled cables.
“Yes, too many apps will slow down your site.”
It’s crucial to focus on only using tools on your shopify website that genuinely add value and remove the rest.
5. Reduce Flashy Website Animations
While the temptation for eye-catching animations is real, they can hinder your main goal: selling products.
Streamlined Design
Embrace simplicity and functionality. Keep your animations purposeful and minimal to ensure they complement, rather than detract from, your content.
“By keeping animations purposeful and minimal, you ensure that they compliment your content and keep the focus on driving sales.”
Color Coordination: Be mindful of your site’s color scheme. Avoid clashing colors or overly complicated fonts that might alienate potential customers.
6. Streamline Product Recommendations
Leverage your Shopify store’s potential by tailoring product recommendations based on user activity, such as search queries and browsing history.
Personalised Suggestions
“Tailoring recommendations with user data helps address customers’ needs and preferences.”
Use apps like Rebuy AI or Shopify’s built-in tools to enhance the relevance and personalisation of recommendations.
7. Simplify Website Navigation Menus
A cluttered navigation menu can dissuade potential buyers. Keep the path to purchase clear and intuitive.
Navigational Best Practices
Effectively organise menu items so that users can easily find what they’re looking for without frustration, enhancing both engagement and conversion potential.
8. Show Authentic Images, Not Stock Photos
Originality is key in an undifferentiated market. Stock images may serve initially, but they won’t build long-term credibility.
Invest in Real Imagery
High-quality, unique photos of your actual products add authenticity and authority. Your personal involvement in the imagery deepens trust.
“Use high-quality original images to effectively present your products, services, and brand.”
Ensure images are web-optimised for loading speed and provide multiple angles to give customers a comprehensive view.
9. Make Contact Information Accessible
Legitimacy and trustworthiness start with easy retrieval of your business contact details.
Real and Transparent Information Promotes Trust with Potential Customers
Make sure you list a genuine phone number for your business as well as a business email. Having an address for your business matters as well. Having a physical address rather than a P.O. Box really does assure customers of authenticity.
10. Simplify the Checkout Process
An unnecessarily complicated checkout can deter purchases.
Don’t make people register or sign up to buy from your business. Offer a guest checkout option to reduce cart abandonment, especially for new buyers.
Enhanced Checkout Experience
Shopify’s streamlined checkout process is designed to expedite the user journey, incorporating multiple payment methods to suit all customers.
“Adding various forms of payments will incline all types of customers to be more open to purchasing from you.”
Clear Delivery Communication
Highlight delivery options clearly on product pages to reduce uncertainties and foster transparency with customers.
Incorporating these strategies on your Shopify store may seem daunting at first, but each step is a leap toward improved user experience and higher conversion rates. These insights should help transform your Shopify store towards success.
