Creating a sticky website is the overall goal of every web development company -- and there are various ways to do this. A professional web design team can help you decide which add-ons you can build into your website to boost sales and guarantee that customers visit, browse and buy from your ecommerce site. Think of it as adding a few extra decorations to your virtual store to entice your customers to stay just a little longer.
What are add-ons?
Add-ons are tiny programs, scripts or software you can install on your site, or more popularly on browsers to enhance the user programs. This allows for greater control over customization options and can help you reach a bigger target audience.
There are two types of add-ons: one you can add directly to your site, which you have complete control over or the software that browsers offer for their users. The second type is usually user-determined and something you cannot control. You can, however, ask your web design team to optimize your site's compatibility with these programs.
Adding these bits of software allow your users to customize the user experience -- and gives them a solid impression that you are thinking of their needs and wants.
User Experience Enhancement
Language or Translation Add-Ons allow users to translate your blog to their language of choice. This is particularly useful if you operate in a country that speaks more than one language or ship internationally.
Translate add-ons are often more accurate than using Google Translate since they take context into consideration. Keep in mind that about 5.5 billion people do not speak English, so investing in language software can really expand your markets.
Market Add-Ons
Adding or allowing browser specific add-ons for established sites like eBay or Amazon may seem counter-intuitive but in reality it creates more opportunities for you. Amazon, for example, works by allowing independent merchants to sell products via their gargantuan platform as well as linking to your website.
This type of add-on can not only increase traffic but create sales, as well as alert potential customers when items go on sale. This works even for specialty stores, as there are now huge ecommerce sites for everything. Yes, even crochet. Yes, even jewelry for pets.
Social Media Add-Ons
Allowing your customers to log-in to your site using established social media platforms can easily up sales by at least 10%. Why? Because chances are your visitors are already logged into their Twitter, Facebook or Disqus account. Chances are, it is easier for them to click that "Login with…" button than it is to tediously type out an email address and create a password.
On a different note, linking with social media allows you to access their information as a merchant and send them relevant information about promotions, discounts and more.
Merchant and Payment Add-Ons
This may seem simple, but many new ecommerce websites spend so much time creating the perfect shopping cart they forget to consider how customers can or should pay. Be aware of the preferred payment methods of your target market and adjust accordingly. PayPal is always a great add-on and the service is free. PayPal is also extremely secure and many customers are happy to pay using this method.
Explore other methods, such as your local bank, credit and debit cards, Western Union or money order that will make it easier for your customer to pay.
Refined Search
Customers get frustrated when they cannot find what they want on your website, so they leave. Adding a refined search option that allows your customers to search via category automatically makes it easier for them to find and buy what they need, regardless of their buying habits. So whether they love to just open multiple windows or just want to home in and buy what they want now, give them that choice.
A professional web design company can help you make these important decisions, as well as test these add-ons so you know how it affects your users. Ask them what your website lacks and plan accordingly. Many web design companies present options that are both budget and customer friendly.
In a nutshell, these types of add-ons all add one valuable aspect to your website. They enhance your website's intuitive aspects and make the user experience easier, friendlier and more interconnected.
