The two main elements of ecommerce navigation are product catalog and search. It should be designed and optimized with respect to average users, and create the most comfortable conditions for customers to find their way in an assortment of online stores. The followings are some features useful for customers to find what they want in an online store.
The role of main menu
The main menu of the product catalog or store is an overview of the product range. This is a unique part of the store. This is the simplest way for visitors to get to know the characteristics of a product assortment and to immediately understand that a store is different from its competitors. It’s good to divide your catalog into categories and subcategories, but you should limit your site structure to two levels to make it easier to understand. In addition to the main menu, you’ll need to place a secondary button with quick access to pages with company information, shopping carts, delivery services, feature articles, and more.
Surface search
The next thing to note is a web design that gives users a list of items that match the given attributes. Simply filter your items. For example, if a user chooses a leather product, all items displayed on the page must include, contain, look after, or associate with the leather. The ability to customize the best filter for each client should be very detailed.
As mentioned earlier, site search should be as adaptive as possible to potential buyer questions, accessible on all pages, and easy to use. Two of the most important features for searching are AutoComplete / Spellcheck and Category Search. For typos or incorrect keyboard layouts, it is necessary first to avoid zero. One of the best practices is designing a drop-down list to show you the best product with reduced image and price. Search bots can collect user experience statistics to determine consumer trends. This will increase the likelihood of a particular item being purchased when a new user visits your site that knows exactly what a particular user needs.
Promotional blocks
Promotional blocks must be on the main page to inform customers about campaigns, updates, events, and top sellers. This is one of the most important elements in online stores. It is actually attracting customers’ attention. It is usually made up of vertical or horizontal banners that switch slides. UX designers need to create these elements to keep them engaged and motivate them to buy. Of course, the color and combination must be stronger and brighter than all other parts of the site. You should also use title, description, and price comparisons on your slides.
Why not use a banner?
A banner with popular products and innovations is a sales mechanism based on human psychology. The odds of buying banners and banner ads are high for both permanent and new customers. It would be nice if the store’s business logic adapts to the preferences of general customers and provides information about the products or brands that are most interesting to the public relations block. It is the most convenient way to get any information from floating windows or pop-up visitors. Country and language selections can be provided to users through pop-ups of stores that focus on international shipments.
And pop-ups
You can also use pop-ups to show the product range that best suits your customers based on their behavior, age, physical characteristics, and interests. Pop-ups also help you collect leads and increase social media page subscribers. Pop-ups have many benefits on websites such as high functionality and space for experimentation. They effectively ensure that they attract more attention and provide greater opportunities for information personalization. However, one should be careful with their use.
By involving the important features above, you can maximize the performance of your online store.