Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, there has been a considerable increase in online transactions and sales. While eCommerce isn’t anything new, the pandemic has certainly accelerated the business world towards selling online. In other words, if a business that sells goods lacks an eCommerce storefront or site, they will not be able to take full advantage of their potential reach to their target audience.

Building a website isn’t a simple task. It requires everything from content creation to branding to an overall understanding of how users interact with websites. These are just a few components that our experts at Virtual Image can help your business with. Furthermore, here are some essential questions and answers regarding eCommerce websites.

“How should my eCommerce website look?”

First and foremost, keep the look of the website as simple as possible. While it may be tempting to make the site stand out with various images and videos, it more important to keep the user experience in mind. They will log onto your website to purchase an item or complete a transaction. When they are bombarded with multiple flashes of multimedia, their experience will become overwhelming. Thus, they will be more likely to turn away, even without finding the item they wanted to purchase. By keeping the layout of the eCommerce site simple and fast, its effectiveness will increase.

“What types of content should my eCommerce website include?”

Outside of the ability to let users purchase products, an eCommerce website should include different types of content. Not only will this increase the time that a user spends on-site, but it will have a positive impact on the site’s SEO. Regarding eCommerce content, testimonials matter. Did previous customers have positive experiences doing business with you? These can be added to the website, which will build trust with future customers.

To ensure a steady stream of content, even during periods when business is slow, consider adding a blog page. This will consist of written posts that discuss various topics within given industries. For example, if an eCommerce website specializes in auto mechanics, their blog can discuss topics such as auto maintenance tips for spring. A blog that’s consistently updated will help build the eCommerce site’s authority.

“How do I make my eCommerce website more secure?”

Given the scope of eCommerce across all industries, it should come as no surprise that the website may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. There are a few ways that businesses can keep their digital platforms secure.

One of the best security methods is installing an SSL certificate. This is a type of certification that provides a business with authentication, ensuring that data transmitted from both sides is encrypted. This information includes, but isn’t limited to, credit card numbers and login credentials. To determine whether a site has an SSL certificate installed, look at its URL. If it begins with the “https” extension, as opposed to “http,” an SSL certificate was previously installed, meaning that it offers greater security.

Next, confirm that all eCommerce website plugins are up to date. These plugins provide several benefits, such as those related to SEO, but eventually, they will have to be updated to be as functional as possible. Among the features included in plugin updates are enhanced security measures, which reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks. Does your eCommerce site have multiple plugins enabled? If so, check to see that they are at their most recent versions. The long-term health of your site will benefit.

Virtual Image is a full-service digital marketing firm located in Hamilton Ontario. Utilizing the latest technologies and forward-thinking strategies, Virtual Image experts are able to create marketing plans that are tailor-made for specific needs and goals. The services that we provide include, but aren’t limited to, web design, social media management, search engine optimization, content marketing, email marketing, PPC, and branding. With these, businesses will be able to market directly to their audiences, increasing traffic, engagement, and ultimately, revenue. Contact us today to get started!