Top 5 E-Commerce Website Navigation Tips
E-commerce Website Navigation
Navigation is one of the most important usability elements considered when designing an E-commerce website. Difficult to navigate websites frustrate and deter visitors; much like being unable to find a product with ease in a physical store, customers will walk away empty-handed and unlikely to return.
It’s imperative that an E-commerce business’ website converts users into customers and enhances brand identity.
Don’t fall at the first hurdle, our top 5 tips for creating an effective navigation for your E-commerce website will get you on the right track!
Top 5 E-commerce Website Navigation Tips
1) Web Resolutions
Make sure you test your navigation for different mobile, tablet and desktop resolutions to ensure optimal user visibility, no matter the platform. There are few things more frustrating to online shoppers than poor visibility, and, as an increasing number of transactions are completed on smartphones, mobile visibility is of utmost importance.
2) Website Sequence
The most common website navigation sequence is left to right – this makes sense as it’s how we naturally read and digest information. Many websites also use a drop-down menu from the top navigation as a smart and space efficient way to allow users to navigate the site; we’d recommend that drop-down lists are kept short to enable all options to be seen. Don’t forget to check it displays properly on mobile too!
3) Navigation Tiers
It’s best to create different navigation tiers as not to overwhelm users; instead theming your navigation in logical categories from a consumer’s perspective will create a clean website navigation where users can easily find what they are looking for.
4) Internal Search
Internal search is a highly powerful tool, it provides site users with the ability to conduct an entire site search to find what they are looking for, without delving into the depths of the navigation. This is particularly valuable for return customers who know exactly what item they want to purchase.
5) Order
In most cases, displaying product categories in alphabetical order within the navigation is the most logical way and easy for users to browse. Alternative ordering methods can be used, for example displaying the most popular products first, so it’s worth considering how website visitors engage with your site to establish the most appropriate order for your business.
We take great pride in our ability to help E-commerce businesses improve their navigation, ensuring visitors can easily find and buy the products they want. Hopefully, with our tips, your visitors can now easily find and buy the products they want.
Get in touch today to find out more about our range of digital services or to discuss upgrading your web navigation. With our team of dedicated and experienced digital marketers, you can rest assured you’re in capable hands.