If you own an eCommerce website, you know it takes a lot of dedication and focuses to keep your site up and running. You need to ensure that your site is easy to use, that your products are available and searchable and that your customers can quickly find what they need. You also need to make sure that your site can scale, which means ensuring that there’s enough capacity for future growth.
The $4 billion eCommerce business in Malaysia is renowned for its rapid expansion in recent years. Since 2015, annual sales have increased dramatically, rising 47.8 per cent in 2017. By 2021, the market is anticipated to grow at a compound yearly growth rate of 24%, according to J.P. Morgan.
Consumers have embraced mobile commerce quickly despite being a small segment of the eCommerce business and yet in its infancy compared to major markets like the U.S. and UK.
The percentage of people who shop online using their smartphones has increased to over 62%. Currently, 47 per cent of all eCommerce transactions are made using mobile devices. From now until 2021, it is predicted that this percentage would rise by 31.4 per cent CAGR to $5.6 billion.
Further, eCommerce stores need to have mobile applications in the age of mobile technologies. This is because a mobile app will simplify the purchasing process and online transaction process for clients.
The main consumers spend a lot of time on their smartphones. Here are the eCommerce requirements you should be aware of if you run an ecommerce business or want to create a mobile app or website for your business.
Essential elements for eCommerce websites and apps
1. Brand Identity
You must ensure that your company’s colour and logo help to build trust and familiarity for customers.
Customers can find user-friendly apps or websites when they open the eCommerce platform you provide. If customers are familiar with your platform, it will feel easier for them to trust your brand.
2. SEO and ASO
App store optimization (ASO) is a method for optimising your app for discoverability in the app store, while search engine optimization (SEO) is a strategy for optimising your site and its content for search engine rankings. Although the objectives could be different, many of the techniques are the same.
Apps can be accessed immediately in the preferred app store or via Google, therefore it's important to have a strong SEO strategy. App stores must be optimised for your app to be found when a user searches.
3. User Experience Design
User Experience (UX) needs to be optimised if you want to direct traffic toward a certain action, like making a purchase. The site should always be simple to navigate, to make the user stay. You must clearly state what your business does on your website.
Any eCommerce project can succeed or fail depending on the UX design, which goes beyond aesthetics.
Each of these elements, from detailed logic and transitions to simple and reactive design, quick system feedback, beautiful product presentation, simple payment flow, and a host of intuitive features, can impact your eCommerce strategy.
4. Product Review
Product review is one of the important requirements for your eCommerce business. For your future customers, the product reviews left by your current clients will be a guide. Especially if they are verified reviews left by clients who have an account with the store and have bought the item.
Customers are typically prompted to leave a product review when they have a negative experience, such as terrible customer service or an incredibly low-quality product, or when they are very satisfied and feel the need to do so.
5. Shopping Cart
An eCommerce shopping cart is one of the requirements that enable customers to make purchases from your store or shop while keeping track of the things they want to buy later.
Choosing the best software will simplify the shopping cart experience and boost customers' chances of purchase. A customer usually comes to the platform last before buying something.
6. Robust Operating System
You can run a digital store with security and save a ton of time with reliable management solutions for inventory and orders.
The backend of your eCommerce website, for example, can handle inventory and numerous warehouses, batch import catalogues and customer data, determine the tax rate for each region, notify you when a product is running low in stock, and more.
Further, it can generate and print invoices and packing slips, send order-related email notifications, and make it simple to track each order.
7. Quick checkout and payment process
The difficult checkout process is one of the most obvious causes. Many purchases are made on impulse by individuals who shop when they feel like it. However, a slow checkout drains their patience and shopping enthusiasm.
The quick checkout enhances sales potential by allowing payments to be made fast while buyers are still ready to purchase.
8. Social Media Integration
Ecommerce and social media go hand in hand. By using social media channels, eCommerce marketers may connect with customers, increase brand awareness, and promote products through both targeted ads and organic posts.
Hence why integrated social media such as email, Instagram, or TikTok are important for eCommerce.
9. Technology Stack
The term “eCommerce technology stack” refers to a set of programs, platforms, frameworks, and other tools needed to operate and administer your eCommerce business.
With the eCommerce sector becoming increasingly more competitive, the right tech stack can help eCommerce businesses in increasing logistical efficiency, automate employment procedures, and reduce costs.
To understand how a tech stack operates for your eCommerce business, you can discuss it with a web and mobile app development agency.
Wrapping up
Digital is where commerce is headed. Even if your physical business is doing well, don't pass up the chance to build your brand online. Giving these factors particular attention will build a solid platform for a digital business. The list above is the essential requirements for launching a successful eCommerce platform.
Do you want to build a sophisticated and successful eCommerce website like others? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Let's discuss what you have in mind and VirtualSpirit is more than capable to make it happen.
