E-Commerce: Latest & Must-Have Features

INTRODUCTION 

When you think about the Features of an eCommerce website, you usually envision an online store that has an interface with new offers, goods, services, etc. It does not limit here; these are not even just basic features of an eCommerce website—yes, you read that right! Now, you have a question: if these are not even basic features, then what would be the mandated features of an eCommerce website?

2023 is the year that has come up with a whole new world of eCommerce possibilities. As technology continues to advance and consumers become increasingly savvy, the online shopping landscape is constantly evolving. To remain the top choice of your consumers, you must embrace the latest features.

Well, it does not matter whether you are already running an online business, want to develop an eCommerce website for your new business venture or work for a software company that provides eCommerce web development services. Therefore, you all must have a clear understanding of every basic feature of an eCommerce website.

Thus, I have come up with the latest and most mandated features of an eCommerce website for you. So, get ready to dive in and discover more essential eCommerce website features in 2023.

WHAT IS AN ECOMMERCE WEBSITE?

An eCommerce website is a website that allows businesses to sell products or services online to customers. These websites typically include features such as product listings, shopping carts, checkout processes, and payment gateways.

Customers can browse through products, add items to their cart, and complete the checkout process online. As online shopping is a preference for every individual, eCommerce websites are becoming increasingly popular.

BASIC MANDATE FEATURES OF E-COMMERCE WEBSITE

1. Design Of A Brand 

Brand design is one of the basic mandate features of an eCommerce website. It reflects the visual representation of the company or brand, which includes the logo, color palette, typography, and overall style. A good design of a brand helps eCommerce websites to establish a unique identity, differentiate themselves from their competitors, and develop customer loyalty. 

The logo is the most recognizable element of the brand and should display on the website prominently. It should be simple yet attractive, memorable, and easily identifiable with a unique design that reflects the company’s values and mission. 

The color palette should be consistent across the website, with a primary color that represents the brand and complementary colors that enhance the overall visual appeal. 

Additionally, typography is also an essential aspect of brand design, which involves choosing appropriate fonts for headlines, body text, and other elements of the websites. 

2. User- Friendliness

An eCommerce website should be easy and user-friendly. This means that it should be easy for users to navigate and find what they are looking for. The website should have a clear and concise layout, with a search bar and intuitive menu options. The checkout process should be straightforward, with clear instructions and easy-to-use forms. 

Additionally, the website must be mobile responsive, as most of your audiences use mobile. Thus, it would be easier for them to access it on their smartphones and tablets.  

3. Security

Security is a very important feature for an eCommerce website. The website must ensure the security of customers’ personal and financial information. Customers trust eCommerce websites with their sensitive information such as credit card details and expect them to take necessary measures to secure their data. 

4. Compatible With Browser 

The eCommerce website should be compatible with different browsers. The different browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. This ensures that customers using different browsers can access the website with a seamless experience. 

5. Payment Option integration

The payment feature is the most important for an eCommerce website to integrate. It should offer multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and online banking. This gives customers convenience and flexibility at the time of making payments.

6. Fast Loading

A website that takes too much time to load will lead to customers’ frustration and a high bounce rate. Therefore, you should ensure that your eCommerce website’s load time is fast and it will provide a smooth and seamless experience to customers. 

7. Shipping

Shipping is an important aspect of an eCommerce website. An eCommerce website must have a reliable shipping partner and provide tracking details to customers for their orders.  

8. Refund Policy

An eCommerce website should have a clear and easy-to-understand refund policy. This will build trust with customers and increase their confidence while making a purchase. 

HOMEPAGE FEATURES OF ECOMMERCE WEBSITE

1. Website Logo

The logo of an eCommerce website is the identity of your brand. The logo will help customers to recognize a website and make it a unique identity. It must be easily identifiable. 

2. Search Bar

A search bar is also an essential feature for an eCommerce website. It allows customers to search for products quickly and efficiently. It should be easily accessible. Thus, you should place it on the homepage, so that your customers can find what they are looking for.  

3. Customer login

The customer login feature allows users to register first and then log in every time they use the website. Through the login and registration process, customers can access their accounts to track orders, see history, and manage their details. 

4. Wishlist

Customers can make a wishlist of their favorite products, in other words, they can save their favorite items. This feature helps customers to track their favorite products and provide an easy way to make purchases when they want.

5. Shopping Cart

The shopping cart feature allows users to add their products to their cart and proceed to checkout when they are ready to make a purchase. 

6. Social Media Links

The social media links allow customers to connect with the brand on social media platforms. It helps to build brand awareness and promotes the brand. Additionally, it also helps to give an update about the offers, sales, and new products. 

7. Rewards

Rewards are a part of the loyalty programs. It is an effective way to encourage customer loyalty and repeat purchase. The homepage should feature the loyalty program and provide customers with easy access to their rewards and benefits. 

CATEGORY PAGE FEATURES OF ECOMMERCE WEBSITE

1. Category Name

The category name is the product group to which the product belongs, such as electronics, clothing, groceries, or beauty. The category names should display at the top of the product page, making it easier for customers to navigate to the product they are looking for. 

2. Same Thumbnail Image Size

The size of the thumbnail image for all production categories should be the same and consistent. It helps in providing a uniform visual experience for customers, which makes it easier for them to compare and select products. 

3. Product Filtering and Sorting

Product filtering and sorting features allow customers to refine their search based on various criteria, such as price, size, color, brand, or availability. It helps customers save time and find products that meet their specific needs.

4. Pagination

Pagination is a feature that divides the product list into multiple pages, with a limited number of products per page. It helps in faster page loading and smoother navigation for customers. Pagination also makes it easier for customers to find the product they are looking for and reduces the chance of them abandoning the page due to long load times.

PRODUCT PAGE FEATURES OF ECOMMERCE WEBSITE 

1. Product Title

The product title is the name of the product and it is shown on the product page. It helps customers identify the product they want to purchase and makes it easier for them to find the product when they return to the site.

2. Good quality Images with Zoom-in Functionality

High-quality product images are essential to give customers a clear idea of the product they are considering purchasing. The images should be large enough to see the product’s details, and a zoom-in functionality should be available to allow customers to examine the product more closely.

3. Customer Reviews

Displaying customer reviews on the product page provides customers with valuable information about the product’s quality, features, and performance. It helps customers make informed purchasing decisions and encourages them to trust the eCommerce site.

4. Pricing Info

The pricing information should be prominently displayed on the product page to help customers compare prices and decide on the best product for their budget. The pricing should also be clear and transparent, with any additional costs, such as taxes or shipping fees, clearly stated.

5. Add to Cart

The “Add to Cart” button should be easily accessible on the product page, allowing customers to add products to their cart with just one click. This feature makes the purchasing process faster and more convenient for customers.

6. Product Description

A description of the product should be in detail. The description should include the product’s features, benefits, and specifications, and should help customers understand the product and its uses.

7. Product Variations

If the product comes in different colors, sizes, or other variations, the product page should display the different options and allow customers to select the variation they want to purchase.

8. Related Products

Displaying related products on the product page can help customers find complementary or similar products that they may also be interested in purchasing.

SHOPPING PAGE FEATURES OF ECOMMERCE WEBSITE 

1. Customer Details

The shopping page should have a section for customers to fill in their details such as name, address, phone number, and email address. This information is essential for shipping and order confirmation purposes.

2. Shipping Methods

The shopping page should offer customers a range of shipping options, such as standard, expedited, or next-day delivery, to choose from based on their needs. Customers should also be able to see the estimated shipping costs and delivery times for each shipping option.

3. The Field for Promo Codes

The shopping page should have a field where customers can enter promo codes to receive discounts or special offers. This feature helps customers save money and encourages them to complete their purchases.

4. Option to Change or Remove Items from the Cart

The shopping page should allow customers to make changes to their cart, such as adding or removing items or changing the number of items. This feature helps customers review their cart and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to checkout.

CONCLUSION

To stay top in the competition of the eCommerce world, it is compulsory to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and features. As you read the blog, we cover all the mandatory features of eCommerce websites that you should include. So, whenever you are planning to develop an eCommerce website, approach eCommerce web development services. Additionally, you must tell them about what features you want to include in your website.  

So, just take a step ahead and go with the latest trends for the eCommerce website development of 2023.