The Internet has changed shopping and browsing experiences nearly overnight. While customers still choose to shop in person and visit their favorite businesses or companies, e-commerce websites are fast becoming the go-to option for many for their combined convenience and flexibility both. E-commerce web development, as a result, is one of the most important focuses any given business can have in an increasingly modern and fast-paced market.

What Is E-Commerce?

Simply put, e-commerce is the act of selling and distributing online. E-commerce websites are online stores or advertisements that seek to reach out to customers through the digital space. While some customers prefer to shop through their PC, mobile devices are a popular and much preferred way of visiting websites and browsing for products or services.

How Successful Is E-Commerce?

E-commerce sales have increased exponentially over the past decade. Worldwide B2C e-commerce sales amounted to a stunning $1.2 trillion back in 2013, with mobile e-commerce revenue reaching $38 billion in the same year. Two-thirds of Americans over the age of 50 buy from e-retailers online on a regular basis, with local browsing proving especially popular for small and medium-sized businesses seeking success.

What Is E-Commerce Web Design?

One of the most important elements concerning e-commerce is a strong web presence. Nearly half of all people in a recent survey say a website’s design is their most necessary criterion for determining the credibility or authenticity of a company. Another 40% of people will abandon a web page and seek out other options if it takes more than three or four seconds to load. E-commerce websites need to be functional, smooth and appealing.

What Makes Good E-Commerce Websites?

A common mistake made by e-commerce websites is cluttering the first page with advertisements, flashing lights and/or intrusive pop-ups. Customers actively seek out the most cohesive and simple browsing experience to reduce the flow of overwhelming information in a crowded online space. Keep color schemes minimal and advertisements out of the way of necessary information about the product, service or knowledge offered.

What Are Common Concerns About E-Commerce?

Although this is quickly replacing conventional methods of shopping, that doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns shared by businesses and customers alike. Customers place great importance on proper credit card transactions and easily identifiable information — likewise, delayed shipments, lost data and lost payments can greatly impact the confidence in your current or potential client base. First impressions go a long way, with studies showing it’s seven times more expensive to get a new customer than retain an existing one.

Should I Become Invested In E-Commerce?

Any business that wants to stay relevant in the modern day needs to incorporate e-commerce web design into its everyday marketing tactics. E-commerce spending for new customers averages at around $24.50, compared to nearly $52.50 for repeat customers. Well over 80% of the online population has used the Internet to make a purchase or seek out a service, with at least 50% shopping online more than once. Paypal remains the current market leader with over $14 billion in mobile payment volume. Through web development services, e-commerce websites can propel your business into the results you’ve never thought possible.