When preparing to launch an online store, it’s best to go into it with an thorough understanding of what you need. You can’t just post all of your products online, no matter how great they are, and expect people to start buying them. Here’s what to look for in your next eCommerce website theme.
Simple Email Integration
58% of online revenue is generated from segmented, targeted emails. So, when you are ready to choose a theme for your online story, you must ensure that email integration will be simple. You’ll be using your contacts’ email addresses for registration at checkout and for email newsletters. So, choose a theme that integrates with your email marketing platform.
Mailchimp integrates easily with Shopify, Magneto, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce websites.
For example, Mailchimp integrates easily with Shopify, Magneto, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. Simply connect your store, then you can analyze and monitor your customer behavior and automate the email process. This will optimize your online sales.
Internal Search Features
ECommerce shoppers who use your internal search bar are more likely to place orders. So, you need an online store theme that has built-in internal search features to help site visitors find what they’re looking for. Features like long-tail search comprehension, autocomplete, and results filters will enhance the search experience for shoppers, making them more likely to purchase.
Amazon’s search bar uses an autocomplete feature to predict what the user might be searching for.
Some of the leading eCommerce themes allow you to add autocomplete and other features to your internal search bar without the hassle of installing heavy plugins and add-ons. Check your theme to make sure that adding advanced search features will be easy.
Advanced Menu Options
Your navigation menu is the tool 50% of shoppers will use to orient themselves once they land on your site. Make sure your theme allows you to create the exact navigation experience you want and need. Your online store menu should be simple and uncluttered. So, rather than show every product category in your primary menu, use drop-down navigation to segment categories and subcategories.
Navigation add-ons like MegaMenu will allow you to create multiple menus that include drop-down subcategories.
Straightforward Shopping Cart
The checkout process is going to either make or break your conversion rates – abandoned carts can potentially kill your business. So, when you choose a theme, take a close look at the shopping cart options first.
Here are the critical shopping cart elements to look for:
- Responsive Design
- Simple Registration with Social Media Login Option
- Incorporated Security
- Order Verification Options
- Email Follow-up Integration
If your theme doesn’t have these features as standard options, make sure to research what it will take to add them. If the process is too complicated, it may be a better to go with another template or platform all together.
Conclusion
Choose an eCommerce theme that is likely to optimize conversions. Make sure it’s easy to integrate your email marketing efforts with your online store. Determine what it will take to allow advanced search features before you make your decision. Use advanced navigation options that give customers a simple orientation experience. Ask, “What will it take to create a simplified checkout experience with this theme.” If you can create a responsive, uncluttered, secure shopping experience, more shoppers will be likely to purchase your products.
What design elements do you find critical to your online shopping experience? Tell us about it in the comments.
Bio –
Jare Carrizales founded Heroic Search, a Dallas-based search marketing company in early 2013. In his off time he enjoys playing tennis, a good glass of wine, and trying out new coworking spaces in various cities.
Hi Jare Carrizales,
Great thanks for this amazing article! ????
The search feature is very important to get more sell. But my question is, in some theme, we can see some default search bar, can we use them on our site? Or will we use an extra add-on to get more value? Advance thanks, Jare.
Thank you for sharing this article. These designs are very good and look very beneficial.
Thanks for posting! Keep it up
appealing ideas on e-commerce theme, i’m sure i got the solution i was finding for my up coming store. thank you for making my work easy