There is a wide spectrum of Core Components of an Ecommerce Platform that must be strategically developed with precision to ensure visitors can traverse the website easily and be persuaded to take actions that will lead to desired outcomes of sales, leads, subscription, download, contact and other key engagements.

Priority Objectives for Ecommerce

Interface

Visually Commanding Experience | Ease of Use |
Persuasive Messaging | Mobile-First Framework

Design and Development

Quality Architecture | Functionally Sound | Intuitive Design |
Data Governance | Testable Programming

Optimization

Site Speed | Code Efficiencies | Scalable Application |
Performance-Driven | Schema Markup

Management

Sensible Budget | Achievable Milestones | Collaborative Teams |
Exhaustive Analysis and Testing

The Architecture of a Website will dictate how well Customer Engagement and Actions are Achieved

Usability and Findability require blending Creative and Clear Experiences with the Science of Online Interactive Behavior

Design first for Structure, Data Taxonomy, and Navigation before Presentation and Context

Take an Integrated Approach with other Channels, Multi-Device Use Cases and Touchpoints to Optimize Fluidity and Drive a Relevant and Resonating UX

A Fitness Regimen for Websites

Make Opportunities Out of Numbers

Sentiment

Sentiment Analysis

Gain a more in-depth understanding of how users think about the brand. Take advantage of the insights to pursue greater favorability and improve perceptions.

Predictive

Predictive Analysis

Utilize user activity, trends and site statistics to forecast future intentions, allowing for targeted marketing strategies to be employed.

Associative

Associative Analysis

Evaluate purchase data to identify products or services frequently viewed, saved or purchased together to shape the site’s cross-sell display and featured recommendations.

Demographic

Demographic Analysis

Learn valuable aspects of visitor profiles to parse the audience into segments for more relevant campaigns and effective engagement.

Website Essentials

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  • Figure Out How to Stand Out Yet Still Fit In

  • Center the Team Around a Clear Objective

  • The Value Proposition Cannot be Misperceived

  • A Website Must be
    Search-Centric

  • Make It Easy to Find Their Way Around

  • Inspire the User to Explore

  • Clear Paths to Reach the Desired Destination

  • Visual Cues to Guide a User’s Navigation

  • Symbols & Icons Should Be Recognizable

  • High Resolution and Captivating Imagery

  • Make Messaging Motivating and Concise

  • Is There an Element of Energy and Enthusiasm

  • Avoid Distractions – Allow Users to Focus

  • Give Them Reasons to Convert

  • Users Need to Confidently Steer Through the Shopping Cart

  • Does the Website Exude Authority and Prominence

  • Create a Sense of Assurance for the User

  • Does Web Hosting Services Cover Your Specific Needs

  • Have Support Ready for Those Who Get Lost

  • Show Appreciation and Care

  • Always Leave Users with Something to Chew On

  • Make Them Glad They Did Business with You

Break Out of the Status Quo
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Profile of an Ordering Portal

Ordering portals have risen in popularity as both wholesalers and retailers are taking advantage of the range of features to enhance their B2B customer relationships and services.

There are many types of portals on the market including “all in one” solutions for mid-size companies as well as enterprise platforms that offer sophisticated account management tools and utilize AI to create personalized experiences.

Complexities arise from many internal sources such as the databases, systems structure, and technical stack design. Complications can also come from customer demands and unique nuances of the business model that may require a portal to facilitate difficult or complicated transactions.

I have outlined key features and capabilities that an organization should consider when weighing the best online commerce option for their business needs. And, from my own experience, I warn against the suggestion by some SaaS firms that their ‘out of the box’ software is simple to launch and an ideal choice. The pitch is enticing, but the results are often unsuited to the business requirements, detrimental to growing sales, and costly to replace.

Check Out a Portal’s Key Features & Capabilities >>