Website Design for Your Online Shop: Let's Get Real for a Minute

Hi friend!

Let's talk about website design for your online shop - it can be a tricky thing to get right. You know your products inside and out (which is awesome!), but sometimes we can get so close to our own stuff that we lose sight of how our store looks to everyone else.

(Been there, done that!).

It's kind of like when you've been wearing your favorite comfy sweater forever, even though it probably should've been retired months ago. You don't notice the little holes or worn spots anymore because you're just so used to it. But trust me - your customers notice!

Here's the thing about online stores - they're a whole different ball game from service-based websites.

Your products and services really need to be the stars of the show, and there are some common mistakes that can really hurt your sales... even if you don't realize it yet.

Let's take a fresh look at your site through your customers' eyes and make sure it's working as hard as you are.

So that said, here are 5 absolute must-haves that'll help turn browsers into buyers.

1. An Eye-Catching Header That Means Business: Let me tell you about something I saw last week that made me cringe - a shop's main page that was just a wall of text. No photos, no pretty graphics, just words, words, and more words. That's the fastest way to make someone hit the back button!

   
   

Your shop needs to grab attention right away with gorgeous visuals.

Let your products do the talking!

A stunning header image or slider, one catchy headline, and a clear "shop now" button - that's all you need. Keep it simple but make it pop.

Pro tip: Need some help with those header images? Even if you don't have professional product photos, you can still create something that looks amazing using tools like Canva. And please - unless moody and dark is your brand vibe - skip those heavy dark overlays that make everything look gloomy. On the flip side, don't use photos without any overlay at all - your text will get lost and no one will know what you're selling!

2. Email List Building (With a Sweet Deal!): Let's be real - everyone loves a good discount, especially when they're shopping somewhere new. Having a welcome coupon in exchange for an email address isn't just nice, it's expected nowadays. Some folks actually go hunting for it before they make their first purchase (🙋‍♀️).

Skip this, and you're watching potential customers slip away who might have bought if they'd gotten that little extra push of a discount. Plus, even if they don't buy right away, you can keep in touch with awesome offers and updates that might bring them back later.

Quick note about lead magnets: If you're purely selling products (not coaching or services), stick with a simple discount offer. People shopping for products usually want a deal more than a PDF guide - just keeping it real!

3. Show Off Your Best Stuff: Just starting out? No worries if you don't know your bestsellers yet - pick what you think will be most popular and adjust as you go. The key is making it super easy for people to find your awesome products.

   
   

Create collections that make sense for your shoppers and feature them prominently.

Remember - if they can't find it, they can't buy it! Think about who's shopping and what they're looking for when you organize your collections.

Your homepage should be like your store's window display - show off your best stuff with gorgeous photos that make people want to click and learn more. Save your full life story and all the nitty-gritty details for other pages. First impressions count!

4. Upsells & Cross-Sells (The Fun Way!): Think of this as being a helpful friend who points out things your shopper might love or need. If someone's looking at a cozy sweater, show them the matching scarf. Shopping for a new coffee maker? They might need some filters too!

   
   

It's all about making shopping easier and more fun for your customers while helping your business grow. Win-win! You can even offer a sweet deal when they buy multiple items - everyone loves a good bundle discount.

5. Build the Trust We All Need: Here's the thing - when someone lands on your site for the first time, they don't know you yet. Unlike huge name recognition that places like Amazon and Walmart may have, you may not. But that's where a great online presence comes in!

   
   

Add some social proof like customer reviews, photos of happy customers using your products, and maybe even a chat feature where you can actually talk to shoppers. Show the realness behind your business. In my experience people want that anyways.

A little personality that is reflected in your online presence goes a LONG way.

Don't forget the basics like clear policies about shipping, returns, and what happens if something goes wrong. People just want to know you've got their back if they need help.

*****

Whether you're just starting out or giving your current shop a refresh, run through these must-haves and make sure you're not accidentally leaving money on the table.

Take a step back and look at your site with fresh eyes - pretend you've never seen it before.

Ask yourself: How easy is it to find products? Does everything look professional and trustworthy? Would you feel confident buying from this shop if it wasn't yours?

Sometimes we just need to take an honest look from our customers' perspective to see what needs tweaking. And hey, if you need help making these changes, that's exactly what I'm here for!

Remember, your online store isn't just a website - it's your 24/7 salesperson. Let's make sure it's doing its job in style! 😊

Julie xo