With more than 7 billion smartphones in the market, businesses operating a website must ensure it is optimized for mobile users. Mobile commerce, also known as m-commerce, is quickly becoming the go to shopping channel for buyers.
What can a firm do to improve user experience for mobile commerce?
Also Read: Emerging Pain Points in User Interface Design for Modern Software Development
Discover some key strategies to optimize your website for mobile commerce.
A website that is optimized for mobile devices provides users with a seamless shopping experience. This leads to greater engagement and improves conversions.
Use a Mobile-First Layout
A mobile-first layout ensures that the website is primarily designed for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Instead of adapting to a desktop design, a website created for smaller screens can include:
- Responsive Web Design (RWD): This method automatically adjusts to fit the website according to the user’s screen size.
- Smooth Navigation: All components of the website like the homepage, cart, categories, and search bar should be easily accessible.
- Easy-to-Read Texts: Ensure all text is set to fonts and sizes that are legible without requiring (most) users to zoom in.
Good design is one of the primary retainers of users on a website.
Ensure Website Loading Speed is Optimized
A website’s loading speed is a significant factor in determining a positive or a negative user experience. Take too long and users will abandon the site for some other option. So, some critical pointers to optimize the website’s loading speed:
- Compress and Optimize Images: These take the longest to load. Use tools to reduce the file size of images. Ensure that quality is not hindered in this process.
- Enable Browser Caching: Cache webpage elements that do not change frequently. Store static files locally on the user’s devices.
- Minify Code: Streamline the code by removing anything the computer does not need, such as comments and whitespace.
Following these practices not only boosts the reliability of the website but also site speed.
Refine Product Search Process
At the end of the day, a website is designed to sell some product or service. The number of steps a potential customer has to take should be minimized. Here, intuitive search and discovery becomes vital.
- Enable Smart Search: Implement a search bar that has auto suggestions for quicker navigation and more product display.
- Provide a Filter: Enable users to refine their choice across different filters, such as category, price, and color.
- Make Every Page an Ad: Every page should be driving users towards the product. Use images and videos to make product pages clear.
Each of these strategies improves the product discovery experience for the user.
Streamline the Checkout Process
Adding on the previous point of extra steps, a complicated checkout process can lead the customer to dismiss the cart. Simplify the process by:
- Reduce Steps to Purchase: Minimize the number of steps and pages required to complete the purchase.
- Allow Guest Checkout: Let users make product purchases without forcing them to create an account. But offer a one-time purchase discount to users that create them.
- Keep it Mobile-First: Use large buttons to make clicking easier. Offer payment methods easier for mobile users.
Reduce checkout abandonment by following the strategies above.
Conclusion: Optimized Website, Better Mobile Commerce
By prioritizing mobile optimization, firms can deliver a smooth and enjoyable mobile shopping experience for users. Following the strategies above, a website will be well-equipped to thrive in a competitive mobile commerce landscape.
