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How to Create a Mobile-Friendly eCommerce Website

Having a mobile-friendly eCommerce website has become a priority for many businesses.  Especially, because many consumers use their phones for their internet and digital activity.  Including shopping.  Forbes recently reported that mobile commerce is expected “to grow [by] 68% by 2022”.  Due to the convenience, many consumers shop on their phones.  Thus, companies invest and work to actively ensure that their mobile commerce website is optimized and easy to use.

Here are some things you can do to create a mobile-friendly e-commerce website:

1. Design
Your website design for desktop doesn’t always translate for mobile.  Therefore, some design tweaks are in need to make it more mobile-friendly.  Especially regarding the layout of the content and products.  While the theme, colours and fonts must remain the same, many of the changes will be smaller such as the size of the font or the sizing of product images to ensure that it fits within the mobile sizing.  Many website hosting services such as Squarespace and Wix give users the ability to see and adjust how their site looks on mobile and tablets.  However, web developers and designers will also offer these services.

2. User Friendly
Similar to a desktop website, the mobile version must be tested to gauge how user friendly it is for visitors. This would include assessing factors such as load time and the layout of the website.  The mobile version can be verified through Google’s mobile-friendly test.  However, other factors that could affect the user should also be analysed, for instance, are the images of the products clear in the photos? Are the CTA’s prominent on the home page? These small factors can make all the difference for the user.

3. Simple Checkout Process
Some shoppers have hesitations about buying online and mobile, especially, for security reasons.   Thus, the payment process should be as seamless and secure as possible.  Starting with a simple and uncomplicated sign-up process.  Mobile users, especially, will not want to go through a three-step sign up process on their phones. Therefore, keeping a simple sign up that only aims for the main and imperative information (email, address etc) and then leads to the payment process is the best option.   Equally, the payment process should be easy and quick process while also highlighting the variety of payment options available.

As mobile commerce continues to grow it’s pertinent that Caribbean and Central American companies ensure that the mobile version of their website is as functional and user friendly as possible to increase sales.

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