Orbiting ideas

Web

How to Fix 3 Common E-Commerce Website Mistakes

Don't let common website mistakes hurt your e-commerce sales. Learn how to fix navigation, mobile optimization, and checkout process issues for success!

By Adam Pena

man adding a pin to a user flow diagram

As e-commerce continues to dominate the retail industry, online stores are now becoming more important than ever. However, with the increasing number of online businesses, it's easy to make mistakes that can hurt your website's performance. Here are three common mistakes e-commerce websites make, along with tips on how to fix them.

1. Poor Website Navigation

Website navigation is one of the most critical elements of a website. Navigation helps users find what they're looking for and move around your website efficiently. Unfortunately, many e-commerce websites make the mistake of creating a cluttered or confusing navigation system, making it challenging for users to find what they need.

How to Fix It:

To improve website navigation, consider implementing the following tips:

  • Simplify your navigation menu: Reduce the number of options in your navigation menu to make it easier for users to find what they're looking for.

  • Use clear and concise labels: Use simple, descriptive labels for your navigation links. Avoid using industry jargon or vague terms that might confuse your users.

  • Use visual aids: Add visual aids such as icons or images to help users better understand where each link leads.

woman using mobile phone

2. Lack of Mobile Optimization

With the rise of mobile usage, e-commerce websites must prioritize mobile optimization. According to Statista, mobile e-commerce sales worldwide accounted for 65.7 percent of total e-commerce sales in 2022, and that number is expected to continue to increase in the future.¹

Unfortunately, many e-commerce websites fail to optimize their site for mobile devices, which can lead to a frustrating user experience and ultimately lead to lost sales.

How to Fix It:

To improve your mobile optimization, consider implementing the following tips:

  • Implement a responsive design: A responsive design ensures your website looks great on all devices, including smartphones and tablets.

  • Simplify your design: Simplify your design for smaller screens by removing any unnecessary elements or text and focusing on what's essential.

  • Use larger buttons and text: Use larger buttons and text to make it easier for users to navigate and read your content on smaller screens.

3. Complicated Checkout Process

The checkout process is arguably the most critical stage of an e-commerce website. However, many websites make the mistake of creating a complicated or lengthy checkout process, which can lead to cart abandonment.

How to Fix It:

To simplify your checkout process, consider implementing the following tips:

  • Remove unnecessary steps: Only ask for the information you need to complete the purchase. Remove any unnecessary steps or fields that might slow down the process.

  • Use a progress bar: A progress bar can help users understand how many steps are left in the checkout process, reducing anxiety and frustration.

  • Offer multiple payment options: Offer a variety of payment options to accommodate different users' preferences.

Conclusion

Creating a successful e-commerce website requires careful attention to detail. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the tips provided, you can create a website that is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and has a streamlined checkout process, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Join my email list

By submitting this form, I confirm that I have read and understood the Privacy Statement.
  1. Chevalier, Stephanie. “M-Commerce as Share of Total Online Retail by Region 2022.” Statista, 21 Dec. 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/806323/mobile-commerce-share-total-worldwide-region/