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Ecommerce Web design information and blogs

Components of an E-commerce website

Posted by weblinkindia on April 14, 2010

With the world growing advanced every single day, ecommerce is pacing up at an equal pace. Ecommerce is the platform that connects hundreds of businesses and customers, it is the place where buying and selling of services and products occur. More and more Internet Businesses are emerging up.

What is the first thing you need to set up an online business? Yes, an ecommerce website. Here in this write up we will throw light on the imperative components of the ecommerce website. These components are a must for any ecommerce site.

There are three main components of ecommerce websites:

Catalog:

This is the first type of component that an ecommerce website must have.

  • It consists of a range of a products varying from say 2 to thousands.
  • An attractive online catalog displays an array of products with description of the products and its prices.
  • What determines the type of catalog, a business needs? Nature of business.

Shopping Cart:

The second most vital component that an ecommerce site must have is a shopping cart.

  • Shopping cart is a software that is designed to assist the customers in buying the products.
  • A shopping like a catalog can be a simple one with few products to offer and can also be on a large scale having numerous products.
  • The shopping cart range and features can be chosen as per the requirements of the clients.

Payment systems:

  • Like every shop has a cashier similarly all ecommerce sites must have efficient Payment Gateway through which customers can pay for their purchases.
  • These gateways are meant to carry out the transactions between the customers and the businesses with ease.
  • The online payments for customers are mostly through credit cards and between businesses through vouchers.
  • Computerized invoice billing system is also used by some ecommerce sites.

The transactions that are carried out should be secure in order to hold on to the trust of the customers. The owners of the ecommerce website should make all possible arrangements to make their site easy to access and secure to use.

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Ways to Increase your sales using ecommerce 2.0

Posted by weblinkindia on April 6, 2010

There were days when after creating an ecommerce site the owner just relaxed and entertained visitors. But now with the increased participation of the retailers in the ecommerce, the ecommerce sites or shopping cart owners have to struggle to prove their mettle in the field. The competition in the ecommerce has given way to excessive use of marketing tools.

What according to you is the main motto of any ecommerce site or online store owner’s?
They aim to attract as many visitors as they could to their store and turn them into customers. But it has been observed that most of the online customers leave the shopping cart before buying. This problem has been persistent and has become a cause of worry for the online store owners.

How to get rid of this problem?
Web developers have introduced some latest techniques under Web 2.0 technology that reduces the desertion rate of the customers on the Ecommerce site. The web applications created using web 2.0 technology are faster, interactive and more user friendly. The web 2.0 has proved beneficial for ecommerce and is thus also referred to as ecommerce 2.0.

We provide you few most common reasons why customers abandon an online store before buying and have also presented ways to rectify those:

Hidden and high shipping rates :-  People who come to shop on online stores must be provided with complete charges. No one likes to pay extra. Revealing the shipping rates at the end irritates the customer and he is forced to leave.

What you can do:
By large offer free shipping for huge orders. Also, display the shipping charges right beside the cart so that the customer is aware of the total money he/she has to shed.

Automatic saving of the product :-  The item added to the cart should be saved automatically. So, even if the customer leaves the site, on re-login that product will be displayed on the cart. In this case, the chances of buying that product increase. Again web 2.0 has software that enables automatic saving of the page.

Don’t just compare :- You must keep track of the competitors cart and simultaneously improve upon the functionality of your online store. Web 2.0 offers various such facilities.

Long and complicated checkout process :- This is one of the major reasons of customers leaving a shopping cart. You must ensure that the checking out should be an uncomplicated process. A simple form with not more than 2-3 categories should be asked to fill by the customer.

Late Information regarding out of stock products :- Most of the carts inform the customers at the time of checkout that the product they wish to buy is unavailable. This infuriates the buyers and they leave the store in haste. So, it is mandatory to provide information regarding the out of stock products beforehand.

Poor navigation on the site :- If the navigation of the site is poor then it is difficult for the visitor to stay for long there. Using Web 2.0 technologies the navigation of the site becomes efficient and simpler. Also, the downloading time of the product images reduces.

Insufficient contact information :- Your contact details should be clearly visible on your cart. A product adding system based on wizard Web 2.0 functionality) should be added to the cart. Thus ecommerce 2.0 is a boon for the ecommerce store owners. Its highly advanced functionalities remove most of the flaws of the ecommerce sites or stores and make them efficient.
WEB 2.0 Development India

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Benefits and limitations of e-commerce

Posted by weblinkindia on March 30, 2010

E-commerce has revolutionized the concept of conducting business by providing equal chance to all the businesses to mark their global presence. It has also eased the customers with online shopping and easy transactions. With the introduction of e-commerce business, communication has become effortless and has also changed a lot in recent years for the better. Still, there are people who think that conventional business practices are far better then the e-commerce business. Here, we are bringing you some of the benefits and limitations of e-commerce that will make you aware of the certain aspects of this new trend of conducting business.

Benefits

Expands the reach of your business to the global market :- The foremost advantage of e-commerce is that it empowers the business to reach the global market. E-commerce caters to the demands of national as well as international business simultaneously and brings your business activities out of geographical boundaries. With e-commerce, even small businesses get the access to the global market.

Round the clock availability :- E-commerce has abolished time restrictions on business activities because with this you can execute business transactions 24X7. The time factor significantly turns into the increment in sales as well as profits.

Gives freedom to make choices :- It also gives customers an opportunity to look for cheaper and better quality products. With e-commerce, consumers can search the specific product or service they require and can even find the direct manufacturer from where they can purchase products at comparatively less price. Shopping online is time saving and convenient. In addition to it, you also get to see the reviews of other consumers that will help you in making beneficial purchase decision.

Cost effective : - E-commerce is proved to be highly cost effective for business concerns as it cuts down the cost of marketing, processing, inventory management, customer care etc. It also reduces the burden of infrastructure required for conducting business. You can also collect and manage the information related to the customers efficiently, which in turn will assist you in developing efficient promotional strategy.

Limitations

Technological and inherent limitations :- The technological limitations of e-commerce have restricted a large number of people from using this revolutionizing technique. The major disadvantage of e-commerce is the limitation of the Internet, as it still has not touched the lives of every individual. Lack of knowledge restricts large number of people from using the internet and understanding online transactions. Some people refuse to trust the legitimacy of online business and some are not comfortable about disclosing their personal and confidential information online. Authenticity of e-commerce businesses has always remained in question.

Not suitable for perishable commodities :- The biggest limitation of e-commerce is that it is not suitable for perishable goods and food items. For purchasing such items people prefer the conventional way of shopping. Along with that, the time period also plays a significant role in delivering goods to the customers. Customers may need to make lot of phone calls and e-mails for getting the products within the desired timeframe. Moreover, it becomes really troublesome to return the product or get refund in case if you are not satisfied with the product.

After evaluating the pros and cons of e-commerce, we can clearly state that the benefits of e-commerce are sufficient enough for overpowering the limitations. If apt strategies are followed and technical issues are addressed properly, you can easily build up the customers trust in your system. The present scenario of e-commerce can also be changed for good, so that it can easily adapt to the ever changing needs of the customers as well as of the world.

Ecommerce Web Design Company

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Best Ecommerce Software Programs

Posted by weblinkindia on March 17, 2010

Ecommerce is the term related to online buying and selling of goods or services. The growing access of the Internet and its reach to even the remotest areas of the world has perked up the growth of ecommerce. Time is a crucial factor in everybody’s life, wastage of time is unaffordable in the current times. Ecommerce websites is a time-saving solution that enables a buyer to purchase goods from any part of the world in any quantity. The choice options are extensive and the prices are reasonable. Having a shopping cart or an ecommerce website proves highly profitable for a business. Businesses looking forward to have their own ecommerce sites or shopping carts require advanced software programs.

What do you understand by ecommerce software programs?
The software programs that enable a developer to create a site that displays your company’s products or services along with options to buy them are the ecommerce software programs.

There are 3 ways of creating an ecommerce store:

  • Using ‘out of a box’ software
  • Signing up with ecommerce hosting company
  • Using necessary codes creating your own program

There are numerous Ecommerce Software Programs available in the market but selecting the best one for your business is a must. We provide you the characteristics of an ideal ecommerce software programs that you must look out for while choosing yours.

But before that you need to know some points:

  1. Analyze your requirements: what you want in your store.
  2. Calculate your budget

Your ecommerce store MUST BE:

  • Capable of providing an attractive storefront appearance
  • Able to handle all the requisite backend operations
  • Be easy to install
  • Having an efficient payment gateway system
  • Designed by reliable companies

Capable of providing an attractive storefront appearance:
Designed by reliable companies This includes

  • professional appearance
  • Attractive template
  • Is able to display maximum products
  • Site made should be easily navigable
  • Site should be displayed in all the browsers

Handle all the requisite backend operations:
This includes:

  • Record keeping: of purchases, shipping details, tax paid, etc.
  • Should not use cookies
  • Systematic and timely mailing to the clients

    • Should be easy to install :  The software shall be designed such that it requires simple coding and programming.

    Have an efficient payment gateway system :  Until the payment system is not effective the transactions of the online store suffers. So, it is necessary for a ecommerce software program to have an effective payment gateway system.

    Should be designed by reliable companies : The software program must be designed by trusted firms with wide client base. If your ecommerce software program provides fulfills all the aforementioned features then it is an ideal one and will enable you to build a perfect ecommerce store or site.

    Ecommerce Web Design Company

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    Best Ecommerce Solution

    Posted by weblinkindia on March 1, 2010

    What is an Ecommerce solution?

    It is the complete solution to your online needs: buying and selling of products and services. Whatever you require to conduct an online business, you will get it. Various packages or ecommerce deals are available catering to different needs of the businesses. It encompasses setting of the business online, payment gateways, shopping cart, promotion, etc.

    What are the ideal features of the best ecommerce solution?

    Cost effectiveness :-  This is the first parameter on which an Ecommerce Solution is selected. Every business, whether small or big, searches for cost effective ecommerce solutions. ‘Maximum benefit at minimum cost’ is the mantra for every business.

    Swiftness :-  In the world where speed is the need of the hour, an ecommerce solution that offers speedy solution is most preferred.

    Security :-  The customers first ensure that the deal they are getting into is safe and completely secure. As the process of purchasing requires the customer’s credit card details it becomes very essential to assure the safety measures. Having proper security measures enables you to earn the trust of your customers.

    Offers various options to the customers :-  Ensure that your customers are offered with numerous payment options. The purchase should take place without any hassles. Debit Cards, PayPal payments, Digital Cash and Online Checks should also be provided. Also, there should be different mode of orders like through mail, fax, telephone, etc.

    Choosing the perfect Ecommerce solution for yourself is an imperative thing for any business. The success of the company that is achieved through online presence depends on the Ecommerce solution you opt for. Thus carefully select your Ecommerce solution keeping in mind the aforementioned features.

    ecommerce solution

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    How Ecommerce Website can benefit your business

    Posted by weblinkindia on February 13, 2010

    As the world is heading its way towards new advancements, it is becoming more tech savvy. Internet is being used on a large scale and by an enormous number of people. Computer has become an integral part of almost all households and offices. Computer has dominated all spheres and fields, it has outpaced manpower. Trade has been influenced the most by web and its services. Promotion and buying & selling of the products are conducted on the Internet with the help of : 

    1 ) Ecommerce Websites
    2 ) Banner advertisement
    3 ) Social networking sites
    4 ) Blogging, etc

    Be it a brick and mortar business, a consultant agency, a travel agency, an institute, a sports academy, etc. all have their Websites online.

    What is an ecommerce website?
    Any website that is meant for the purpose of business is an ecommerce website. It is mainly related to buying and selling of services and products through Internet. The website carries:

  • Business details- type, infrastructural details, etc.
  • Products images and their description
  • Contact information

    • Why an ecommerce website?
    A Business cannot be successful unless it is promoted in a systematic manner. In the present scenario, Internet has emerged to be one of the strong and effective medium of endorsing a business. It has many benefits over other mediums like electronic and print.

    Benefits of an ecommerce website: It helps a business earn a huge amount of sales revenue because of the following benefits:

    Mass Reach :-  Your online store is open 24×7. There are no time constraints, no holidays, etc. Visitors can purchase the required products or services at any hour of the day. This adds to the convenience of the buyers.
    Also, as the products are properly categorized on the websites, it saves time of the customer.

    Time and convenience :-  Your online store is open 24×7. There are no time constraints, no holidays, etc. Visitors can purchase the required products or services at any hour of the day. This adds to the convenience of the buyers.
    Also, as the products are properly categorized on the websites, it saves time of the customer.

    Cost effective :-  Maintenance of the online store is negligible; you just have to pay the web hosts some amount of money to upgrade and renew your site. The money spent on the staff and general maintenance of a store is saved.

    As the time is charting forward, the scope and market of the ecommerce business will reach its apex. So, it is very important to advertize your website using various online marketing strategies in order to reap the benefits of the ecommerce business. Thus a well-designed and duly promoted ecommerce Website can be a key to a successful and prosperous business.

    Posted in Ecommerce Web design | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

    Market your Ecommerce website

    Posted by weblinkindia on February 7, 2010

    Businesses whether brick or mortar or online needs appropriate marketing strategies. Advertisement of a business can be done  through various means but in the present world the most effective and prominent marketing tool is having an Ecommerce site. Various web designing companies offer competent website designing services. Once your website is created, the foremost step to be taken is to promote it. Until and unless you do not market your site, customers will not know about you.

    Following are the marketing strategies that you can employ in order to promote your site efficiently 

    List yourself with various search engines :-  This is the most important and the primary step that has to be taken after the display of the website on the Internet. Search Engines like Yahoo, MSN, DMOZ, etc.

    Add Product Feeds :-  This is a must for all websites. It should be ensured that your product feeds are active (have not expired).

    Add RSS Feeds :-  these feeds are necessary for your site and have to be submitted to different sites.

    Write Blogs :-  Blogs containing the link of your website shall be uploaded on the net. As search engine spiders crawl over the blog content easily, it will help in your website promotion.

    Newsletters :-  Newsletters are one of the most effective online marketing tools. If a customer sign up for your newsletter you can send him updates. Also, details about your new products can be conveyed through them.

    Email Lists :-  If you have arranged an Email list containing the email IDs of your past customers then drop them a mail containing the details of your business. This email must carry your website link.

    Join Forums :-  Join forums that are related to your field. Discussions that take place on them help people know about your work and might be interested in visiting your site.

    Subscribe to Free classified ads :-  Advertise your site on various free classifieds.

    Articles :-  Articles related to your products or work should be written and uploaded on various directories.

    Refined Content :-  Your site must have description of the products along with the specifications and images. This will assure more potential clients on your website.

    Add and exchange Links :-  Exchange link of your website with various other sites. This will help divert more traffic towards your website.

    Thus properly marketed ecommerce site can draw maximum benefits and thus reap large profits. So, grow and prosper using our useful marketing tips.

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    Common mistakes to avoid in ecommerce designing

    Posted by weblinkindia on December 2, 2009

    With the emergence of ecommerce sites or the online stores, people all over the world are eased of buying anything and from any part of the world. E-commerce sites are the ones that allow you to buy products (gifts, grocery, apparels, toiletries, appliances, etc.) online. The customers are offered an extensive range of products to choose from. These websites facilitate fast and hassle free shopping. While designing of the e-commerce sites various mistakes are committed by the designer and developers that ends up in providing confusion to the customers. In order to comfy visitors and avail full potential of e commerce website we have highlighted some of the mistakes that a designer and developers must avoid while creating an e-commerce site.

     Mistakes that should be avoided while designing an e-commerce site

    Lack of product information: As the customer who shops online does not have the facility to physically examine the products, they expect to receive detailed information. Size, dimensions, material used, weight, colors available, etc, should be clearly mentioned so as to provide complete detail to the customer. Lack of this information might distract the customer from buying your product. So provide maximum information about product on offer. The details provided should be in simple language rather than in technical terms. 

    Contact Information should not be hidden: The mention of contact details on your ecommerce site assures the customer with your authenticity and reliability. With this customer gets an assurance that post sales he can speak to somebody in case of need. The contact information should be clearly visible on the site; it can be placed on your header or footer of every page. Also there should be more than one contact number, emails Id, etc. in order to provide utmost satisfaction to the customers.

    Lengthy or Confusing Checkout Process must be avoided: The process of buying a product should require minimum number of steps and time. More complicated is the process more are the chances of the customer to leave your site. Ideally the checkout process (placing order, billing and shipping) should be carried out on a single page to ease the customers. The process can be made concise with the help two-column layouts.

    Account should be created very carefully: It is very important to create an account in order to purchase anything online. Asking for details at the very beginning might annoy a customer and he may lose interest in the transaction. This could be avoided by asking for details of the customer after he has chosen the product and that should be done in a polite manner, giving customer’s an option of saving his details.

    Poor Customer Service Options: A customer should be provided with all the requisite services options like contact details, help requests forms, etc. if the services provided by you are inadequate the customer might lose his trust in you.

    Small Product Images:  It is widely seen that the web designers while designing a e-commerce site incorporate small product images that does not provide a clear idea of the product to the customers. The designer should insert large images or provide an option of zoom. This will help attract more customers.

    Single Image:  The sites that provide single images for their products are always at loss. There should be numerous images of the product in order to satisfy the customer. The customer should get a detail of the product after looking at the pictures. The details include like the colors, patterns or grades they are available in.

    Poor designed Shopping Cart: It is the most essential part of an e-commerce website. A cart should be designed in a way that it allows addition of multiple products and should be transparent. The option of editing of the products on the cart is a mandatory thing. The detail about the shipping charges should be provided before they enter the transaction process.

    Limited Payment Options: This is the most vital mistake that the sites commit. If the customer is provided with limited number of payment options, he might not be able to continue. Mostly the sites have either Visa or Master Card gateways but the customers may have AmEx. The sites should provide a Pay Pal Account option that increases the choices of the customer and thereby making him more comfortable.

    Confusing Navigation: The navigation through an ecommerce site should be a smooth process. If the customer have to strive hard to search for his products, there is a possibility of his discarding the site and switch to other. This can be avoided by providing categories and sub categories of the product, so that a customer can easily find his product.

    Shipping Rates and store policies not mentioned: Most of the times, order is abandoned by a customer if he is not provided with adequate shipping and store policies (return, exchange, etc.). These should be properly highlighted to the customers so as to ensure him of a fair deal.

    If these mistakes are carefully avoided the site designed will be a customer friendly one. The aim of the e-commerce site is to provide the customer’s with a wonderful shopping experience and not a tumultuous one. Also a well designed e-commerce site ensures a fair deal to the customers.

    Posted in Ecommerce Web design, Web Design | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »