Creating an eCommerce website isn’t easy, especially when you don’t know all the features you must include to retain customers.
In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need to transform your website from a low-budget eCommerce store to an Amazon-level beast. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Must-Have On-Site Features for eCommerce Success
There are some features you can never build a successful eCommerce business without. Let’s review each one of them:
User-Friendly Navigation: A Path to More Sales
Websites that make their customers feel lost produce much less sales than simple websites that offer intuitive navigation.
Think of your website just like a brick-and-mortar store. You won’t be pleased to find the bread in the meat section or the meat in the alcohol section, wouldn’t you? The same goes for online stores – organized means better.
Creating user-friendly navigation becomes even easier when you use themes like Blocksy. Whether you want a simple dropdown menu or a more complex mega menu, Blocksy allows you to integrate them easily.
Example:
- A clothing retailer organizes their navigation into main categories like “Men,” “Women,” and “Kids,” with subcategories for “Shirts,” “Pants,” and “Accessories.”
- Adding a sticky header ensures the navigation menu is always accessible, even when scrolling down a long product page.
Product Search and Filters: Help Customers Find What They Need
Some customers will only browse for specific products without the need for menus and categories. For this type of people, you must create a robust search function coupled with effective filtering options.
Ideally, customers should be able to narrow their search by different categories (e.g., size, color, price, brand.) This makes it easier to find products that meet their specific needs.
The easiest way to introduce this functionality to your website is through Blocksy Pro. The theme provides all the search and filtering options build right in, eliminating the need to add plugins or any other software.
Example:
- An electronics store allows users to search for “laptops under $1,000” and filter results by brand, screen size, and processor type.
- A beauty store offers filtering by skin type, product ingredients, and customer ratings.
High-Quality Product Images and Videos: Build Trust Through Visuals
No text will ever describe the product better than a high-quality image. Just think of it this way: would you buy a product with a great description and no photo or a product with an amazing set of photos and a short description?
With Blocksy, you can integrate images and videos without missing a beat. Imagine you have a brand of hand-made jewelry. You will, of course, want to showcase the shine of the metal, the stone’s spark, and more.
Without a theme that supports high-resolution videos and photos, that’s impossible.
Example:
- A jewelry store showcases rings with 360-degree product videos, allowing users to see the sparkle and detail from every angle.
- A furniture store includes lifestyle photos showing a sofa in a fully furnished living room to help customers visualize it in their space.
Detailed Product Descriptions: Information That Converts
Besides images and photos, products also need written descriptions to attract as many users as possible. Some products might need additional details like materials, usage instructions, and dimensions to decide.
Product descriptions are also excellent for SEO. Writing a description using keywords and key phrases can increase your website’s overall rating and attract more customers.
Blocksy that allows you to provide all the necessary details in an engaging format. Blocksy’s layout options make it easy to present any type of information in a way that’s both informative and visually appealing.
Example:
- A hiking gear store includes descriptions of a backpack’s material, capacity, weight, and specific use cases (e.g., “ideal for weekend trips or day hikes”).
- Adding bullet points for key details (e.g., dimensions, warranty) improves readability and customer experience.
Secure Payment Options: Gain Customer Confidence
The absence of secure and well-known payment options can be a big NO for most customers.
Offering a variety of secure payment methods makes your customers feel safe and allows you to tap into a bigger customer base. You can use Stripe, PayPal, credit cards, digital wallets and even cryptocurrency,
As a WooCommerce theme, Blocksy integrates with the most popular payment processors out there.
Example:
- A fitness equipment store offers PayPal, Stripe, and Klarna for installment payments, catering to customers with different needs.
- Displaying security badges like SSL certificates and trust seals next to the checkout button reassures users.
Streamlined Shopping Cart and Checkout Process
The goal of a checkout process is to make the process of BUYING as smooth as possible. This includes reducing the number of steps required and the information needed. A complicated or buggy checkout can lead to cart abandonment – while a smooth checkout can increase sales.
Blocksy’s design offers a streamlined process. The theme integrates with WooCommerce’s one-page checkout. This feature allows customers to review their cart, enter payment information, and complete the purchase on a single page.
The feature reduces friction in the checkout process, leading to higher conversion rates and a better overall shopping experience.
Example:
- A bookstore offers a one-page checkout where users can review their cart, enter payment details, and complete the order on a single screen.
- Showing a progress indicator (e.g., “Step 2 of 3”) keeps customers informed about where they are in the checkout process.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: Build Trust Through Transparency
Customer reviews and ratings play a significant role in building trust and influencing purchasing decisions.
Most shoppers will look at reviews before deciding to buy a product, making it essential to display these reviews prominently on your product pages.
Blocksy’s Pro eCommerce starter sites offers a great product review system, making it easy to display customer feedback effectively.
Example:
- A home appliance store includes both star ratings and detailed customer reviews for each product, with an option to filter reviews by rating or keyword.
- Verified purchase badges next to reviews add credibility and reduce fake feedback concerns.
Mobile Responsiveness: Cater to On-the-Go Shoppers
Most Internet traffic goes through mobile phones. This is why you MUST optimize the website for smartphones if you want sales. A website that doesn’t perform well on mobile can lower user satisfaction and negatively impact sales.
Blocksy’s design ensures that all eCommerce features work well on any device. Your customer can use a phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet – the result will be the same. This mobile-friendly design helps keep customers engaged and more likely to complete their purchase.
Example:
- An online fashion store uses responsive design to ensure the same user-friendly navigation and fast load times on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
- Clickable phone numbers or chat options for customer support enhance the mobile experience.
Personalization and Recommendations: Tailored Experiences
You can create recommendations based on already known information: past purchases, targeted promotions, or wishlists.
Blocksy’s customization options allow easy integration with recommendation engines and personalization plugins.
For instance, if a customer frequently buys sportswear from your site, you could use a personalization plugin to display related products or discount their favorite brand.
Example:
- A sports store shows “Frequently Bought Together” bundles (e.g., soccer cleats + shin guards).
- A beauty site offers product recommendations based on browsing history (e.g., “You might also like…”).
Live Chat and Customer Support: Solve Issues in Real Time
No matter how perfect your service is, somewhere along the way, your customers will encounter a problem they can’t deal with. If you plan on hitting it big, you’ll get hundreds of daily requests – impossible to handle alone.
Live chat is a particularly effective way to offer real-time assistance, helping customers get the answers they need without leaving your site. Blocksy integrates with live chat plugins to offer seamless customer support directly on the website.
For example, if a customer has a question about product availability, they can quickly get the information through a live chat. This instant support can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the chances of cart abandonment.
Example:
- A tech accessories store integrates a chatbot that answers FAQs like shipping times and return policies.
- Offering live agent support during business hours helps resolve complex issues, such as warranty claims.
Comparison and Decision-Making Guide: Choosing Features, Tools, and Strategies
| Feature/Tool | Why It Matters | Best for These Scenarios | Recommended Tools or Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| User-Friendly Navigation | Keeps customers engaged and reduces bounce rates. | Large stores with multiple categories or products. | Use mega menus, breadcrumbs, and Blocksy themes. |
| Product Search and Filters | Helps users find what they need quickly. | Stores with a wide product catalog. | AJAX Search, FacetWP, or built-in Blocksy Pro filters. |
| High-Quality Product Images and Videos | Builds trust and shows products in detail. | Visual-heavy industries like fashion or furniture. | Optimized images (WebP) and videos (YouTube or Vimeo). |
| Detailed Product Descriptions | Provides key information and improves SEO rankings. | Stores selling tech, appliances, or complex items. | Write keyword-rich descriptions and use structured data. |
| Secure Payment Options | Builds trust and reduces cart abandonment. | All eCommerce stores. | Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, or WooCommerce Payments. |
| Shopping Cart and Checkout Process | Reduces friction and encourages completion of purchases. | High-volume stores with global customers. | WooCommerce One-Page Checkout or Shopify’s checkout. |
| Customer Reviews and Ratings | Influences purchase decisions and builds credibility. | Stores targeting cautious or research-oriented buyers. | Yotpo, Trustpilot, or WooCommerce’s built-in system. |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Captures traffic from mobile users. | All eCommerce stores. | Test with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test or use Blocksy. |
| Personalization and Recommendations | Increases average order value and customer satisfaction. | Stores with repeat customers or diverse products. | Nosto, Dynamic Pricing plugins, or Blocksy integrations. |
| Live Chat and Customer Support | Resolves issues quickly and reduces cart abandonment. | Stores with high ticket items or FAQs. | Tidio, LiveChat, or Zendesk. |
Nice-to-Have Features That Can Boost Sales
Here are some features that might not be paramount but can also increase your monthly sales:
Product Videos
A great way to showcase the products you sell in action. They provide a dynamic way for customers to see the product in use – a better way than static images.
This is especially true for different types of working tools or equipment. These product videos can also be used as a small introduction to the product, showing its essential features and functionalities.
This will increase the overall user experience, as they will receive video instructions from the beginning.
More information about the feature, which is already built in Blocksy Pro, can be found here.
Example:
- A kitchen appliance store includes a video showing how a blender works, highlighting its features and ease of use.
- A clothing retailer uses videos to showcase how garments move and fit when worn.
Product Comparisons
This feature is particularly useful for sites that offer a wide range of similar products. For example, you might need this one for your customers if you’re selling tech.
People usually don’t have a brand preference when choosing a laptop, for instance. Instead, they are looking at the characteristics. That’s exactly where the feature comes in handy.
More information about the feature, which is already built in Blocksy Pro, can be found here.
Example:
- A tech store lets customers compare laptops by specifications like RAM, processor, and battery life.
- A beauty store offers a comparison of skincare products by ingredients, benefits, and price.
Order Tracking
People aren’t the most patient creatures, so an order-tracking feature would significantly improve customer satisfaction and reduce support inquiries.
Example:
- An apparel store provides real-time tracking updates so customers know when their package will arrive.
- A food delivery service integrates tracking to show the preparation and delivery status of orders.
Mobile App
Offering a dedicated app for shopping can take your mobile optimization to the next level. While this is a BIG investment, it can pay off by increasing customer loyalty.
On top of that, an application would probably mean more sales in the future, as the customers will remember they have the app and will reorder from there.
Example Scenario:
- A grocery store app allows customers to quickly reorder past purchases, create shopping lists, and access exclusive app-only discounts.
- A bookstore app offers personalized recommendations and loyalty rewards for frequent purchases.
Email and SMS Opt-In for Retargeting
These are great features for building your customer database and staying in touch with them. Offering discounts or special offers in exchange for signing up can effectively grow your list.
However, don’t be too insistent. Some people might not like sharing this information, so you must leave the option to shop without an email or phone number.
Example:
- A fashion store sends exclusive discount codes to customers who sign up for SMS alerts.
- A subscription box service sends renewal reminders and new product announcements via email.
Special Offer Programs
Nobody says no to good old marketing. Flash sales, discounts, and limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to purchase before the offer expires.
Example:
- A cosmetics brand offers “Buy One, Get One Free” on select items for a weekend promotion.
- An outdoor gear store runs a “12 Days of Christmas” sale with a new deal each day.
Wishlists
Wishlists allow customers to save products they’re interested in, making it easier for them to find these items later and potentially leading to future sales.
The feature is already built in Blocksy Pro, so you don’t have to use any other plugins or extensions. Here’s more information on that regard.
Example:
- A home decor store enables customers to save items while browsing and revisit their wishlist when they’re ready to buy.
- A toy store lets parents create wishlists for their children’s birthdays or holidays.
Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs reward repeat customers with points or discounts, incentivizing them to continue shopping with you and increasing customer retention.
Example:
- A coffee subscription service offers points for every purchase that can be redeemed for free bags of coffee.
- A pet supply store gives members exclusive discounts after reaching a spending milestone.
Conclusion: Build a Store That Delivers Results
Incorporating all these features is essential for creating a functional eCommerce website. Each feature ensures that the website meets your customers’ needs. Read how to add ecommerce to a website to know more.
Blocksy offers most of these features without the need to install plugins or any other software. That’s because Blocksy isn’t your simple WooCommerce theme – it is your path to creating a better eCommerce store.
