Web hints & its Utility

The Top Ten Rules of Product Page Usability

Getting a visitor or returning customer to click on that 'Buy Now’ button can be very difficult, with a lot of pitfalls along the way.  Conversion is without a doubt the most important factor of e-commerce and getting your product page web usability right is half of the battle.
A visitor will arrive at your website because they’re looking for something but just how simple do you make it for them to find it, and then once they reach the exact page which holds all the information for the product they’re seeking how easy and inviting do you make it for them to buy?
There are so many e-commerce sites out there competing for your slice of the market, give yourself the best chance of success by following these rules.


1.  ImageI’ve written about this here also as its the image that draws the customer in, and is the most important element of your product page, but in essence your images need to be very clear, have a large sized zoom facility so that detailed close-ups are available, and thumbnails for alternative views. 
If you're offering a product that would benefit from a model shot, or a video then include those as well if at all possible, plus various detailed stills shots.  
2.  Product NameShould be at the top with clear wording, making it easy for people to search for specific products and arrive at the right place quickly

3.   PriceImmediately below the product name or over to the right – must be instantly visible.
4.   Make your descriptions clear and succinct. 
Imagine that it’s you who are buying something, what would you want to know?  If you need to include a lot of information consider bullet points or tabs and don’t make visitors scroll a long distance down the page, losing sight of the image.  As much information as is necessary should be immediately available without any scrolling and pictures sell more effectively than words.
5.   DeliveryInformation should be obviously accessible on each product page
6.   Size AvailabilityBe totally transparent about what’s available and when.  Don’t offer all sizes if some are out of stock. Some websites tell you how many they have left of each item.  When the numbers go down they create a 'need' to buy now.
7.  Ratings and ReviewsIf you offer customer ratings and reviews put these in a prominent place – many retailers are afraid of showing these without realising the overall benefits of customer ratings in improving both trust and conversion rates.
8.  Social Sharing Buttons
Put these where they are obvious – you want your visitors to share the products they like with their friends.  It won’t happen if they’re hard to find.
9.  Cross-SellsInclude on every page.  Yes it’s extra work for you, but cross-selling will generate further sales.
10.  Add to Bag ButtonYour Add to Bag button should stand out, either by choice of colour or by making it slightly oversized.
Don't allow your web designer to get clever, or think 'I want to do something really really different on my website'.  The basics of product page conversion are to make it as simple for the user as possible, they want to browse, arrive at the page offering what they're looking for, look, read, click buy, input details, and leave.  Fast.

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And contact me at phd@thesiteguide.com
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Just pick up the phone and call 0800 018 5177
Choose the cancellation option you’ll be offered - at time of writing it is 2 - and within a couple of seconds you’ll be put through to someone who will then, probably and hopefully offer to give you a deal.  Or will help you cancel.  Or will make you an offer to compensate of something like a John Lewis voucher (watch out for this one, I was offered one and it has so far not materialised and I've called three times).
Make a note in your calendar when any new offer expires so that you don’t get caught with the price rise later on.
You can also email help@timesplus.co.uk but frankly it was so quick to call I wouldn’t bother, as then you have to wait for a response.
It should be much easier to cancel your Times subscription, and smacks of bad practice that  you have to call.  But it isn’t difficult.
It also makes you think about all those other subscriptions you might have, where a quick call may benefit in an offer you weren't going to be made unless you decided to leave.  After all, retaining the customer is so much the name of the game.
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Posted by Patricia Davidson at 04:09 No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Responsive vs Adaptive Web Design Made Simple
There are a lot of buzzwords around when it comes to web design, which can be confusing for the retailer/service provider who wants a website that works on any device.  Two of the most used right now are responsive and adaptive web design and it’s important to understand the difference, before you get baffled and befuddled and start shelling out cash for something you don’t need.
We’re all aware that smartphones and tablets have overtaken pcs and laptops when it comes to using the web and how the user utilises the web is now the single most important factor when it comes to web design. Users now expect seamless and clear navigation and usability whatever device they choose.  

The point of both responsive and adaptive web design is that the user is able easily to browse a website on any device no matter the size or type.  Responsive design does this fluidly and automatically, and adaptive design specifically targets each device.
At the forefront of any website designer’s thoughts when creating a new website should be the question ‘what is a visitor going to want to do on this website?’ and then ‘and how can I make it really really easy for them?’.  Most web visitors don’t want to have to think, let alone struggle, to find what they’re looking for – if they do, they leave.
Responsive web design is about a design that allows websites to adapt to whatever device is being used.  There is no individual experience or website for iPhone, tablet or laptop.  Just one.  The design is flexible, it works in portrait or landscape and on any sized screen. 
For example, whereas on a laptop a website may display in three columns, on your smartphone, with responsive design you may have a single column and scroll down or swipe across to see more.  Images will automatically resize.
Adaptive web design uses a set of different pre-designed layouts depending on which device is being used.  The main reason for choosing adaptive web design with its increased up-front costs, is that some types of business expect different interaction from their users depending on which device is being used as well as the user demographic. 
A good example which demonstrates this is  the American Airlines website, using a totally different layout for desktop and smartphone, and where most people will use the site by browsing and booking a flight using a laptop or pc, and will want other quick options such as check in on their smartphones.  

The options therefore that are displayed per layout/device will be designed to reflect the way that a website is used on a certain type of device by the majority of users.
For websites where most people will shop, or browse, (in other words carry out the same activities) whichever device they are using, then adaptive web design isn’t necessary.  But for websites where analysis shows there is different user activity and requirement depending on the device then adaptive web design may well deliver benefits over and above responsive design.
The main question is ‘do your website users use your website in a different way depending on which device they’re on?’  If the answer is yes, then consider adaptive web design.  The user comes first in every way, every time.
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2.    Complicated Navigation – If you want people who arrive on your website to stay there, you’ll make navigation as simple as possible.  Navigation menus need to be short and clear, if necessary divided by sub headings.  If you make it difficult for people to find things they’ll go away.  E-commerce is about clarity and speed, none of us have time to waste, so make it easy for us do what we’ve come to do and leave quickly and you’re more likely to get the sale.
3.    Small text in a flowery font.  Many e-commerce retailers believe that people are going to look at the images rather than read the text, however we still need the detail.  Anything that makes it difficult for us to read the words will shorten the time we’re going to spend on that particular website.  Good website design will incorporate a font that is clear – and Sans Serif is easier to read than a Serif font, and of a size that everyone can read.  Don’t just consider 12.  But try out 14 and even 16 across all devices.  Ask your mum, your brother, your cousin, colleagues and friends which they find the easiest to read.
The easiest to read text is going to sell the most.  It’s as simple as that.
4.     Images with not enough detail.  A single image won’t do any more, not if you want to compete, and if you’re selling clothes and accessories (and jewellery)  you need to show them back front and side, and how the proportions work on a normal person.  Don’t even try and sell jewellery without a shot on a person, look at what the competition is doing.  They wouldn’t think of it because they know it doesn’t help a sale.  No one is going to spend decent money on a pair of earrings without seeing them on a real person. 
This again is one that seems obvious, but smaller retailers, wanting to cut photography costs, and without much time, quite often take this short cut.  It’s going to get them nowhere.
5.    Mobile should be as easy to use as PC or Laptop.  However good your website design is for PC or laptop if it’s not just as good on mobile  (shartphone or tablet) you will be losing sales. 
Mobile internet usage, including shopping, has overtaken the traditional.  We browse, read, compare prices and buy on whatever device we have nearest, and that’s most often a smartphone or tablet.  It may cost money to ensure that your website design works across all devices, but in the long run it will pay you dividends. 
Make mobile shopping in any way difficult for your visitors and customers and they’ll go somewhere else that doesn’t.
In order to compete online in today’s market you need to use the same basic tools and knowledge that the big contenders have.  In a way this is easier to do if you’re a small retailer, as there’s less necessity to be anything but simple and direct, which is what the web is looking for.  but you have to take time to know what you’re doing, and not rely on a website design agency without doing your own homework first.
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Netgear EX6200 Wifi Range Extender–Product Review–Extend your Wifi Range

After setting it up which took about 10 minutes – others could have done it more quickly I’m sure – which involved
plugging it in near the router,
finding the signal,
setting up on my laptop,
moving to the right location,
testing and hooking up on iPhone, iPad and Laptop for signal in the areas that I wanted to improve
I haven’t had a second’s downtime or problem since.
The Netgear EX6200 range extender comes at a price, there are far cheaper options and those that are more expensive depending on your requirements. The best place to buy it is Amazon (orBroadbandbuyer.com and make sure you’re taking delivery into account when you’re comparing prices) but for worry-free continuous wifi from a powerful piece of kit I doubt you’ll be able to improve on the results.
The other element that I like about it is that with it’s modern, sleek black and red design this range extender will look good just about anywhere, and you can use it standing, as I do, or flat. 
Added Specification
Dual Band
5 Ethernet ports for wired connections.
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