19 + Online Retail Store Features 2021

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Reach Consumers with Cool Online Store Features

Did you know? 40% of shoppers prefer an online retail store that has a wishlist feature. Because they can easily store the products they are interested in.

63% of shoppers also tend to prefer to buy products from online stores that offer related product recommendations.

Well, the role of the online store must feature to attract the hearts of consumers? Very important. And that’s just two examples… There are many more online store features that can influence people’s decision to buy.

All right, why don’t you just install everything?

But wait, it’s not that easy. Too many features will make loading your store slow. Just like supermarkets that put up too many storefronts and decorations to attract shoppers. The visitors are certainly uncomfortable because the supermarket is too crowded and crowded.

Of course, you don’t want that to happen

That’s why you need to know important features for your online store. So, you can be sure that the features installed are appropriate to the needs of potential buyers.

In this article, you’ll learn about the REQUIRED features that will make your online store more effective and look more professional.

Not only that, but we’ll also show examples in each feature. So you can more easily understand its use.

Well, before getting to the core of the discussion, let’s first look at the main structure of the online store! This is important because the use of the feature on each page of the online store is different. Let’s get started!

Main Structure of Online Store

Main Structure of Online Store

As architects need to understand the structure of a building, of course, you also need to understand the structure of an online store before starting to build it.

The structure of the online retail store itself consists of many pages. There’s no limit to that. However, the main structure of the online store consists of only three pages, namely:

  1. Home – The page visitors first see when they login to your online store.
  2. Product Pages –Pages that visitors will see when they click on a product.
  3. Checkout Page – The Page that will appear when a visitor purchases a product.

Whatever the type of online store, the three pages above will always be there.

Well, because each page has a different function. The features that are installed must also match the function.

Note a little, the features discussed in this ebook will use plugins on WordPress-based online stores.

In addition to making it easier to set an example, it’s also because WordPress is a pretty recommended platform for beginners.

Without lingering, here’s an illustration of each page and its features:

12 Required Features on the Home Page

Let’s start the discussion with the features on the main page!

As the “face” of your online retail store, the features installed on this page will focus on viewing and navigation.

For more details, please click the feature you want to learn about below!

1. Interesting Logo

Interesting Logo

Have you ever visited an online store whose logo looks “origin”? Predictably, the logo will affect your impression of the brand.

On the contrary, an online store whose logo looks professional is sure to make you more confident to shop.

It may sound trivial, but the role of the logo is as important as it is. The logo will affect the first impressions of visitors, as well as make your online store easier to remember.
One example of a brand that uses an attractive logo is the Eiger. Although it looks simple, but still leaves an elegant impression for those who see it.

Still, confused about what kind of attractive online store logo? You can use tools to create logos like Canva. There are tons of logo templates you can use. You can edit manuals easily.

2. Search Column

Search Column

One of the advantages of online stores is the ease of searching for products.

All you have to do is type the product you want in the search field, and voila! You instantly find the product.

That’s why search columns are such an important feature. Without it, online store visitors will have a hard time finding the product they want.

All online stores use it. Including e-commerce giants like Amazon:

How do I bring up the search bar feature in your online store?

Easy, if you use the WooCommerce plugin, the feature will appear automatically.

But, if you want more advanced search columns, you can use the Advanced Woo Search plugin.

With the plugin, you can install filters in its search field. The search results will also show images and prices of each product.

3. Language Switching Feature

Language Switching Feature

Is your online store targeting local and foreign markets?

If so, you’ll need a language switching feature. So, the language used in your online store can be changed according to the language of the visitor’s choice.

No need to display all languages, English or other options is enough to represent a broad target market.

4. Wishlist Feature

Wishlist Feature

A wishlist is a feature that allows buyers to store their favorite items.

In other words, this feature is used to store products that potential buyers love, BUT they are still thinking of buying them.

This feature is very important. Because by looking at the list of products on the wishlist, prospective buyers will not forget about the products they want to buy.

The wishlist feature you can get in WooCommerce. But, to use it, you need to pay $79/year.

Is there a free option? Of course, there is. All you have to do is use another plugin like YITH WooCommerce Wishlist.

This plugin not only allows potential buyers to save products but also shares them to their social media accounts.

5. Shopping Cart and Customer Login

Every supermarket you’ve been to provides a shopping cart.

Well, your online store should do the same. The goal is for visitors to easily store the products to be purchased.

In addition to shopping carts, no less important feature is customer login. This feature allows your online store to accept visitors’ registration.

With the customer login feature, it is easier for you to store various important information such as contact information, delivery address, and the like.
Meanwhile, for visitors, it is easier to know their shopping histories such as the type of goods, the quantity, and the purpose of delivery.

How do I get your online store to have a cart and login feature?

Easy, you can use the WooCommerce plugin. WooCommerce’s default template already automatically adds shopping carts and customer logins to your online store.

Do you want to add the feature manually? Can. WooCommerce has a shopping cart and checkout extensions that you can install as needed.

6. User-Friendly Menu

User-Friendly Menu

The menu in your online store should be user-friendly. So, visitors can know all the products you offer easily.

Typically, the menu is displayed in the form of a row of product categories. For example, as on the main page of the Bodypack online store:

As you can see, all product categories, ranging from bags, accessories, to clothing are displayed lined neatly and easily accessible.

Do you see anything interesting from the menu?

Yes, that does right. They give red highlights on the promotion page (sale).

This way, visitors can easily find the products that are being a promo. This can also be applied to other special menus that you want to highlight.

Then, how do I create a menu in your online store?

Don’t worry. WordPress itself already has a user-friendly menu feature by default. The same thing you can get easily on WooCommerce.

7. Product and Promo Information

Product and Promo Information

How to let visitors know that your online store is holding a promo?

Of course, by displaying it on the main page! Because this is the first visited page.

You can view them in a variety of ways. From putting up banners with promo announcements, showing videos, to using sliders.

Well, to install the slider feature, you can use plugins like Product Slider for WooCommerce. This plugin has a variety of modes that can make your slider look attractive. It also looks friendly for mobile devices.

Once you’ve installed this feature, all you have to do is choose the featured offer or product you want to promote.

8. Call-to-Action Button

cta-button

Want to know the tricks to increase sales in your online store? Use the call-to-action (CTA) button.

This button has many functions, such as directing potential buyers to a product catalog or inviting them to place an order.

That way, visitors will feel compelled to make a purchase.

An example is what some of these online stores do. They installed a “Choose Now” button, so consumers could instantly choose the hosting plan they wanted:

Well, of course, an effective CTA button is a button that is often clicked. Therefore, you need to make the CTA writing interesting. One way is to install verbs at the beginning, such as “Book Now”, “Start Subscribing”, “View Product List”, and the like.

9. Products Catalog

Products Catalog

An online retail store without a product catalog is the same as a grocery store without a storefront or a restaurant without a menu. That’s why product catalogs have become one of the mandatory features of online stores.

By looking at your product catalog, visitors can see all the products you have to offer. An example of an online store with an interesting product catalog feature is the Eiger. Visitors can easily see a series of product images with their prices and descriptions:

To make potential buyers more interested, you can provide additional information in the form of ratings and the number of reviews on each product. So they can know if the product is quality and worth buying.

If you use WooCommerce, your online store will automatically have a product catalog. Because you’ll be asked to add a product when you install WooCommerce.

Alternatively, you can also use additional plugins like Ultimate Product Catalog. This plugin has a dynamic and visitor-friendly catalog layout.
Also, the products can be sorted according to the filters you specify.

To make potential buyers more interested, you can provide additional information in the form of ratings and the number of reviews on each product. So they can know if the product is quality and worth buying.

If you use WooCommerce, your online store will automatically have a product catalog. Because you’ll be asked to add a product when you install WooCommerce.

Alternatively, you can also use additional plugins like Ultimate Product Catalog. This plugin has a dynamic and visitor-friendly catalog layout. Also, the products can be sorted according to the filters you specify.

11. Contact and Support Information

Contact and Support Information

When you want to interact with your business. One part visitors are looking for is contact information.

Typically, contact information contains the support team’s phone number, email address, work address, hours of operation, and social media accounts.

That way, potential buyers won’t get confused when they want to ask questions or interact with your business.

Installing contact information is quite easy. Because all you have to do is enter the information into the widget in the footer of your online store.

When going shopping, it is not uncommon for visitors to ask some basic things, such as.

  1. How is the product delivered?
  2. Can I pay through bank X?
  3. Can I track the delivery of the goods?

These questions can also be referred to as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or frequently asked questions.

So that your support team doesn’t answer the same questions continuously, you can create an FAQ page that contains answers to those questions.

Usually, links to FAQ pages–or even their FAQ segments directly– are placed at the bottom of the main page or in the footer. So visitors easily find it.

To create FAQ segments, you can use plugins like Ultimate FAQ. With this plugin, you can create FAQs from Gutenberg blocks or shortcodes.

12. Chatbot or WhatsApp Features

Chatbot or WhatsApp Features

Sometimes, visitors want to ask directly about product information, promos, or stock availability.

To do so, you can provide chatbot or WhatsApp features in your online store.

In the right corner of the website, there is a WhatsApp icon that if clicked will connect potential buyers with the CS team.

Well, if you want to install WhatsApp features as well, you can use plugins like Click to Chat or Join. chat.

But, if you’re more interested in installing chatbot features, you can install plugins like ChatBot for WordPress or Chatbot.

13. Informative Footer

footer

Above, you already know that the footer section can be used to store info – important info. From contact information to links to FAQ pages.

But, there’s a lot more important information that you can keep in the footer.

There are so many links they keep in the footer. Starting from a link containing a company profile (about Us), a link to a social media account, to a link to
customer service.

But another important thing to note is the payment and shipping section. By displaying this section, potential buyers will feel more confident to buy, because the payment methods and delivery options offered are numerous.

Well, to create an attractive footer section, you need to choose an online retail store theme that matches the character of your brand.

Also, do not forget to fill it with various information that is not only interesting but also useful for your potential buyers.

Tips to Make Your Online Store More Comfortable to Visit

Congratulations! You already know the features that need to be installed in your online store. At least, the store already has a strong foundation to attract buyers. However, don’t settle for it. There are still a few things you can do to make the shop even more convenient to visit.

Want to know how? Let’s take a look at these tips!

1. Install HTTPS for Transaction Security

Install HTTPS for Transaction Security

Online stores that don’t pay attention to security are just like convenience stores without alarms and CCTV. If a bad guy sneaks in, there’s nothing to prevent. It’s very risky.

That’s why security is so important to online stores. The reason is that not only is your business reputation at stake, but also the security of your customer data.

Well, one of the simplest (and most powerful) ways to secure an online store is to install HTTPS.

What exactly is HTTPS? In short, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a protocol that regulates the flow of data exchange between a web server and a browser.

HTTPS is a more secure version of its predecessor, HTTP. Why is it safer? Because the exchange of data on websites that are already installed HTTPS will be encrypted automatically. So, no one can steal the data.

Https-protected websites are usually marked with “HTTPS” in the URL and are accompanied by a padlock like this:

To install HTTPS, you must use an SSL certificate. Well, one way to get SSL in your online store is to choose a hosting service that provides it for free.

2. Make Sure the Website is Mobile-Friendly

Make Sure the Website is Mobile-Friendly

Currently, the number of mobile device users (such as MOBILE and tablet) has exceeded the number of desktop users. 50% of online transactions are done on a mobile. What
Means? Now is the time you need to make sure that your online store is convenient when accessed with mobile devices.

Well, what is meant conveniently is the look of an online store that still looks good even if accessed on a smaller screen. The functions and navigation of the store should be organized according to the size of the screen used.

Want your online store to be mobile-friendly?

The first thing you need to do is choose a mobile-friendly WordPress theme. Typically, theme developers will include “mobile-friendly” in the theme description. You can also install plugins like WPTouch. The plugin will automatically create a mobile version of your website without damaging the theme. So your online store can score better on Google Mobile-Friendly Test.

If your online store has achieved a high score on Google Mobile-Friendly Test, it means that your online store is comfortable if you visit via mobile devices. When you want to know more about plugins that can make your online store increasingly mobile-friendly.

3. Optimization of Website Loading Speed

Optimization of Website Loading Speed

Have you ever visited an online store that is loading for a long time? From the main page to the product page, your loading animation never stops.

As a result, your shopping experience becomes uncomfortable.

Well, this could have happened to your online store visitors. For that, you need to make sure that the loading speed of your online store is fast.

How? Again by utilizing the plugin.

One plugin that is quite recommended is LiteSpeed Cache. This plugin has a variety of features that can make the loading duration of your online store faster, such as the cache system, lazy load, and GZIP compression.

The speed of the online store also depends on the hosting provider. So, choose a hosting service that has features and infrastructure that supports website speed such as high server performance.

LiteSpeed web server, as the fastest web server in the world, is proven to provide, faster access than the use of regular servers.

Now you’re ready to start building your online store. Don’t worry, you can get a professional online store with homemade. All you have to do is set up hosting, domain, free SSL, and business email.

The online store is also SEO-friendly and mobile device-friendly. Here’s an example template:

Your online retail store will also get interesting features. Examples include SMS and WhatsApp notifications, shipping calculations, Facebook Pixel integration, and countdown timers.

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