When it comes to setting up an ecommerce store, there are countless articles, guides, and tutorials on the important aspects to consider. From design and branding to product selection and marketing, there are endless factors that can contribute to a successful online business. However, there is one crucial aspect that is often overlooked and can ultimately make or break the success of an ecommerce store: the checkout process.
The checkout process is the final step in a customer’s journey and is often the last impression they have of your store. If this process is not optimized and user-friendly, it can lead to cart abandonment and, ultimately, lost sales. In fact, according to research by Baymard Institute, the average cart abandonment rate is a staggering 68.8%, with a primary reason being a complicated checkout process.
So why is the checkout process often overlooked when setting up an ecommerce store? One reason is that many online retailers are focused on creating a visually appealing storefront, and they don’t realize the impact of a smooth and efficient checkout process. However, it is essential to pay equal attention to the checkout experience as any other aspect of your website.
To help you understand the crucial role of the checkout process and how to optimize it for success, let’s dive into 5 key factors to consider.
1. Simplify the Process
One of the most common mistakes in setting up an ecommerce store is a long and complicated checkout process. Online shoppers are looking for convenience and want to complete their purchase quickly and easily. To achieve this, it is critical to keep the checkout process as simple and straightforward as possible. Avoid asking for unnecessary information and only require the essential details needed for the transaction.
What can be more simple than an one page checkout process? Cirkuit offers a single page checkout that is simple and user-friendly by default.
2. Provide Multiple Payment Options
Another factor that can lead to cart abandonment is limited payment options. Customers have varying preferences for payment methods. Offering multiple options such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, buy-now/pay-later, and mobile payment apps, you can cater to a wider range of customers and increase the chances of completing a sale.
Cirkuit integrates with many different payment gateways so your business can accept transactions from a wide variety of sources.
3. Make it Mobile-Friendly
In this digital era, a majority of people are using their mobile devices to shop online. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your checkout process is mobile-friendly to provide a seamless experience for your customers. This can include features such as auto-filling forms and a simplified interface for smaller screens.
Cirkuit specializes in creating modern, responsive websites that are optimized for mobile devices and search engine friendly.
4. Display Shipping Costs Upfront
Hidden costs are a major turn-off for customers, and this also applies to shipping costs. In fact, research shows that 47% of customers abandon their carts if they encounter unexpected shipping costs. To avoid this, it is essential to display all costs upfront, preferably on the product page or in the cart. This will prevent any surprises at checkout and can also help customers make a more informed purchase decision.
Avoid unexpected shipping costs with Cirkuit's checkout which shows costs upfront.
5. Offer Guest Checkout
Finally, forced account creation at checkout can be a major deterrent for customers. Many shoppers want the option to check out as a guest without having to create an account. Although having customer accounts can be beneficial, offering a guest checkout option can increase the chances of a sale.
Allow your customers to login to their account before placing their order, or use Cirkuit's quick or single page checkout without creating an account.
The Checkout Process is Vital for Success
The checkout process is often the most overlooked aspect in setting up an ecommerce store, but it is undoubtedly one of the most essential factors for success. By simplifying, providing multiple payment options, making it mobile-friendly, displaying shipping costs upfront, and offering guest checkout, you can create a streamlined and efficient checkout process that will lead to a higher conversion rate, lower cart abandonment, and ultimately, a successful online business. So, don’t overlook the checkout process when setting up your ecommerce store, as it can make all the difference.