Docnet’s E-commerce Manifesto

The UK election is on everyone’s minds and lips but let’s not forget about the world of e-commerce. While the parties have all busy making policies for how they want to run the country, we’ve been making policies on how we want e-commerce web sites to be run.

The Docnet E-commerce Manifesto

Transactional e-commerce web sites will:

• 1: Be easy to navigate – with a simple navigational structure, all sections of the web site sign-posted clearly for visitors and a dynamic search function to help them find things faster

• 2: Be updated regularly – with content-rich blog posts, brand descriptions, new products, customer reviews; anything that shows search engines they should index the site more often

• 3: Have clear contact details – for telephone and live chat, as well as email and postal addresses so shoppers can have their queries answered before they make a purchase

• 4: Have short checkouts – so when shoppers have made their selection they can complete their purchase quickly; we musn't frustrate them at this crucial stage!

• 5: Have a regular email newsletter – filled with relevant offers and news so the site remains ‘front of mind’ for new and existing customers

• 6: Make a promise that stands out – a guarantee that gives visitors an extra reason to shop the site and not the competition; how can you add value to the experience?

• 7: Fill visitors with trust – with the most common Trust Marks displayed in key locations to show transactions are safe, backing up the impression with a site design that says ‘professional company’

• 8: Avoid using too much flash – as far as search engines are concerned, it’s all style and no substance, meaning no SEO; they’re also a nightmare for people to use on their mobiles

• 9: Use lots of great photography – a picture is worth a thousand words (well, maybe not for search engines unless you use alt text – but to human visitors, they are)

• 10: Avoid copying the most popular site – it won’t win you any fans; it will make you an imitator, not a leader; and who’s to say their way is the best and only way of doing things? We’ll help you find another way

We hope these policies resonate with your situation and experience when making a decision over which e-commerce agency you choose to do business with.

Vote Docnet!