What elements should you keep in mind when creating a good WooCommerce store?

E-commerce platforms, such as WooCommerce, enable entrepreneurs to sell their products or services online. However, to succeed in this market, it’s not enough to just set up a store and add products to the catalog. A key aspect is creating a store that not only grabs customers’ attention but also provides them with a convenient, secure, and enjoyable shopping experience. In this article, we will focus on several key elements that you should consider when creating a WooCommerce store.

Website optimization

Website optimization is one of the key elements you need to consider when creating a WooCommerce store. Page loading speed primarily impacts user experience. Fast product loading will not only prevent potential customers from leaving your store, but also encourage them to stay longer on the site. Furthermore, by improving the speed of your store, you enhance your visibility in search engine results. Website optimization is, in fact, one of the factors that Google algorithms consider when deciding the ranking of search results.

When optimizing your website, you should consider the following aspects:

• Server performance
• Image optimization
• Limiting plugins
• Selecting a lightweight theme
• Regular monitoring and speed testing

Responsiveness

Responsiveness refers to the ability of a website to adapt to different screen sizes and devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. To ensure the responsiveness of your WooCommerce site, it’s important to use Responsive Web Design techniques, such as flexible layouts, scalable images, and appropriate CSS styles. Testing the website on various devices and browsers is also essential to ensure it works correctly across all platforms.

Legal aspects

Legal aspects are a crucial part of running an online store and can impact both its operation and the security of both you and your customers.

User consents

Collecting and processing customer personal data requires proper consents and declarations. Make sure that you’ve addressed issues like cookie consents, newsletter consent, and privacy policies.

GDPR

If you run an online store in Europe, you must comply with GDPR regulations. This means protecting customer personal data, informing them about the purposes of data processing, and providing customers access to their data, along with the ability to withdraw consent for its processing and storage.

Return and complaint policy

Establishing clear rules regarding returns and complaints is important to avoid conflicts with customers. Your return policy should outline procedures, timelines, and conditions for product returns.

Omnibus directive

If you plan to run promotions or offer discounts, make sure you do so in accordance with the regulations governing promotions. You can read more about the guidelines for promotions (Omnibus Directive) in stores HERE.

Accessibility

Accessibility, especially in the context of online stores, is a key factor to consider when creating a WooCommerce store. This means your website should be accessible and usable by all users, regardless of any limitations or disabilities they may have.

WCAG

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a set of international guidelines and standards designed to ensure web content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Adhering to WCAG guidelines may involve adding alternative text, adjusting contrast, and ensuring your website’s source code is clear and detailed.

You can read more about WCAG regulations in our article:

Make Your website compliant – WCAG 2.1 becomes mandatory in 2025!

read more

UX

User Experience (UX) is a critical factor influencing the success of your WooCommerce store. Tailoring your website for UX can attract customers, encourage them to make purchases, and make them more likely to return.

Website design

The look and aesthetics of your store are very important. A clear and attractive design grabs customers’ attention and encourages them to stay longer on the page. Make sure the website is clean, aligns with your brand’s visual identity, and is easy to navigate.

SSL certificate

Another essential element that impacts user experience in a WooCommerce store is the presence of an SSL certificate. SSL certificates ensure a secure connection between the user’s browser and the store server, which is crucial when transmitting personal data such as payment or shipping information.

Product categorization and sorting

Organizing products on your website is a key element of UX. Users should be able to easily find the products they’re interested in. Use clear categories, filters, and sorting options to make it easier for customers to browse the catalog and find what they’re looking for.

On-site search

A fast and efficient search function is essential. Users should be able to find products that interest them by entering relevant keywords. Customizing search results and suggesting related products can help increase conversions.

Order process

The order process should be intuitive and as simple as possible. Ensure that users can easily add items to their cart, adjust quantities, enter shipping and payment details, and confirm their order. Minimize the number of steps users need to take to finalize their purchase.

Payments and deliveries

Payments and deliveries are two key aspects of running your own online store. They significantly affect customer experience and the efficiency of your WooCommerce store.

Payments

1. Offer a variety of payment methods: Provide customers with a variety of payment options to cater to their preferences. Common payment methods include credit/debit card payments, PayPal, bank transfers, and online payments. The greater the variety, the better.
2. Security: Online payment security is a priority. Ensure that your e-commerce platform meets security standards.
3. Simplicity and transparency: The payment process should be intuitive and transparent. Customers should know what fees are associated with the purchase and should be able to review the cart and enter payment details without difficulty.
4. Currencies and price display: If you have an international store, consider supporting multiple currencies and displaying prices according to the customer’s currency to facilitate cross-border shopping.

Deliveries

1. Delivery options: Offer customers different delivery options. This may include postal delivery, delivery to various lockers, courier services, etc. Tailor them to your customers’ needs and preferences.
2. Delivery costs: Clearly present the delivery costs, including any additional fees. Customers like to know exactly how much they will need to pay for delivery before making a purchase.
3. Package tracking: Include a package tracking option on your site so customers can monitor the status of their order.
4. International delivery: If you operate globally, be prepared to handle international deliveries, including compliance with various customs regulations.

Choosing a contractor

When choosing a contractor to build your WooCommerce store, it’s important to consider their portfolio, contract transparency, cost, deadlines, and client reviews. It’s also helpful to have a conversation with the contractor to better understand their approach and ensure it aligns with your goals. The final choice should be based on alignment with your requirements, budget, availability, and also on mutual trust and good relations.

Summary

A successful WooCommerce store requires considering many key elements. Website optimization, responsiveness, legal aspects, accessibility, good user experience, and an efficiently working payment and delivery system are just a few of them. Promotions and compliance with WCAG guidelines also play a significant role in the success of a WooCommerce store.

Choosing the right contractor who can help you execute your project is important, so carefully review their portfolio, contract, costs, and client feedback. Remember, continuous monitoring and improvement of your store, along with adapting it to changing customer needs and e-commerce trends, is crucial.