Improve Your Online Checkout Process in 3 Easy Steps

Your online checkout process has the power to seal the deal, or to lose it. As such, it has a direct impact on your conversion rates, and this makes it one of the most important aspects of your website.

The Bigger Picture

Take some time to learn the best way to set up (or update) a checkout page. There are lots of details to consider, to be sure. And many can vary depending on the goals of a particular ecommerce business.

But there is one detail that every seller needs to consider: That is, a good checkout experience is one that requires as little time or effort as possible on the customer’s part.

With this in mind, here are three clear-cut ways to help you seal the deal at checkout.

Step 1: Make it a hassle-free process

If you make potential customers fill out registration forms or create accounts before they can place an order, many will leave instead.

Unless, of course, you give them a guest checkout option.

Other good options include having the shopping cart or checkout button easily accessible on each page, and, once at checkout, showing customers where they are throughout the online checkout process.

Step 2: Be upfront with your shipping policy

If you surprise potential buyers with unexpected shipping costs (or any other fees) at the last minute they‘re more likely to abandon their cart.

Instead, make it easy for visitors to find the information upfront. Let them know what your policy is long before they get to checkout, even if it’s a range of costs.

Step 3: Reduce distracting information

Your checkout area should be isolated or self-contained and without clutter. Moreover, the customer should be able to reach their order confirmation page easily and quickly.

On the other hand, presenting unnecessary and distracting information will only hinder the transaction. And they may even lose interest in finalizing the sale.

Summary

Your online checkout process needn’t be long or complicated—instead, make it clear, transparent, and straightforward by focusing on the needs and wants of the customer.

Because this is what will motivate them to complete their purchase. Not only that, a seamless checkout experience can turn one-time buyers into long-term loyal customers!