The approach required to build a non-ecommerce website differs from what\u2019s needed to create websites with ecommerce. The goals of each type of website are distinct, and this shapes web design<\/a> decisions. In this article, we\u2019ll untangle the unique aspects of both ecommerce and non-ecommerce websites, helping you create more usable, memorable website projects.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Difference between non-ecommerce and ecommerce website design” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Websites with ecommerce and those without both have some desired goal or action in mind for the visitor, but these goals differ. These distinctions lead to considerable differences in how each type of website and their respective web pages<\/a> should be designed. Let\u2019s dig into the most significant differences between ecommerce and non-ecommerce websites.<\/p>\n For ecommerce websites, product pages and shopping cart design are of central importance. The goal of other pages on the website is generally to nudge visitors toward product pages, so that they can take the desired action: make a purchase.<\/p>\n To that end, product pages should be visually appealing and informative, providing visitors with essential details to inform their buying decision such as price, features, and product specs. High-quality images, engaging descriptions, and easy-to-access customer reviews help facilitate purchasing decisions.<\/p>\n The shopping cart, on the other hand, should provide a smooth user experience, making checkout an effortless process.<\/p>\n On ecommerce websites, these are two of the most important design aspects, requiring the most thought and effort\u2014especially when pitching to clients<\/a>. On non-ecommerce websites, they don\u2019t even exist, indicating just how different design strategies<\/a> for these two kinds of sites can be.<\/p>\n When a visitor lands on an ecommerce website, there is one action that every business wants them to take: they want them to check out, or convert. We\u2019ve talked about the central importance of product pages and shopping cart design in helping to drive users toward this action, but on ecommerce sites, the whole rest of the site is also optimized to encourage more conversions.<\/p>\n Conversion optimization considerations for ecommerce websites include:<\/p>\n While branding is indispensable for all<\/em> businesses, whether they have an ecommerce component or not, it plays an especially unique role in non-ecommerce website design. Ecommerce websites can differentiate themselves through their product offering, while non-ecommerce sites often need to lean more heavily on a strong brand for differentiation.<\/p>\n Non-ecommerce sites can rely on branding to stand out in a crowded marketplace, convey trust, credibility, and expertise to customers, make their businesses more instantly recognizable, and drive emotional connections with audiences.<\/p>\n Quality, informative content is especially critical for non-ecommerce sites because it\u2019s typically the main driver of traffic, ultimately contributing to more conversions. Let\u2019s take a look at some non-ecommerce website examples to see how this works.<\/p>\n Consider the example of popular online food publication Bon App\u00e9tit<\/a>. There is no shortage of food blogs out there, but Bon App\u00e9tit manages to stand out and differentiate itself with compelling, easy-to-follow content (in this case, recipes), that visitors can conveniently find in a few clicks. Coupled with high-quality images, the content on Bon App\u00e9tit helps to distinguish its brand from the more conversational, DIY content created by other popular food blogs. Another non-ecommerce website example is Ownr, which offers business registration and incorporation services. Since this is an area in which new business owners have many questions, it makes sense to create regular blog content to drive traffic and interest in their service. For non-ecommerce businesses, content is often the main driver of interest and traffic, making it a vital lynchpin of non-ecommerce web design.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Design considerations for non-ecommerce websites” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Since ecommerce sites seem to get most of the attention when it comes to web design, it can be easy to assume that website builders are meant to be used primarily to build sites selling products. However, most can also be used as non-ecommerce website builders.<\/p>\n For example, Website Pro<\/a> is a completely flexible and customizable drag and drop non-ecommerce website builder that can be used to create on-brand WordPress sites<\/a> for your creative agency<\/a> clients. If they ever do want to add ecommerce functionality, WooCommerce can be added in a few clicks.<\/p>\n So, what web design tips<\/a> should you be aware for those non-ecommerce projects? Here are our favorites.<\/p>\n Non-ecommerce websites need to communicate their message clearly and effectively to maintain audience interest. With no products to sell directly, these websites<\/a> need to ensure that visitors can seamlessly navigate through the content and find the information they’re seeking.<\/p>\n To achieve a clean and simple design, consider the following principles:<\/p>\n Being mindful of accessibility<\/a> ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with a website’s content. To make your non-ecommerce client websites more accessible, follow these tips:<\/p>\n Non-ecommerce websites may not be selling products, but they still have goals and objectives. These might be to encourage users to sign up for a newsletter, download an e-book, or book a consultation for a service-based business.<\/p>\n Effective web design<\/a>, particularly when it comes to CTAs, can guide users toward the desired action. Use these CTA best practices to incentivize more conversions:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Design considerations for websites with ecommerce” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ecommerce website design is all about driving sales. While the above design tips still apply, the primary focus should be on product pages, shopping cart design, payment gateways, and security.<\/p>\n Product pages are critical because it has the power to tip hesitant buyers toward making a purchase. They should be visually appealing, informative, on-brand, and user-friendly.<\/p>\n Images are key to successful product pages: 75 percent of customers look at product images first when deciding whether to buy a product, so professional photography is well worth the investment (Innovature BPO<\/a>). Product pages should also incorporate:<\/p>\n Abandoned cart rates hover around 70 percent<\/em> (Baymard Institute<\/a>). The impact of converting just a few percent of those abandoned carts could make a huge impact to your SMB clients\u2019 bottom lines. That\u2019s why the humble shopping cart deserves serious attention when it comes to web design. Shopping carts should offer:<\/p>\n Ecommerce websites need the ability to process payments safely and securely. Choose a reputable and reliable payment gateway provider that supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. Make sure the integration works properly by testing it with different payment methods. Adding a PayPal integrations is also a good idea.<\/p>\n Failing to take security considerations into account when building websites with ecommerce is a major risk: data branches can be costly, both financial and in terms of your client\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n These can largely be avoided by picking a reputable payment gateway, as discussed, and implementing secure socket layer (SSL) certificates on all websites that collect any kind of user data.<\/p>\n In addition to using SSL certificates, plugins and other software should regularly be updated, since out-of-date plugins can create security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by bad actors.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Design considerations for both types of websites” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re using WordPress for ecommerce websites or working on non-ecommerce projects, these design considerations are valuable across the board.<\/p>\n As web designer Jeffrey Zeldman<\/a> put it,<\/p>\n \u201cContent precedes design. Design in the absence of content is not design, it\u2019s decoration.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n In other words, the purpose of the website should always inform the design process. Define the primary goals and objectives, whether that\u2019s driving sales, generating leads<\/a>, or educating users. The clarity gained by defining goals will ensure the website serves its intended function effectively<\/a>, rather than just chasing trends with no clear purpose.<\/p>\n The user\u2019s experience of a website is important regardless of the website\u2019s goals<\/a>. For every client project, focus on creating an intuitive, enjoyable, and satisfying experience for users, which will increase engagement and conversion rates. Key UX elements include:<\/p>\n Nearly 60 percent of global web traffic today is mobile (Statista<\/a>). With so many users accessing websites through mobile devices, it’s imperative to optimize your website for mobile use.<\/p>\n Implement responsive design<\/a> to ensure your website adapts to different screen sizes and resolutions. Fast load times, touch-friendly buttons, and simplified navigation can also play a role in mobile-friendliness.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>Given the fact that most website traffic today comes through phone screens, consider designing the mobile version first, then<\/em> ensure it\u2019s properly responsive to larger screens.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Frequently asked questions” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The four types of websites are often categories at sales websites, utility websites, lead-generation websites, and authority websites. Just about every site on the web, whether it\u2019s an ecommerce or non-ecommerce websites, falls into one of these board categories.<\/p>\n Non-ecommerce website examples include blogs, creative portfolios, and websites for service-based businesses. However, it is still possible to offer services on e-commerce websites.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Code – FAQ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Difference between non-ecommerce and ecommerce website design<\/h2>\n
Product pages and shopping cart design<\/h3>\n
Conversion optimization<\/h3>\n
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The role of branding<\/h3>\n
Content creation<\/h3>\n
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\nSource<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nSource<\/a><\/p>\nDesign considerations for non-ecommerce websites<\/h2>\n
1. Clean and simple design<\/h3>\n
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2. Accessibility considerations<\/h3>\n
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3. Effective use of calls-to-action (CTAs)<\/h3>\n
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Design considerations for websites with ecommerce<\/h2>\n
1. Product pages design<\/h3>\n
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2. Shopping cart design<\/h3>\n
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3. Payment gateway integration<\/h3>\n
4. Security considerations<\/h3>\n
Design considerations for both types of websites<\/h2>\n
1. Understanding the purpose of the website<\/h3>\n
2. Importance of user experience (UX) design<\/h3>\n
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3. Mobile optimization<\/h3>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
What are the 4 types of websites?<\/h3>\n
What are non eCommerce examples?<\/h3>\n