E-commerce platforms have become increasingly popular in the past few years. A business must have an e-commerce platform that is continually evolving to keep up with the ever-increasing demand. For instance, including certain features and updating them every now and then can ensure that customers get an improved shopping experience. For that, businesses must focus on the platform’s overall functionality and ensure that the features bring in conversions and help increase sales.

1. Ample security
No customer wants to or should have to worry about data breaches when shopping online. So, one of the key features to include in any e-commerce platform is multi-level security. Hackers often target these platforms as they have a huge database that can benefit them. However, ensuring tight security can keep customers and businesses safe from these attacks. Some of the best practices to thwart security threats include getting a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, performing regular Structured Query Language (SQL) checks, using a firewall, and updating and patching the system.

2. Easy checkouts
A long and complicated checkout page can be why several customers abandon their carts and leave the e-commerce platforms without buying anything. It is vital to keep a simple and intuitive checkout page. It should give customers the freedom to complete their shopping without putting in additional thought and effort. It should also clearly state the additional shipping cost the customer must pay, if applicable. No one likes to be surprised with additional fees when they are about to pay for the products they spend a lot of time selecting on the platform. This is a mistake that must be avoided at all costs. Instead, keep things transparent and ensure the fees are specified on the checkout page. Another equally important feature for e-commerce platforms is a return and refund policy; ensure that the details are clearly stated.

3. Predictive recommendations
Today, websites and applications use predictive intelligence tools to present customers with recommendations they might be interested in. The recommendations can help customers select products without checking each item out and save them time scrolling through multiple pages. Recommendations also increase the chances of multiple product purchases. E-commerce platforms are increasingly adapting to this proven, successful sales strategy. Some websites’ predictive intelligence tools also provide users with search recommendations, predictive sorting, and insights.

4. Easy to navigate
A well-designed platform will encourage users to look for the products or services they want and ensure that they can effortlessly navigate the website. A simpler e-commerce platform design and interface can help increase the platform’s conversion rate, as customers are not intimidated by the website’s complexity. Simpler designs mean customers do not need to spend time understanding the platform and its usage instead of looking at products they want to purchase.

5. Compatible with multiple devices
Mobile optimization of websites is now a standard practice. It helps businesses increase their customer base and potential conversion rates. Several users now prefer to access e-commerce platforms from their mobile phones or tablets instead of turning on their computers or laptops. That being said, businesses should understand that this feature is not only about making their products and services available on these smaller devices for purchase. Instead, it is about recreating the website’s original simplicity and intuitiveness to fit the screen size of phones and tablets. A mobile-friendly e-commerce platform will benefit businesses in the long run and keep their customers loyal to the brand.