Building out an e-commerce site, the priority isn’t just packing in features. It’s about reducing friction on every level. Below are the core best practices to bring into every e-commerce build, whether it’s WooCommerce, Shopify, or a more customized setup.
✅ Keep the Homepage Light
Let the products shine, not the bells and whistles. Your homepage should load fast, direct users to shop or explore, and never overwhelm. A few clear CTAs and one or two featured products are often more effective than a full-on product grid.
✅ Optimize for Mobile Checkout
Over 70% of e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices. Your cart and checkout process should be tested thoroughly on real phones, not just resized in a desktop browser. Reduce required fields, keep page load minimal, and make buttons thumb-friendly.
✅ Use Clean URLs and Product Slugs
Simple URLs are better for SEO and trust. Instead of /product/?id=384729, go with /shop/black-crewneck/. This also helps on social and when customers share links with each other.
✅ Create Abandoned Cart Flows
Every site should have a way to re-engage customers who almost bought. Email follow-ups, SMS nudges, or even browser push notifications can help recover 10–20% of lost revenue. Basic automation makes a big difference.
✅ Don’t Overload with Plugins
WooCommerce has thousands of plugins, but more isn’t always better. Every plugin adds potential performance hits, security vulnerabilities, and update conflicts. Keep it lean. Only install what’s necessary.
✅ Sync Inventory Smartly
For stores that also sell in-person or via other platforms, inventory syncing matters. Use a unified inventory system or make sure your platform has a reliable stock-syncing method. This prevents oversells, out-of-stock issues, and disappointed customers.
✅ Track What Matters
Don’t fly blind. Set up enhanced eCommerce tracking through Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, or your preferred analytics stack. Define clear conversion goals. Knowing where your sales are coming from lets you spend smarter and optimize what’s working.
