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9 eCommerce Website Issues Impacting User Experience

To run a successful e-commerce website, attention to detail and quick issue resolution are essential.

Insightech

• 3 min read
9 eCommerce Website Issues Impacting User Experience

Running a successful eCommerce website requires attention to detail and the ability to address potential issues promptly. Unfortunately, bugs and errors are an inevitable part of web development. In this blog post, we will explore the most common website bugs and errors that can occur on eCommerce websites, along with practical insights on how to identify and resolve them.

Broken links can frustrate users and hinder their journey through your website. When users encounter a "404 Not Found" error, it indicates that the link they clicked on leads to a non-existent or incorrect page. Broken links can result from incorrect URL references, pages being moved or deleted without updating the links, or other factors. Regularly checking and updating links is crucial to maintaining a seamless user experience.

Slow Page Load Times

In today's fast-paced digital world, users expect websites to load quickly. Slow-loading pages can lead to high bounce rates and dissatisfied visitors. Common causes of slow page load times include large file sizes, inefficient code, server issues or problems with caching and content delivery networks (CDNs). Regular optimisation, including image compression, code minification and server performance improvements can significantly enhance page load speed.

Payment Gateway Issues

Payment gateway integration is vital for eCommerce websites as it enables secure online transactions. Errors can nonetheless occur during the integration process and this can lead to failed transactions, incorrect billing information or even double charges. You should continuously check your payment gateway integration to ensure smooth and reliable transaction processing. An easy way to do this would be to show a unique text error message only users who experience a fault will see. You could then use Insightech's interactive session replay to find all users who were shown that exact text during their session and measure two data points; 1) the total number of users impacted by the error and 2) the conversion rate/revenue impact for a particular time period. You could also set up Slack notifications to help monitor when the issue arises.

Shopping Cart Problems

The shopping cart is a critical component of any eCommerce website. Issues in this area can result in frustrated customers and abandoned carts. Problems may include incorrect item quantities, pricing discrepancies, or the cart not updating correctly when items are added or removed. Rigorous testing and monitoring are necessary to identify and resolve shopping cart issues promptly.

Form Validation Errors

Forms play a crucial role in the checkout process, but errors in form validation can lead to user frustration and the loss of valuable data. Poorly implemented form validation can trigger confusing error messages or fail to catch invalid data, creating a poor user experience. Implement thorough form validation routines to ensure accurate data submission and provide clear instructions on any errors that occur.

Visual Form Analysis with Insightech makes it easy to automatically detect which forms users click on and drop off for faster anomaly detection and error reporting

Compatibility Issues

eCommerce websites must be compatible with various browsers, devices, and operating systems. Compatibility issues may arise when certain features or functionalities do not work as expected on specific platforms. Regular cross-browser and cross-device testing can help identify and address compatibility issues promptly, ensuring a seamless user experience across different environments.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Security Vulnerabilities

Security is a paramount concern for eCommerce websites. Attackers often target these platforms, exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access or compromise user data. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, for example, can inject malicious code into web pages, putting users and their data at risk. Implementing strong security measures, such as input sanitisation, output encoding, and regular security audits, can help protect your website and user information.

Mobile Responsiveness Problems

With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, mobile responsiveness is crucial. If your website is not optimised for smaller screens, it can lead to a poor user experience, ultimately affecting conversions and sales. Adopt a mobile-first approach during website development, ensuring that your design and layout adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions.

Inventory and Stock Management Errors

For eCommerce websites selling physical products, accurate inventory and stock management are vital. Errors in inventory tracking can lead to overselling, backorders, or the sale of out-of-stock items. Implement robust inventory management systems that integrate seamlessly with your website.

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