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Why your online store needs an ecommerce audit service

Written on June 28, 2024. Posted in Ecommerce.

Running an online store is exciting – some would say, but it comes with its own set of challenges (and a few wrinkles). One key thing that can make a huge difference in your ecommerce success is to get an ecommerce audit service.

We’re halfway through 2024, and ecommerce audits are becoming more important than ever. But why should you consider getting an ecommerce audit service for your online business?

The importance of ecommerce audit service

Think of it as a health check for your website. An audit can smooth out any bumps in the shopping process, like slow loading times or tricky navigation, making sure your customers have a really nice experience that will make them come back. This not only keeps them happy but also boosts your sales. Plus, an ecommerce audit can help your site rank higher in search engine results. More visibility means more traffic, and that’s always a good thing.

Security and compliance are other big reasons to do an audit. With the upcoming European Accessibility Act and the increasing threat of cyber attacks, it’s a wise decision to get an ecommerce audit service.

An audit will spot any vulnerabilities and make sure you’re following all the necessary regulations (which also means avoiding lawsuits), protecting both your business and customers. This way, you can prevent costly breaches and build trust with your audience. In short, an ecommerce audit is key to enhancing user experience, boosting sales, improving SEO, and maintaining security. It’s smart to get an ecommerce audit service. Trust us, we’re ecommerce nerds.

The benefits of ecommerce audit

Better user experience. A smooth, enjoyable shopping experience keeps customers happy and makes them return for more. An ecommerce audit service can highlight areas where your site might be causing frustration, such as slow loading times, complex navigation, or a confusing checkout process.

Better conversion rates. Identifying and fixing issues that complicate the shopping process can lead to higher conversion rates and increased sales. Audits help you spot barriers that prevent visitors from becoming customers.

Improved visibility. A well-optimized website is more likely to rank higher in search engine results. An audit will evaluate your site’s SEO performance and provide actionable insights to enhance your visibility online.

Secure and compliant webshop. Maintaining a secure and compliant ecommerce site is non-negotiable with the rise of cyber and lawsuit threats. An ecommerce audit service will check for vulnerabilities and ensure that you comply with relevant regulations, protecting your business and customers.

Different types of ecommerce audit service

Ecommerce audits are not one-size-fits-all, so there are different types of audits. They focus on various aspects of your online store. Let’s go through some of the main types you should know about.

SEO audits. These audits evaluate your website’s search engine optimization. They check for on-page SEO elements like meta tags, keywords, content quality, and off-page factors such as backlinks and domain authority. They usually include thorough technical analysis as well and check the SEO of your shop from many different angles.

Security audits. Security audits focus on identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. They examine your website’s security protocols, data protection measures, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR.

Design audits. Design audits focus on your website’s visual elements. They assess the overall aesthetic, brand consistency, and visual appeal to ensure that your site is engaging and aligns with your brand identity.

Accessibility audits. Accessibility audits ensure that your website is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. They check for compliance with standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and ensure that your site is inclusive and accessible to all users. Apply for accessibility check here.

Performance audits. Performance audits assess how well your website runs. They look at page load times, server response times, and overall site speed. These audits help ensure that your site is fast and responsive, which is crucial for user satisfaction and SEO.

UX audits. User Experience (UX) audits focus on the usability and design of your website. They evaluate the layout, navigation, and overall user journey to ensure that visitors can easily find what they’re looking for and complete their purchases without frustration.

👉 Why do you need to check the accessibility of your online shop?

Common ecommerce audit service findings and how to address them

Ecommerce audits often uncover common issues that can badly affect your online store’s performance. Here are some frequent findings when ecommerce audit service comes to the stage.

A slow website can drive potential customers away. If an audit reveals this issue, consider optimizing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing code to speed up your site.

With the increasing number of shoppers using mobile devices, make sure your website uses responsive design, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes and provides a seamless experience on any device.

A complicated checkout can lead to cart abandonment. Simplify your checkout process by reducing the number of steps, offering guest checkout options, and clearly displaying shipping costs and delivery times.

If your site isn’t ranking well, it might be due to weak SEO practices. Be better at your SEO by optimizing meta tags, using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and building strong backlinks.

Poor color contrast, missing alt text for images, lack of keyboard navigation, and inaccessible forms make websites inaccessible and can lead to lawsuits, so make your site accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Apply for an accessibility check here before the European Accessibility Act goes live.

Conclusion

As your business grows, so do the challenges that come with it. An ecommerce audit service is your best bet for staying at the top. The goal is to make your business successful and customers happy.

Happy customers = successful businesses. Keep that in mind.

So don’t wait for problems to arise—proactively seek out an ecommerce audit service and sleep peacefully while your online business is prepared for whatever the future holds. Contact us for more information here.