Web sites that feature products – especially furniture or other large items – require a careful balance of text and images to convey
value of each product. Let’s face it. Consumers like to see, feel, and “experience” a product before they make a purchase decision. If you can elicit senses in your on-line presentation of an item, you will increase your chances of making a purchase tenfold.
In addition to basics of an effective web presence, such as complete contact information, a successful furniture sales web site will convey following:
* Credibility of merchant to provide any product available through site; * Dimensions, an invigorating text description, and multiple images for each product; * A replacement or repair policy in event an item is damaged during shipping; * Delivery or shipping options, with pricing; * Customer testimonials from those who have shopped with merchant; * Full payment options, preferably with telephone, on-line, and invoice credit/debit options.
Style and Navigation
Again, developing a successful furniture sales site depends on web designer’s ability to elicit senses through a careful combination of text and images. “Presentation” design elements, such as Flash and Java components, may be useful in establishing a professional, yet comfortable tone across site.
Site navigation should be effortless and flow seamlessly throughout entire web site, including on pages that do not relate specifically to products. Subconsciously, site’s ease of use will affect prospect-customer’s impression of merchant.
Content Elements
As saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This is certainly case in on-line furniture sales.
Each product should include at least two unique photos, complete with thumbnail and enlarged versions, but may have as many as six. The goal here is to encourage prospect-customer to become familiar with product, to envision furniture in their home from all angles in room.
