So far, we have mostly talked about ways to let your customers learn about you and what you have to offer. Now we move on to allowing them to actually make purchases from you, or to connect to you for a more immersive experience. Let us discuss login systems, cart systems, mailing systems, and customer support.
- Login systems
Consist of a way to set up an account, customized settings and services, and security measures. Setting up an account usually means allowing users to pick usernames or use their e-mail addresses. That means you need to find ways to prevent duplicate entries in your database of accounts, or else you risk confusion when the time for purchases and sales comes around. This is actually pretty easy, but may be overlooked by novice web designers.
- As Part of Setting up an Account
You will usually ask for e-mail addresses and real-world (or “meatspace”) addresses. Both of these are important, but for different reasons. The e-mail address may be the user’s way of logging in, or it can be relegated as a means of personal contact outside of the website. The meatspace address is where you will send material products or services as the case may be.
You should always make it possible for users to change their account information on your website. People may change addresses, whether in cyberspace or in meatspace. Sometimes they provide dummy information until they can ascertain your trustworthiness. The point is that you should always give them the options of updating the info they supplied to you. Just remember to check for duplicates when allowing changes to e-mail addresses or usernames.
- A cart system
For making selections for purchase is essential if you plan to do direct business from the blog or website. This system should make it easy to add and subtract items from orders, while making it easy to calculate the total cost for the user. In connection to that, you need to have a traceable means of recording and processing orders. If you plan to send periodic updates regarding anything relevant to you to users via their e-mail addresses, then you should always give them the freedom to choose to subscribe or unsubscribe. It is the ethical thing to do. Of course, you should also practice moderation in mailing updates, otherwise you might come across as a spammer or desperate for business.
