Web Design and the Psychology of an Online Shopper

Sep 16, 2022

When a buyer buys something online, there are several psychological elements that are involved. The way the human brain operates and particularly how people complete purchases on the internet, can play a significant role in the performance of your store online.

Making use of the power of psychological thinking to aid buyers is beyond just creating sales. This helps to provide the best user experience. Create a relationship at a higher level to your buyers, and offer the best solution to the customers you serve.

Look at ways to apply these psychological principles to enhance your shopping enjoyment.

The psychology of web design

People are obsessed with images of faces

In choosing your photos, you should try to use images with faces. Why? It's because there's an section of the brain specifically designed to react to facial expressions and your brain is able to automatically switch our focus to these face-to-face interactions.

child laughing and running through water, face looking at the camera

Face expressions are typically universal. They're associated with emotion, they're a great way to create a positive impression toward your brand.

We feel better when we encounter people smiling because smiles can mirror neurons in our brains allow us to experience emotions that are comparable to the ones shown. So if you showcase an image of a happy smiley person purchasing your product this makes customers feel at ease about the company's image.

It's also helpful to provide a face to your company. People are more connected to the world around them than an organization that may appear distant. Images of your employees and founders as well as customers can be a huge assist in connecting potential customers.

Colors can be associated with the emotions and activities

Color can affect our mood and behaviour, so it's essential to consider the colors you pick to brand your site and your logo. It's crucial that you know the needs of your customers, as how we react to colors is largely dependent on the personal experience we have.

However, here are a few words that are often connected to specific hues:

  • Red represents energy, strength as well as love
  • Yellow brings joy, joy and inspiration
  • Green - nature, health as well as money
  • Blue is a symbol of peace, trust and responsibility
  • Purple symbolizes royalty, wealth, and the spiritual aspect
  • Pink is caring, affectionate and full of love
  • Black can be an area of mystery, seriousness and even sadness
  • White is peace, purity and simplicity

Research how your customers interpret colors. This is especially important in the case of an international clientele as the significance of color are often very differing in different cultural settings. Do not choose colors that customers might consider to be a sign of mourning or danger.

Customers are connected to images and videos

Images that are attractive do more than appear appealing. They also grab attention, invoke emotions and prompt customers to act. The brain process images 60x quicker than text. This is why they're often the first thing people will see on your website.

If you are able, utilize the images you've made yourself with your brand name instead of stock photos. Stock photos can appear fake and thus reduce trust in eyes of customers. In addition, they're not unique to the brand you represent. Other firms could use similar images. If you must use photographs from stock, select images that look authentic and natural rather than fake.

Additionally, since the competition for your business is physical stores You must show a variety of photographs of the product. Prospective customers won't have the opportunity to experience your items, so make sure to include images taken from different viewpoints. Make sure to highlight details such as textures as well as special characteristics.

Video is also an excellent means of connecting with customers. Videos are both audio and visual and therefore are more memorable than any other form of media. Viewers are able to remember more of the information when they watch videos, in contrast up to 10% when they read the text.

Have you ever cried during a movie? This is because videos use the same mirror neurons in our brains as pictures are. It allows us to place ourselves in the shoes of the people we are viewing. So feature videos with happy clients, or even tales about those you've helped. It can make a difference!

Good layout is a sign the reliability of

According to studies conducted through the Stanford Web Credibility Project According to the Stanford Web Credibility Project, more than half individuals judge the authenticity of a website based on the design. Factors like colors, fonts and layouts, aswell the images and navigation are all factors that determine how your website's users view your site as professional.

Here are a few points to remember:

  • Avoid blurry or misspelled images and errors. Customers can instantly associate such errors with unprofessional behavior.
  • Choose fonts that are easy to to be able to. There is no limit to coming up fresh ideas to make your site look distinct, but you must ensure to ensure that your visitors can be able to read the entire content on your site.
  • Avoid clutter. Don't cram a ton of images and texts on your website. Instead, concentrate on the essential elements and call-to-action. Space that is white -space that is not being usedcan enhance understanding and bring attention to important information.
  • Check that your site has a consistent design. Utilize the similar fonts, colors and design style throughout your website. Customers will be aware that they're at the correct place and helps them remember your company's name.

How psychology impacts the experience of users

Screens are scanned by people in accordance with their experiences

Eye tracking is the practice to determine where users appear and what they're viewing when they visit the website. Understanding the ways that a typical user is using their time online could be extremely valuable to making design choices.

Certain patterns have a commonality. In this instance most users view a website in the F-Pattern. If your customer base reads using a pattern that reads in a direction from right to left, most users browse your website horizontally in a horizontal order, from left to right starting at the highest point. After that, they scroll in a vertical direction down the left part of the page looking for interesting information as well as images.

diagram showing the F-pattern of reading a website

What are you able to do to implement this into your website? Begin by placing your most important information at the top of your page, also known as "above the fold." Make sure your information is organized into a structure which is easy to comprehend, using clearly written bullet points and headlines. Visitors are able to locate the information they're seeking effortlessly when they visit your website.

The same applies to patterns utilized for navigation on web sites. The brain is lazy, and will search for the most efficient way to finish a job in order to save energy. Visitors would expect to find in particular locations, and when they do not it could be that they abandon your website completely.

Site visitors, for instance, usually expect to find:

  • It is easy to get around right away and usually on the first page of a website.
  • The search bar is located prominently displayed, like the sidebar or header or footer.
  • Contact and About pages.
  • A logo that redirects the user to the homepage by clicking.
  • The purpose of your site is immediately apparent with an image tagline or other comparable.
  • Contact information in the footer.

However, this doesn't mean that your site should look like others', but it's not a good idea to do something different, and to test the limits. If you do, deviating from the established norm could cause confusion. You must ensure that the design is adapted to the needs of your intended public.

 Users need bite-sized bits of information

The brain can be able to handle a small amount of data in a short amount of time. It's therefore essential to provide your users with the information they want and not overload them with too much information.

On pages with a lot of text, like websites and blogs, utilize headlines as a way to break up the text. Bullet points also aid readers quickly scan through details to locate precisely what they're searching for.

Brains are also naturally categorizing procedures. If your site's content is divided in logical categories and groups, you will be able to help your visitors avoid needing to categorize the content themselves. The exact method by which your content is categorize depends on the item you sell you can categorize items according to dimensions, types or the age range.

 People's minds drift

There's been a time. When you find a helpful video on the internet, only to be entangled with a funny cat-themed compilation on the sidebar. In no time, we've seen 12 irrelevant videos, and have forgotten about the info we were searching for.

This is because our brains wander around at minimum 30% all the time. Mind-wandering is a great way to rest our minds and could even assist in reaching a higher degree of creative thinking.

Users are annoyed by the unresponsive and slow website

The study has demonstrated that people expect to receive a response in 2 seconds from sending a request. If they wait longer than 2 seconds, our focus is shattered and we lose productivity. Although this is true in all areas of our lives It is particularly relevant to the design of websites.

If your site takes long to load, your visitors will likely be annoyed and go on to purchase the same product in another place. There are many aspects that impact the speed at which your website is loading. These are some helpful articles can help you start:

The same principles apply to responsive designs. If your website's design isn't consistent and doesn't function well on the various sizes of mobile devices the visitors to your website will move on to other websites. How can people remain on your site to browse your website's content in the event that they must zoom to see the content or when certain pages' components are not available?

Be sure to test your site's performance on larger display screens as well as phones and tablets both in the portrait and landscape modes. If you don't have many devices accessible, you could utilize devices like Responsive Designer to recreate the experience of users.

Everyone makes mistakes

It should not come as an unwelcome surprise to us that we all commit mistakes. All of us are human! It is important to be aware of the mistakes that clients may makeand prevent them from occurring as frequently as possible. The first step is to ensure that you have a proper test.

It's recommended to do user tests with individuals who are part of the target market. If, for instance, your clothing is designed for women between the ages of 35 and 55, try to find those that fall within the category. People with different backgrounds and ages might use your website with your site in various ways.

There are numerous ways of conducting tests on users, such as having a meeting on the ground with customers you are interested in. It is also possible to use tools such as UserTesting.com to take charge of all the process for you.

When you have identified what your most often made errors are, you should make an effort to prevent them from happening again. This could mean changing your site's design, layout or even copying. It could be necessary to increase the number of buttons on your site or rearrange your navigation so that the items more easily found.

Error messages are also extremely effective. If your client enters an incorrect credit card number make sure you provide an unobtrusive message to let them know exactly what's wrong. Similar to your contact forms! The form helps the customer identify any errors they could make and the best way to correct the mistakes.

A myriad of options can confuse users

Are you walking through a store, amazement at the multitude of different toothpaste options? Cleaning, whitening and protection for sensitive teeth, tartar prevention Which one is the most appropriate?

The more choices you can provide your customers with the more choices you offer, the longer it'll require them to arrive at the right decision, and the more likely it is that they'll be overwhelmed.

It is essential to categorize in addition, particularly if there are many products.

PrintingNewYork website, with categories and subcategories in the main menu
Photo (c) https://www.printingnewyork.com/

PrintingNewYork utilizes their main menu that allows customers to locate the exact item that they're searching for. Under Services, they include the groups of Offset Printing and Digital Printing along with various other categories. There are also areas like event signs. The categories mentioned earlier can be a huge help helping people process information.

 Language and psychology

Customers react to urgency and provide

The urgency appeals to the fear of losing their money. Research has shown that we attach the most importance to items that are scarce. If you're concerned about not making purchasing a high-end product, the customer is likely to buy it right now.

  • Get it done now!
  • Limited
  • Now!
  • Out of gas!
  • Now
  • Last chance

It's possible to say "Stock is limited! Make sure you buy it before we run out." It is possible to create that same urgency by offering coupons but you can only give discounts for a specific amount of time.

It's also a crucial element in making shoppers convert. Customers want to be assured that they're in good hands in your company and that they're receiving a reliable, quality item or service. If you're certified or possess certificates, ensure that you display them on your website. Testimonials and reviews make a big impact also. People are likely to invest 31 percent more when they purchase a product or service with favorable reviews!

If you are writing your copy for your site, use of words like

  • Guarantee
  • Certified
  • Money returned
  • Genuine
  • Proved
  • Authentic

Perhaps you can offer 30 days guarantee on money back, which allows returns for 1 month from the date of purchase without any need to ask. Your customers will notice that you are confident in your product and promise to uphold the word you've made.

FitLife Foods site, with a 100% satisfaction guaranteed notice
Photo (c) https://delivery.eatfitlifefoods.com/

FitLife Foods is one example. They guarantee 100% satisfaction, and offers no-limit meals should customers aren't entirely satisfied.

People love stories

Everyone loves a good story. Incorporating stories on your website can add authenticity and personality to your business. They also grab attention and aid in keeping your product in mind.

If we hear positive tale, our concentrations of the positive hormone, Oxytocin, increase. The result is a greater sense of self-confidence and compassion, as well as improves our attitude towards a product and brand.

Scratch Pet Food website showing their eco-friendly iniatives
Photo (c) https://www.scratchpetfood.com.au/

Here are some ways for storytelling to be used:

  • Tell stories of customer happiness, particularly those that have a strong emotional impact or are thrilling. Airstream offers fascinating stories about their customers journeys across the world.
  • Tell a story that reflects your brand. Bloomscape illustrates the history of their company and tells a captivating family tale that is spanning generations.
  • Make sure you are transparent with your processes and manufacturing. Scratch Pet Food promotes eco-friendly methods, and even includes some time spent traveling.
  • Give back to the community. Osana Bar gives away an soap bar for children who are in need of the soap bar with each bar bought.
  • Focus on the positives of your product or service. Bobo & Boo takes on the role of their patrons, talking directly to mothers , as they discuss the benefits of their product.

The most important thing is to display the real you. Tell the world your reasons of why you are passionate about your work. Your customers will be able discern if you're genuine or not. However, they'll become enthralled by the authentic story behind your products.

 Other psychological factors

clients tend to start by making a small purchase

If you're trying to sell to potential customers who are interested in the product or service you offer You should begin by asking them to contribute just a little amount. Why?

It's much easier to agree to a minor requirement due to the potential danger associated with it, and is usually easier to say "no" rather than "no." In the later stages in the process, if clients are required to complete a specific task, it's more likely that they'll agree.

It is known as the foot-in-the-door method. It goes all the way to door-to door salespeople. If the salesperson were able to walk their way to the door, they'd be less likely to get hit in the face.

Below are some suggestions on how you can put this into the real world:

  • You can sign up for email addresses in exchange for an offer. Three-quarters of people who subscribe to email receives a item from the business who they've signed up for.
  • You can sell a small sample of product samples. Customers will appreciate getting the chance to try the products without any risk.
  • Trials for free. It is estimated that 6 in 10 trials that are free turn into paid customers.
  • It is important to make small contributions if you're a nonprofit. The people who give will feel better at them and more likely to contribute another, bigger amount in the near future.

Start with something simple and lets you engage your clients, and explain how your products and services provide the ideal solution.

Customers require education to use new product

People have certain expectations for the way things operate based on their experiences. If you offer a brand fresh product or service that offers an alternative to what people are familiar with, you need to offer education.

The most reliable software could be able to show a rising curve. Jetpack offers a fantastic help section which allows users to navigate to the areas most relevant to their issue as well as quickly find solutions to most frequently-asked queries. Jetpack also has a team of Happiness Engineers who work full-time to ensure that you have personal, high-quality support, that is free of scripted answers and long slow process.

It's your obligation to provide your clients with the necessary details for a efficient application of your product. If they do not then they will not be happy and ask to refund their money or even leave without purchasing another.

There are several ways that you can provide the customer with information:

  • Make a library of instructional videos for users free with videos on how to use a particular product.
  • Include links to documentation and instructions in your transactional emails.
  • Write blog posts with use cases and successful stories of customers.
  • Create a string of messages between delivery and order together with any additional information.
  • Set up a help desk as well as an online support channel.

The details provided help your clients to be attracted to your product.

People love reward programs

We all carry numerous loyalty cards that we collect from places we enjoy. It's satisfying to receive those points or stamps rise in the application. What's the reason?

Rewards can be a positive method of rewarding customers. When a customer completes purchases, you present your customer with a virtual slap on the back, and say, "Good job!" They are encouraged to perform the same thing over and over again, and, in the process, establish a connection with your company.

The rewards program can also be a source of a long-term commitment. When a client is given the possibility of switching to a different provider, they'll lose the points accrued. The prospect of purchasing from another provider is less appealing.

The customers should be able to sense your company's brand name and your product

If they shop online customers aren't able to touch, feel, sense the scent and feel of products prior to making a purchase. A well-constructed and solid website will give customers an experience that's just as valuable.

Start by telling your story. Create a persona for your brand and let your readers know what you're all about. Create a good reputation by gaining positive, reliable reviews. All of these strategies are crucial in building a loyal, satisfied customers.

Customers make decisions using common factors

The motivations of your customers are contingent on the target market you're targeting, there are some general truths. A recent study consumers said that these factors influenced their buying decisions:

  • Free delivery
  • Discounts, coupons , and coupon coupons
  • Customer reviews from other customers
  • Return policy is simple and easy to return
  • Rewards for loyalty points
  • A simple, fast checkout online

Although not all of them are appropriate for all businesses, including all are able to influence conversions. Learn about your customers and discover what they are most interested in. Surveys can be a fantastic way to achieve this. You can send them out to your email list or request them via Instagram Stories, or use devices like Crowdsignal.

It's interesting to realize that the majority of purchase decisions aren't made conscious. Researchers have observed that our brains only use around 20% in our minds in conscious thought, meaning there's an array of variables that affect the choices we make which we don't know about.

It's an ode to one of the most common subjects we've talked about that's attuned to our feelings. The value of emotions is so great that neuroscientists have found that people whose brains aren't able to create emotions can't decide.

When choosing photos, writing product descriptions or creating ads and creating your brand, take into account the effect on customers' emotions your products. Be sure to not only talk about the product's features; explain how they impact customers' lives. This can help create an enduring customer base.

Psychology covers more than only sales

Understanding the psychological needs of your clients does not only allow you to boost sales. It allows you to reach out in a more effective way with the people that make up your core customer support and improve their shopping experience.

Its purpose is not to trick consumers, but instead, to use it as an instrument for improving the way you communicate so that messages you broadcast are understood as they were intended. Focusing on improving the quality of your company, you'll be able to generate increased revenue sure however, you'll also have happy customers.

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