Web Applications: Enhancements for Online Stores

Friday, September 9 marked the reinstatement of the Lunch-N-Learn in-house educational series for LRS Web Solutions with a web applications discussion about online stores from Bill and Beau.


The presentation covered:
- Who is currently using online stores with examples
- Various features of online stores
- Future enhancements and possibilities

Cassandra created a list of features discussed that she felt were important to improve the online shopping experience:

1.   One Click to Cart.  I hate when I click “add to cart” and I am suddenly taken away from my browsing page. Then the worst is when I have to maneuver my way back to the products I left off at because “back to browsing” takes me to the homepage or removes any filters.  Grr!  I just want to add something to my shopping cart quick & easily, without leaving the page.

2.   Show me the Steps!  There’s a lot that goes into buying something.  You have to know your address, payment information, and if you want to sign up for newsletters.  During the check-out process, I like to see where I’ve been and where I’m going.  By displaying the step-by-step process with the ability to go back and edit information, I simply feel more comfortable.

3.   Share.  I get excited about new shoes.  I want to tell everyone about them and what a great deal I got on them.  Might as well make it easy for me and add a “Share on Facebook or Twitter” link.

4.   Lots of pictures.  The more pictures of an item, the better.  A full view of the item, a close-up shot and pictures of the item in use are all necessities.  What’s even more fun is when users can upload their own pictures of an item.

5.   Customer Reviews.  I don’t know many people that will purchase an item online without first reading customer reviews.  Don’t make me go anywhere else to find that information.  I might buy that item from somewhere else.  Provide a rating and customer reviews where I can easily access them.

6.   Wish List.  I create these constantly.  It’s easier on my parents and my husband around the holidays and birthday time.  If a store doesn’t have Wish List functionality, my family isn’t shopping there.

Here is a quick peek inside this Lunch-N-Learn session for those who might be curious. It's a great way for our team to learn, share ideas, ask questions and stay up-to-date on the latest web technology.

LRS Web Solutions is constantly improving our online store product. So, tell us... What do you love about your favorite online store?

Nominate Central IL Nonprofits Today for Big Website Makeover Contest

It's official, the 2nd Annual Big Website Makeover Contest from LRS Web Solutions kicks off today; nominations are now being accepted. Head on over to the Big Website Makeover Contest website to nominate your favorite charity for a chance to win a $10,000 website makeover to help with their mission in central Illinois.

Listen to Jeff Enlow talking with Bob Murray this morning in the WTAX studio about the start of the nomination phase of the contest and watch a little bit of the interview right here. Do you know of a not-for-profit who could use a website redesign to help support the central Illinois community? Now is the time to nominate them. Good luck to everyone!

Big Website Makeover Contest on WMAY-AM Radio

Jeff Enlow discussed the 2nd annual BIG Website Makeover Contest from LRS Web Solutions this morning with Jim Leach from WMAY-AM Radio in Springfield, IL. Click to listen to the entire WMAY interview or take a look at a portion of Jeff and Jim's conversation from the WMAY downtown studio in the following video. For more information on how to nominate your favorite Central Illinois charity to win a $10,000 website makeover, visit the Big Website Makeover Contest website.

Announcing 2nd Annual Big Website Makeover Contest!

It's back for a second year. . . The BIG Website Makeover Contest from LRS Web Solutions! We'll be offering a $10,000 website makeover to one lucky central Illinois nonprofit organization, and YOU will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for your favorite charity to win the big prize! Last year's winner, Crisis Nursery of Urbana, has already seen how a redesigned and more functional website can help further its mission. Check out the 2nd Annual Big Website Makeover website for all the details, and get ready to start nominating your favorite not-for-profits starting on September 15, 2011. Subscribe to our blog by email in the upper right-hand corner, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on the contest. We hope our custom website design and development expertise will have a BIG impact on your community.