What can I do to take my website from looking homemade to professional

[lukafernada]

I feel like my website has the potential to be professional looking but it just isn't there yet, it feels slightly tacky in the back of my head. Just any improvement tips to make sure it lives up to the upmost of professional looking websites out there?

My site URL is cheffings.net

[MooseDesk]

Hi @lukafernada,

Thanks for reaching out to the community. We are MooseDesk, a comprehensive Live Chat, FAQ & Helpdesk App designed to elevate your customer support experience.

Congrats on your store! Your store looks stunning. I can tell you have put a lot of effort into building this. However, I have some comments to make the good get even better. Here are some of my recommendations for professionalism, please kindly check.

1. Font Selection

Consider changing the font to one that looks more timeless and clean. A few recommendations are Roboto, Open Sans, or Lato. These fonts offer a modern, sleek feel and will give your store a professional look.

2. Font Consistency

It’s important to ensure that all sections of your website use the same font. This consistency helps to create a cohesive visual experience, making your site look more professional and organized.

Here is the example: 

3. Homepage Structure

Instead of displaying products directly on the homepage, consider showcasing categories that will direct visitors to other pages where they can explore the products. The homepage should give a general overview of your store and guide users to explore further.

4. Button Text

Avoid using ellipses (…) in your buttons. For example, instead of writing "Come dine with us...", simply write "Come dine with us." The ellipses can make the buttons look unprofessional to some customers. Consider removing them across your website.

5. Benefits Section Layout

The current layout of your benefits section may not be drawing enough attention to the advantages of shopping with your store. Consider redesigning this section to better highlight these benefits, so they don’t get overlooked by customers.

This is the section I mention: 

6. Footer Revamp

Your footer would benefit from a sitemap for easier navigation and the inclusion of your store contact information (physical address, phone number, email address). This will reassure customers that your store is legitimate.

You can follow this example: 

7. Product Images

For your product images, I suggest using studio photos as the main image. This will give your website a more professional feel and show customers that you have put thought into presenting the products well.

8. Product Descriptions

To improve the product descriptions, break them down into different sections, such as a general overview, specifications, and the benefits of buying from your store. This will help your customers quickly access comprehensive information and make faster purchase decisions.

9. Contact Us Page, FAQ page and Communication widget

Adding a contact form to your "Contact Us" page will allow customers to submit queries directly on your website instead of opening their email clients. You might also want to consider adding a FAQ page and a communication widget to further improve customer service.

I suggest exploring MooseDesk, a FREE LiveChat, FAQ & Helpdesk App that can help your support experience easier, better, faster!

With MooseDesk's Omnichannel Support, you can engage with customers through live chat, manage inquiries with a robust ticket system, and provide quick responses via a WhatsApp button. 

Or you can let customers resolve questions faster with in-built FAQ, Order tracking module, and more.

With FAQ builder, here are some of our templates: 

FAQ page: 

Contact us page: 

As an expert/enthusiast in UX, I recommend implementing these changes to improve customer experience when scrolling through your store.

If this is helpful for you, please let me know by giving me a 'LIKE'. If your question is answered please mark this as 'SOLUTION’.

Thank you for reading. Wish you nice day ahead

MooseDesk - All-in-one Shopify FAQ & Helpdesk App

[Bundler-Manuel]

Hello there @lukafernada Your store’s user experience and design is already on a top notch professional level to be honest. I think all you just need now are a bit more features to add in. My suggestions would be

1) Add a section for the best selling and newest products in your inventory 

2) Add atleast 2 extra customer reviews on your homepage preferably not “anonymous”

3) Add a few short FAQs to shed more light on your products and style of business 

I wish you and your store the best of luck!

[heddykhalifa]

Hey Lukafernada,

Heddy from Gameball: Loyalty Program & VIP here!

To make your website look more polished and professional, focus on enhancing key areas. Use high-quality, consistent images across the site and simplify the design with a clean, modern layout. Consistency in your branding—colors, fonts, and tone—will create a cohesive feel. Incorporating social proof like reviews and testimonials adds trust. Also, make sure your navigation is intuitive and easy to use so customers can find what they need effortlessly.

[kajalsejwal]

Hey!

For a more professional look and also a helpful environment for you and the users you should consider adding a chatbot to your website!

[DaisyVo]

Hi @lukafernada 

I've taken a close look at your website, cheffings.net, and I understand you're aiming to elevate its appearance from homemade to professional. It's great that you're seeking ways to enhance your site's look and feel. Here are some practical suggestions to help you achieve a more polished and professional online presence:

1. Consistent and High-Quality Imagery

Ensure that all product images are of high quality and maintain a consistent style. This uniformity not only enhances the visual appeal but also builds trust with your visitors. For instance, using the same background and lighting for all product photos can create a cohesive look. High-quality images can significantly impact a customer's perception of your brand.

2. Streamlined Navigation

Simplify your website's navigation to make it intuitive for users. Organize products into clear categories and subcategories, ensuring that visitors can easily find what they're looking for. For example, grouping items under main headings like "Kitchenware," "Knives," and "Bakeware" can help users navigate your site more efficiently. An intuitive navigation structure enhances user experience and encourages longer site visits.

3. Consistent Branding

Maintain consistency in your branding elements, such as colors, fonts, and logos, across all pages. This uniformity reinforces your brand identity and makes your site look more cohesive. For instance, if your brand colors are blue and white, use these colors consistently for headings, buttons, and other elements throughout your site. Consistent branding helps in building brand recognition and trust among visitors.

4. Professional Logo

Your logo is a key component of your brand identity. Ensure it's professionally designed and prominently displayed on your site. A well-designed logo can enhance credibility and make your site more memorable. If you don't have a professional logo yet, consider using online tools or hiring a designer to create one that reflects your brand's values and aesthetics. A strong logo serves as the face of your brand and can leave a lasting impression on visitors.

5. Mobile Optimization

With a significant number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, ensure your site is mobile-friendly. This includes responsive design, fast loading times, and easy navigation on smaller screens. Test your site on various devices to ensure a seamless experience for all users. Mobile optimization is crucial for retaining visitors and reducing bounce rates.

6. Engaging Visuals

Incorporate high-quality visuals that align with your brand's identity. This could include banners, promotional images, or lifestyle photos that showcase your products in use. Engaging visuals can capture visitors' attention and convey the quality and appeal of your products. For example, featuring a banner image of a chef using your kitchenware can create a strong visual impact. Compelling visuals can enhance user engagement and convey professionalism.

7. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Display authentic customer reviews and testimonials to build trust with potential buyers. Positive feedback can influence purchasing decisions and lend credibility to your products. Consider adding a section on your homepage or product pages where customers can share their experiences. Authentic reviews act as social proof and can significantly impact a customer's decision to purchase.

8. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Use clear and compelling CTA buttons to guide visitors towards desired actions, such as "Add to Cart," "Learn More," or "Subscribe." Ensure these buttons stand out by using contrasting colors and concise text. For instance, a bright, contrasting color for your "Buy Now" button can draw attention and encourage clicks. Effective CTAs can improve conversion rates by directing users towards the next steps.

9. Fast Loading Times

Optimize your website's performance to ensure quick loading times. This can be achieved by compressing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing the use of heavy scripts. A fast-loading site enhances user experience and can positively impact your search engine rankings. Regularly monitor your site's performance and address any issues that may slow it down. Site speed is a critical factor in user satisfaction and retention.

10. Engaging "About Us" Page

Create an engaging "About Us" page that tells your brand's story, mission, and values. This helps in building a connection with your audience and adds a personal touch to your site. Share the journey of your brand, the inspiration behind your products, and what sets you apart from competitors. An authentic "About Us" page can humanize your brand and foster customer loyalty.

By implementing these suggestions, you can transform your website into a more professional and appealing platform for your customers. Remember, the goal is to create a seamless and enjoyable experience that reflects the quality and values of your brand.

If you need any other assistance, feel free to ask, and I will try my best to support you.

Best regards,

Daisy.