Consumer trends, styles, and preferences are ever-evolving. And just as fashion and architecture change over time, website design and branding does too.

Think about it: Websites from the early ‘90s were incredibly basic and archaic, whereas websites from the late ‘90s used an array of neon colors and tiled backgrounds (and they were pretty rad).

Even websites from the later 2000s looked vastly different than they do today, with infinite scrolling and keyword stuffing quickly passing in and out of vogue.

So what are the hottest ecommerce design trends of today? And does website design really make that much of an impact anyway? Let’s explore the impact of bad website design, then share some of the top website design ideas for 2022.

So How Much Does Website Design Matter?

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But do consumers judge a website or online store by its design? Like it or not, the answer is a resounding yes. 

As it turns out, 75% of consumers admit to judging a businesses’ credibility based on the design of their website. In fact, it only takes about 0.05 seconds for a user to form an opinion about a website—and decide whether they want to stay or leave.

In those fractions of a second, users aren’t just judging the images or color scheme of your website. They’re paying attention to the typography, logo, and loading speed too.

How Bad Design Can Impact Your Business

The importance of website design simply can’t be understated. Poor design can impact a store’s reputation, conversion rates, perceived trustworthiness, and more. 

79% of shoppers said they wouldn’t return to buy from a website with a lagging speed. Similarly, 94% of people say design is the main reason they would mistrust a website.

All in all, bad website design cost retailers more than $2.6 billion in sales every year.

Inspiring Website Design Ideas for 2022

So, you’re hampering your own growth if you’re not actively investing in your website design, but what are some of the best ways to build a better site? Here are 5 ideas and trends for building a better online store in 2022.  Each one is proven to enhance customer experience, reduce friction, and increase conversions.

1. Merge Physical and Digital Shopping with a Mobile App

Though ecommerce shopping is bigger than ever, physical stores aren’t going away just yet. Many brands are scaling their online stores by blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. How? By using mobile apps to compliment their brick and mortar and online stores.

For example, Target markets their app as “your shopping sidekick,” allowing shoppers to easily find in-store product locations, check stock, pickup in store, and more. Walgreens has followed suit, creating a mobile app that allows customers to enjoy digital receipts, contactless checkout, curbside pickup, and fast pharmacy orders.

2. Invest in Voice Search Optimization

As AI technology advances, more consumers are shopping from their Google Home, Alexa, or by using voice-activated search on their mobile devices. ecommerce brands can get ahead of this trend by enabling their website for voice search, and by creating voice assistants of their own.

Domino’s Anyware system allows pizza lovers to order right from their Google Home, Alexa, or even via their smart TV. Similarly, Starbucks created a voice-ordering app that allows customers to place orders using only their voice and the Starbucks app.

3. Capture Audiences with an Unconventional Layout

Sometimes, online stores need to stand out from the crowd in order to capture the attention of their customers. One of the best ways to do so is by using an unconventional layout—one that strays from the standard Shopify templates that have become the norm today.

While the website should still be intuitive and user-friendly, a unique website like Simply Chocolate, Crossrope, or PowerOn PowerOff could delight and surprise your users.

4. Let Your Typography Do the Talking

When it comes to website design in 2022, less is more. And oftentimes, your typography says as much as the words on the page. The right font choice can send a powerful message to your audience, showing that you understand their style and design preferences.

Brands like Magic Spoon and Buffy showcase clean, modern typography with a bright, high-quality image to captivate users when they land on the website.

5. Simplify with a One-Page Design

Bigger isn’t always better. Brands are embracing minimalism by designing one-page websites that are simple, sleek, and streamlined. These websites reduce confusion and buying friction by presenting only the most essential information.

Online stores like Rest immediately captivate audiences with an introductory video, then guide shoppers through the process of building their own phone dock. Likewise, nutrition consultants at Smart Diet present an ultra-minimalistic website that makes it easy for today’s consumers to get the personalization and curation they crave.

Round Out the Customer Experience with Route

Each of these ecommerce website design trends can help you attract more customers and improve their post-purchase experience. But don’t leave them hanging once they finish the checkout process.

Today’s consumers expect ongoing support every step of the way, and Route package tracking can help you deliver just that.

Route is a free tool for merchants that gives customers the real-time updates they’re seeking. By giving customers shipping notifications via their preferred channel, you’ll boost engagement, reduce support costs, and drive lifetime loyalty.