Nominis podcast – episode 081: What merchants want vs. what their webshop needs
In Nominis episode 081, we explore the gap between merchants’ design desires and the functional essentials of a successful webshop. Our own BD Karlo Štefčić emphasizes the importance of prioritizing user experience, strategic planning, and reducing plugin reliance to create a streamlined and impactful eCommerce platform.
In the new episode of Nominis podcast which we are producing in partnership with the Association of eCommerce Croatia, we spoke to Karlo Štefčić, Business Development Manager at Neuralab. Together with Marcel, he explored the complex relationship between what merchants think they want for their online stores and what truly drives value in eCommerce. This discussion highlighted key insights into bridging communication gaps between merchants and developers, as well as understanding the real needs of eCommerce businesses.
Karlo explained that one of the main challenges in developing effective eCommerce solutions lies in balancing design preferences with user experience. Merchants often focus on visual elements, but Karlo emphasized that a successful webshop relies on a functional user experience that keeps customers engaged. He also stressed the importance of building a clear business strategy before diving into development, which helps clarify priorities and manage resources effectively.
To create a powerful eCommerce platform, merchants need to step back from the aesthetics and address the strategic vision and user experience first. The right functionality and speed are what truly keep customers coming back,
The conversation also touched on how technology trends, especially AI, are reshaping personalization options in online stores. Karlo shared insights on the role of artificial intelligence in creating custom experiences that align with user behavior, which can lead to increased engagement and loyalty. He suggested that AI-powered personalization will become a crucial tool for eCommerce businesses looking to differentiate themselves in the market.
Another area of discussion was the overuse of plugins on webshops, which can lead to performance issues. Karlo recommended that merchants reduce reliance on plugins and instead focus on optimized, lean solutions that enhance the user experience. According to him, plugins can add functionality, but an overload often complicates the backend and slows down the site, leading to a less effective user experience.
You can check the video recording of Nominis 081 on the official YouTube channel of eCommerce Croatia.
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