How to Brief an eCommerce Agency

If you’re on the lookout for a new eCommerce website, there’s a few things you should consider before speaking to your agency or designer.

The first thing on your checklist should be a brief that details exactly what it is you want. Supplying a detailed brief ensures you get everything you need across, leaving little room for guesswork when it’s time to get to work.

If you’re not sure what to include in such a brief, good news! We’re here to help with this handy guide.

At the bottom of this guide you’ll also have access to a complimentary eCommerce Brief Template, which you can fill out and take to your design team of choice.

Know Your Objectives

Defining your objectives is important for any upcoming project, and the build of your new eCommerce platform is no different.

Objectives for your eCommerce website might include: increased revenue, higher conversion rates, reduced admin time, and higher SEO ranking.

Whatever it is you want to achieve, make sure your eCommerce website developers are aware of it.

Define Your Audience

Outlining who a website is for will help with a lot of decisions. Knowing who you’re targeting will play a large role in creating a UX that works for the audience and brand. This will also help when populating the website with copy – ensuring the content is right for your audience to increase chances of conversion.

Nailing your target audience will also help those who work on your website after it’s completed – such as admin staff and customer service teams.

Flag Any Competitors

Being aware of your competitors is not only great for strategy, but it helps outsiders to better understand your industry, challenges and conventions.

By specifying eCommerce websites you admire, compete with or even dislike, you can help your designers create a unique vision that works for your brand.

Outline Your Services

Nobody knows what you do as well as you. This is why it’s important you convey any unique aspects of your business. When your designers know what’s special about your business they can begin to craft a UX that accentuates your unique service proposition. This will keep viewers on your page and increase the chance of conversions.

Aspects that are worth mentioning here include: country of origin, materials, design, ingredients, methods, and any other feature that makes it distinct.

Look at Timings

Knowing your timeline and clearly expressing it is paramount to any project. When the people you work with are aware of any pressing timelines, they can do their best to work with you towards fulfilling it.

It’s important to note expectations should be realistic in this area, as a developing and rolling out a great eCommerce website can take time.

Do You Need Help with Any Assets?

Your eCommerce website will require assets to be at its best. This includes photography, product imagery, content and branded items such as logos.

Depending on who’s conducting your website build for you, they may be able to assist with developing these assets. If you’re working with an agency they should have content writers and graphic designers that can work with you.

Ready to get going? Luckily for you, we’ve made a project briefing form that makes it simple to sum up all this information and more. Just click here to download it and get started!  And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out all the eCommerce services our team can help you with.