Week 5 Blog:

This week, I gained a deeper understanding of how good website design and thoughtful planning play a critical role in creating a successful online business. Through the readings, videos, and discussions, I realized that a well-designed site isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about building trust, guiding customers, and making the buying process as smooth as possible.

I learned the importance of clear navigation, consistent branding, and an easy-to-find shopping cart to help users move through the site without frustration. Fast load times and mobile responsiveness also stood out to me as key factors that can influence whether someone stays on a page or leaves.

Another big takeaway was how design supports business goals. Every element—buttons, menus, images, product descriptions—should help guide the customer toward taking action. Good design makes the site feel professional and reliable, which encourages purchases.

I also reflected on how running a successful e-commerce business means constantly improving the user experience. This includes tracking customer behavior, understanding pain points, and updating the site to meet their needs. Overall, this week helped me see how strategy and design work hand-in-hand to build strong online businesses.