Is Your Website Ready? Must-Have Features For a Big Impact!

Website Must-Haves for Your Quilt Shop

In today’s world, your website is just as important as your physical store—if not more so! With customers browsing online and searching for their next quilt project, your website needs to offer more than just a pretty face. It should be an easy-to-navigate, informative, and welcoming space where customers feel inspired to shop and stay connected.

1. User-Friendly Navigation

The last thing you want is a confused shopper. Your website should be easy to navigate, with clear categories like “Fabrics,” “Precuts,” “Classes,” and “Events.” Make sure everything is where customers would expect to find it, with a search bar for quick lookups.

2. Mobile-Friendly Design

Let’s face it: more people are browsing on their phones than ever before. Ensure your site is mobile-responsive, meaning it looks just as great on a smartphone as it does on a desktop. Simple navigation and easy-to-click buttons are key to a great mobile experience.

3. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Join Our Newsletter,” or “Sign Up for a Class,” each page should have a simple, clear call to action. Encourage visitors to take that next step, whether it’s purchasing, registering, or just staying connected.

4. High-Quality Images and Descriptions

Nothing makes a customer click “add to cart” faster than a gorgeous, high-quality image of fabric or a quilt. Make sure each product page has sharp images and clear, engaging descriptions. Don’t forget to showcase your fabrics in action! Show quilts, ideas, and inspiration to get customers thinking about their next project.

5. Community Connection and Social Proof

People love knowing they’re part of something bigger. Include a blog or a community section where you can share shop updates, customer creations, or behind-the-scenes moments. Social proof is also huge—feature customer reviews and testimonials, or highlight a “Quilt of the Month” from your shop’s classes or customer projects.

6. A Blog and Event Calendar

A blog lets you show off your expertise, promote new products, and connect with customers beyond the sale. It’s also a great place to showcase events or online workshops. Keep a live calendar of upcoming classes, sales, or quilt shows so your customers never miss out!

Your website should work as hard as you do to support your shop’s success. With these essential features in place, you can create a seamless, enjoyable experience for your online customers while keeping them connected to everything your shop offers. Whether they’re shopping for fabric or signing up for a class, the right website features will make their journey smoother—and more likely to lead to a purchase.

Industry Insight:

Kelly Morris, VP of Marketing at Riley Blake Designs

As we revamped Riley Blake Designs’ website, we focused on creating a seamless experience for our customers by incorporating features like easy navigation, high-quality images, and mobile optimization. These updates were guided by customer feedback and the goal of making the online shopping experience more intuitive and enjoyable. The results have been amazing, and we’re excited to see more quilt shops embracing these same strategies to build websites that not only showcase their products but also engage and inspire their communities.