Your eCommerce website is your most important sales channel. It’s where customers make buying decisions, where brand perception forms, and where millions in revenue are won or lost based on subtle experience details.
Yet most eCommerce sites are built backwards, prioritizing aesthetics over performance, following industry trends over data, and treating design as a one-time project rather than continuous optimization.
The result? Beautiful websites with disappointing conversion rates. Substantial traffic that doesn’t translate to revenue. Investments in marketing that drive visitors to experiences that don’t convert them into customers.
At LimeLight Marketing, we build eCommerce websites differently. Design decisions are informed by conversion data. Visual appeal serves business objectives. Every element is tested and optimized based on how real customers behave.
The results speak for themselves: 47% conversion rate improvements, 126% revenue growth, and eCommerce sites that don’t just look professional, they drive business results.
Let’s Discuss Your Website Performance →
Why Design + CRO Matter for eCommerce Success
Design Without Conversion Focus is Just Art
A beautiful website that doesn’t convert is an expensive failure. Aesthetics matter—but only when they support the primary objective: turning visitors into customers.
The reality:
- A 1% conversion rate improvement can add hundreds of thousands in annual revenue
- Site speed improvements of 100ms can increase conversions by 1%
- Mobile experience optimization can close the 30-50% conversion gap between mobile and desktop
- Strategic product page improvements can increase add-to-cart rates by 20-40%
These are the improvements we deliver for clients by prioritizing conversion optimization alongside design excellence.
The Cost of Poor Website Experience
When your website underperforms, every dollar spent on marketing delivers diminished returns:
Example:
You’re spending $50K/month driving 100,000 visitors to your site. At 2% conversion rate, that’s 2,000 orders. Improve conversion to 3% and you get 3,000 orders—500 more orders from the same traffic and marketing spend.
At $150 AOV, that’s $75,000 in additional monthly revenue ($900K annually) from the same traffic. The website isn’t a cost. It’s an eCommerce brand’s most important revenue lever.
The Anatomy of a High-Converting eCommerce Site
Great eCommerce websites share common characteristics that drive conversion:
1. Speed and Performance
Load time under 2 seconds on mobile devices. Every 100ms delay costs conversions. Customers won’t wait—they’ll bounce to competitors.
How we optimize:
- Image optimization and lazy loading
- Code minimization and efficient architecture
- CDN implementation
- Browser caching strategies
- Continuous performance monitoring
2. Mobile-First Experience
70%+ of D2C traffic is mobile, yet most sites treat mobile as an afterthought. Mobile conversion rates typically lag desktop by 30-50%—closing this gap unlocks massive revenue.
What mobile-first means:
- Thumb-friendly navigation and interaction
- Simplified content prioritizing what matters
- Fast, frictionless checkout
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay integration
- Progressive web app capabilities
Real example:
Backyard Discovery saw 61% mobile conversion improvement through systematic mobile optimization—their largest traffic segment became their best converting segment.
3. Strategic Product Pages
Product pages are where buying decisions happen. They need to answer questions, address objections, build trust, and make purchasing easy.
Essential elements:
- High-quality imagery from multiple angles
- Zoom functionality and lifestyle shots
- Clear, scannable product information
- Prominent trust signals (reviews, guarantees, security)
- Strategic upsells and cross-sells
- Sticky add-to-cart
- Size guides and fit information where relevant
4. Frictionless Checkout
69% of carts are abandoned. Every unnecessary step, required field, or moment of confusion costs sales.
Checkout optimization:
- Guest checkout option (don’t force account creation)
- Progress indicators showing steps remaining
- Multiple payment options (credit card, digital wallets, BNPL)
- Shipping cost transparency early in the process
- Exit-intent offers for abandoners
- Mobile-optimized form fields
5. Trust and Credibility Signals
Customers need reassurance before handing over credit cards to websites they may not know well.
Trust builders:
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Security badges and SSL indicators
- Clear return and shipping policies
- Professional photography and design
- About us and contact information
- Social proof and testimonials
- Press mentions and awards
6. Smart Navigation and Search
Customers need to find products easily, whether they know exactly what they want or are browsing for inspiration.
Navigation best practices:
- Clear category structure
- Faceted filtering (price, size, color, etc.)
- Search with autocomplete and product suggestions
- Breadcrumbs for easy backtracking
- Related product recommendations
- Clear paths for different customer types
Our Design & CRO Process
We have a well-defined and repeated process that yields strong ROI. There is no guess work. We use data to inform every decision.
Phase 1: Discovery & Analysis
Comprehensive Audit
- Analytics review identifying drop-off points
- Heatmap and session recording analysis
- Page speed and technical performance assessment
- Mobile experience evaluation
- Competitive benchmarking
User Research
- Customer surveys and interviews
- Review analysis for common pain points
- Support ticket themes
- Understanding the decision-making process
Outcome: Detailed understanding of current state, opportunities, and constraints.
Phase 2: Strategy & Design
Strategic Planning
- Prioritized roadmap based on impact potential
- Information architecture optimized for user journey
- Conversion-focused page templates
- Mobile-first wireframes
Visual Design
- Brand-aligned design system
- High-fidelity mockups of key pages
- Design reviews with stakeholders
- Design specifications for development
Outcome: Complete design system ready for development, validated by stakeholder feedback.
Phase 3: Development & Implementation
Technical Build
- Development in the staging environment
- Custom functionality and integrations
- Performance optimization
- SEO implementation
- Quality assurance testing
Pre-Launch Preparation
- Comprehensive QA across devices and browsers
- SEO redirects and preservation strategy
- Analytics and tracking implementation
- Staging environment for final review
Outcome: Fully functional site ready for launch, thoroughly tested.
Phase 4: Launch & Optimization
Coordinated Launch
- Real-time monitoring
- Immediate issue response
- Performance validation
Continuous Optimization
- A/B testing roadmap execution
- Regular performance analysis
- User behavior monitoring
- Iterative improvements based on data
Outcome: Site that improves over time through systematic testing and optimization.
Platform Expertise
We have deep technical expertise across the major eCommerce platforms:
Shopify & Shopify Plus
The most common platform for $20M+ brands. We’ve built many Shopify sites and handle complex customizations, integrations, and migrations.
When it’s right:
- Mid-market brands
- Need for reliable, hosted solution
- Want an extensive app ecosystem
- International expansion plans
- Omnichannel requirements
BigCommerce
Robust SaaS platform offering enterprise features without the complexity of Magento.
When it’s right:
- Mid-market to enterprise brands
- B2B and B2C hybrid models
- Multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, social)
- Need for built-in features without extensive apps
- Want headless commerce capabilities
SCAYLE
Enterprise composable commerce platform for high-growth brands and complex operations.
When it’s right:
- Enterprise brands with complex requirements
- International/multi-market operations
- Need for API-first, headless architecture
- High transaction volumes
- Want flexibility of composable commerce
Custom Solutions
Sometimes off-the-shelf platforms don’t fit unique business models.
When it’s right:
- Highly specialized business model
- Unique technical requirements
- Integration with proprietary systems
- Want complete control of stack
We help you evaluate which platform fits your current needs and future growth plans—then execute flawlessly.
Client Results & Testimonials
Backyard Discovery: 126% Revenue Growth, 47% Conversion Increase
This outdoor lifestyle brand had healthy traffic but stagnant conversion rates. Through a comprehensive site redesign focused on CRO principles, we delivered:
- 126% revenue growth over 6 months
- 47% conversion rate improvement (1.8% → 2.6%)
- 61% mobile conversion increase (largest segment)
- 52% site speed improvement (4.2s → 2.0s)
What we did:
- Rebuilt site architecture around customer journey
- Redesigned product pages with conversion focus
- Optimized for mobile-first experience
- Implemented systematic A/B testing program
Read the Complete Case Study →
Sunnyland Farms: BigCommerce Migration Success
This established gourmet food brand needed a platform migration without disrupting their business:
- 1.3 million customer records migrated flawlessly
- 800+ product variants transferred with all relationships intact
- Zero data loss throughout the process
- Zero downtime during cutover
What made it successful:
Enterprise-level methodology treating every detail as critical. Multi-phase approach validating everything before full cutover. Comprehensive testing catching issues before they affect customers.
Read the Complete Case Study →
What Clients Say
“It’s been a great experience. Probably the best agency experience I’ve had. You all have this stuff locked down.”
— Adam Walker, Sunnyland Farms (Migration Consultant)
“Since we started working with LimeLight Marketing, we’ve had a solid 30% increase in ecommerce sales and in some months we’ve had double the sales. It’s fantastic to have a group that feels like we’re all part of one company.”
— Keith Espelien, Creative Candles (Owner)
“I’m grateful to the LimeLight team for their insight. As a new leader at Step2, it was great to get an informed, objective perspective on the different areas of our eCom business and the insights that were shared were incredibly helpful.”
— Jim Banks, Step2 (Director of Ecommerce)
Why Choose LimeLight for Your eCommerce Site
We’re eCommerce Specialists
We build eCommerce sites powered by eCommerce marketing. This focus means we’ve solved the problems you’re facing dozens of times before.
Data Drives Every Decision
We don’t design based on trends or opinions. User behavior data, A/B test results, and conversion metrics inform every recommendation.
Technical Depth
We handle complex integrations (ERP, OMS, PIM, marketing platforms), custom functionality, and enterprise-level technical requirements. If you need it built, we can build it.
CRO is Built In, Not Bolted On
Conversion optimization is embedded in our process from day one. Design, functionality, and user experience all serve the goal of converting visitors to customers.
We Stick Around
Many agencies launch sites and disappear. We provide ongoing optimization, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement. Your site gets better over time, not stagnant.
Common Website Challenges We Solve
Challenge: High Traffic, Low Conversion
Symptom: Spending heavily on marketing but conversion rate is stuck at 1.5-2%
Solution: Systematic CRO identifying and fixing friction points, mobile optimization, checkout improvements
Typical Impact: 30-50% conversion improvement over 6 months
Challenge: Outdated Platform Holding You Back
Symptom: Can’t implement features you need, slow performance, security concerns
Solution: Strategic platform migration with zero data loss and search preservation
Typical Impact: 40-60% site speed improvement, modern features enabled, technical debt eliminated
Challenge: Mobile Conversion Lag
Symptom: 70% mobile traffic but mobile converts 40% worse than desktop
Solution: Mobile-first redesign optimizing for thumb-friendly navigation and fast checkout
Typical Impact: 40-70% mobile conversion improvement closing desktop gap
Challenge: Site Can’t Handle Scale
Symptom: Site slows during traffic spikes, checkout issues during peak periods
Solution: Performance optimization and infrastructure improvements
Typical Impact: Site handles 3-5x traffic without degradation
Challenge: Poor Product Discovery
Symptom: High bounce rates, visitors can’t find the products they want
Solution: Improved navigation, faceted filtering, smart search implementation
Typical Impact: 20-30% reduction in bounce rate, improved engagement metrics
Website Design vs. Website Optimization
When You Need a Redesign
- Platform is outdated and limiting
- Current site is 3+ years old
- Major brand refresh or repositioning
- Poor mobile experience requiring rebuild
- Acquired a new business requiring integration
Investment: $50K – $250K+, depending on complexity
Timeline: 3-6 months from kickoff to launch
When You Need Optimization
- Site is relatively modern, but not converting at 3%
- Specific pages underperforming
- Marketing is driving traffic, but the ROI is poor
- Mobile experience needs improvement
- Checkout abandonment is high
Investment: $3K- $10K/month ongoing
Timeline: Continuous improvement over 6-12+ months
The Truth
Most brands need both: strategic redesign, establishing a strong foundation, followed by continuous optimization, driving compound improvements over time.
Getting Started
Step 1: Free Website Audit
We’ll analyze your current site, identifying opportunities for improvement. You’ll receive:
- Conversion rate analysis and benchmarking
- Technical performance assessment
- Mobile experience evaluation
- Competitive positioning review
- Prioritized recommendations
Request Your Free Website Audit →
Step 2: Strategy Call
We’ll discuss your specific goals, challenges, and whether a redesign or optimization approach makes sense for your situation.
Step 3: Custom Proposal
You’ll receive a detailed proposal including:
- Recommended approach and methodology
- Timeline and milestones
- Team composition
- Transparent pricing
- Expected outcomes
Step 4: Execute & Optimize
Once aligned, we move quickly into discovery and implementation.
Schedule a Free Consultation →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a website project take?
Full redesigns typically take 3-8 months, depending on complexity. Optimization programs are ongoing. We provide detailed timelines in proposals.
Can you work with our existing platform?
Yes. We have expertise across Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom platforms. If migration makes sense, we’ll recommend it, but we can optimize what you have.
What if we’re not sure whether to redesign or optimize?
That’s why we start with audits and strategy calls. Often, the answer is both: strategic improvements to address fundamental issues, followed by continuous optimization.
Do you handle content and photography?
We coordinate content strategy and copywriting. It’s also common that we work with your existing content. We have specialized partners for advanced photography and video.
How do you measure success?
We establish KPIs upfront—typically conversion rate, revenue, AOV, and site performance metrics. We provide regular reporting showing progress against these goals.
What happens after launch?
We provide post-launch monitoring, performance optimization, and can continue with ongoing CRO and maintenance under retainer agreements.
Related Resources
Ultimate Guide to Hiring an eCommerce Marketing Agency →
Comprehensive guide to finding the right agency partner
eCommerce Agency Case Studies →
See our website and CRO work with real results
Top eCommerce Marketing Strategies That Drive Growth →
How website optimization fits into comprehensive growth strategy
Full-Funnel Analytics for eCommerce Growth →
The analytics infrastructure needed to support CRO decisions
Let’s Build a Site That Drives Results
Your eCommerce website should be your best salesperson—working 24/7 to convert visitors into customers.
If your current site isn’t delivering the conversion rates and revenue you need, let’s talk about how we can change that.
Request a Free Website Audit →
About LimeLight Marketing
LimeLight Marketing is a full-service eCommerce agency specializing in website design, CRO, digital marketing, and analytics for established online brands. We’ve helped companies like Backyard Discovery, Sunnyland Farms, and Creative Candles achieve dramatic improvements through data-driven website optimization.
Services: Website Design & Development | Platform Migrations | Conversion Rate Optimization | Performance Optimization | Mobile Experience
