Functional Testing: Understanding the Basics

Have you ever thought about what makes your webshop really reliable for your customers? The answer is simple: functional testing. Now I'll show you why and how it's important to you, even if you're not an IT professional.

What is functional testing?

Simply put, this is a process during which we check whether all the functions of your webshop are working properly.

Why is it important?

A faulty webshop reduces customer trust and you can lose customers. You can avoid this with functional testing.

First step

Plan it! Before you start, write down which functions you want to test. This can be adding to cart, paying or even registering.

Important testing steps

1. Test the user interface!

Make sure all buttons and links work. A bad link can easily turn off customers.

2. Check the forms!

Fill out the registration and payment forms to make sure everything is in order. It is important to test the errors as well, the essence of negative testing is intentional mistakes, which you can use to check the error signals.

3. Testing payment processes

This is a critical point. Check that payment operations are running smoothly. Every step is understandable from the customer's point of view, and here you can interrupt what you are experiencing (e.g. payment interruption)

4. Test the search function!

A good search function is fundamental to the customer experience. Try several types of searches to see if the product you are looking for comes up, because if not, you will lose a customer.

5. Is it mobile friendly?

See what your webshop looks like on a mobile phone. If you have the opportunity, then also on Android and iPhone devices. Today, more than 80% of users shop on mobile.

6. Test it in different browsers!

Check how your webshop works under Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Unfortunately, there can be serious differences in different browsers, if it looks good in one, it does not mean that the page will not fall apart in the other browser.

7. Error correction

If you find errors, fix them or have them fixed before going live.

This is a standard step in the development phases, but many development companies do not do it.

Test -> Repair -> Retest

We know from experience that a developer cannot test his own work as well as an external person, usually they only test the positive branch when everything is perfect, but the system may break in the case of a negative branch (incorrect filling, clicking back together) .

Believe me, your users will do things on your website that no one has ever thought of 😀

8. Ask for feedback!

Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes sees more. Ask a friend or family member to view your webshop.

9. Regular inspections

Your webshop is constantly changing, so test it regularly.

Remember, this is an ongoing process! You update your webshop regularly, so testing must also be continuous.

10. Involvement of external experts

If you are not sure of your abilities, don't be afraid to call an expert.

For example, our company undertakes wage testing. This is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to achieve the perfect webshop.

Functional testing is not only the privilege of large companies. With a little attention, your webshop can also be error-free!

Take it up with us connection now.