It is no secret that e-commerce has boosted many businesses in recent years as more and more customers turn to online stores and websites to complete their buying. Any business seeking to succeed in any industry must remain on top of e-commerce trends since the digital world is now overflowing with possibilities in almost every retail segment.
The guide in this post will be helpful to you if you plan to launch an ecommerce website.
Choose the content management system (CMS)
A content management system serves as the backbone of any website (CMS). There are various content management systems to choose from, ranging from open-source platforms (like WordPress) to beginner-friendly all-in-one website builders (like Shopify or Squarespace).
Which is best for you and your online business will rely on your spending limit, level of experience, and particular e-commerce requirements.
Here are the most popular content management systems for e-commerce websites:
- WordPress: The world’s leading CMS that is also one of the most customizable.
- Shift4Shop: Best Free E-Commerce Platform with Unlimited products, fraud protection, digital and physical products
- Shopify: Best for Dropshipping with Dropshipping integrations, omnichannel selling, built-in selling features
- BigCommerce: Best for Boosting Sales with No transaction fees, abandoned cart recovery, omnichannel selling
- WooCommerce: Best for Versatility toTransform a WordPress site into an online store, online bookings, sell subscriptions
- Squarespace: Best Overall E-Commerce Platform with Free domain and SSL certificate, no transaction fees, award-winning templates
Create an account or Get web hosting
If you’re using WordPress to develop your e-commerce website, you’ll need to get a web hosting plan. Many web hosting companies offer one-click WordPress installation, free SSL certificates, and domain names that can be used immediately, making it easy to get started.
If you’re using a website builder like Shopify, Squarespace, Square Online, or Wix, you can sign up for an account directly through the provider’s website. If your CMS allows it, you can register your domain name through the platform to streamline the process.
Select an Ecommerce theme or template
The theme you choose for your e-commerce website will play a big role in its appearance and functionality. Many CMS platforms offer a wide selection of pre-built templates and themes to choose from, ranging from free options to premium layouts.
When choosing a theme, consider the specific needs of your business and the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Some premium themes offer more unique designs and features, which may be worth the investment for businesses looking for a more custom look.
Customize site and build the web pages
The next step is to start modifying the theme or template you’ve chosen for your online business. This is where you will build up pages from your homepage to your refunds and return policy page, update your header and footer, and set up your site’s navigation.
Create product listings
Product listings are a necessary component of every online shop. The next step is to create your product catalog, complete with all of your individual product listings, once you have set up your website. Be careful to classify and arrange your listings during this process so that you can manage them easily and future site users can reach them.
Payment gateway and tax tools
Payment gateways are crucial for any online business that wishes to conduct transactions securely and quickly. Many e-commerce websites prefer to use third-party payment gateway providers such as Stripe or PayPal to simplify the process of selecting and setting up payment gateways. However, it is important to ensure that the data being transferred is completely secure when sending it to other websites.
When choosing a payment gateway provider that suits your business, it is essential to consider factors such as fraud prevention, round-the-clock customer service, and the processing of foreign payments. It is also important to confirm that the payment gateway provider complies with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards to ensure that your customers’ payment information is protected.
Several payment gateway providers stand out as the best options for businesses of different sizes and with different requirements.
- Stripe, for instance, is best suited for companies that need a high level of customization or wish to collect payments in person.
- Braintree is an excellent alternative for businesses of all sizes looking for a complete payment gateway solution with no hidden costs, and companies that sell worldwide will value its ability to take payments in a variety of currencies.
- Stax is a fantastic option for companies with big monthly sales and growth-oriented firms.
- Square is perfect for firms that want to use customer loyalty features to increase repeat business.
In addition to payment gateways, e-commerce businesses should integrate shipping into their websites to offer a smoother experience for their customers. By integrating shipping, businesses can simplify their operations and focus on selling. However, before doing so, they should decide on delivery rules such as whether to offer free shipping, charge a set amount, or charge a variable price. It is also essential to create regulations for returns and refunds to avoid any misunderstandings with customers.
Finally, including a tax calculator on your website can automatically compute sales tax, shipping, and any other expenses at checkout. This will provide customers with transparency and reduce the risk of abandoned shopping carts due to unexpected costs.
If you are a business owner looking for IT outsourcing services or software development, software outsourcing, it is essential to prioritize payment gateway and shipping integrations to ensure that your online business runs smoothly and provides a positive experience for your customers.
Test and launch the Ecommerce site
You must perform a complete site audit prior to opening your e-commerce site to customers. Every link and button on the website must function. Even 404 error web pages should be themed.
Test your ability to add items to the cart and complete the payment. You may test payment processing on the majority of platforms without actually using your credit card. When a purchase has been completed or denied, make sure to verify that all emails are arriving in the appropriate inboxes. Check how your website appears and works on mobile devices last but not least. Check out how the site performs using several web browsers, if at all feasible.
Announce the launch of your e-commerce store through your social media pages, guest posts on popular retail blogs in your niche, influencer marketing and to your email lists. If you have the budget, you can also go for paid advertising on Facebook, Google and other platforms.
By following these tips and leveraging the benefits of IT outsourcing and software development, you can launch a successful e-commerce website that drives sales and helps your business grow.
SETA International has 14 years of solid expertise outsourcing e-commerce websites. Before building a site and providing assistance during its operation, we provide IT consultation to customers regarding the best technology, timeline, and price. If you require further information or advice, please contact us at contact@setacinq.vn for a prompt response.
