Do you need to set up an e-commerce website for your business? It’s easier than you might think. We break it down into simple manageable steps, as well as what’s important to keep in mind when creating a successful e-commerce store.
Selling online is cheaper
More businesses are choosing to sell online because more buyers are online. Setting up and managing an e-commerce website is also much cheaper than running a bricks and mortar shop with multiple overheads. And, once set up online, means you can start selling immediately.
There are other advantages too to having a shop presence online. It’s possible to create a unique customer shopping experience that helps offline sales, directing customers to instore, or to access special offers in store.
The fact is, in June 2023, internet retail sales in the UK had a value of over £2.2 billion, with added growth within the traditional summer and winter high seasons. So if e-commerce is appropriate for your business, having a strong online store presence should be high on your agenda.
Steps to setting up an e-commerce website
Depending on your product and type of store you want to establish, some of the steps will require more in-depth work. But we’re aiming to keep it simple here as your starter for ten.
1. Choose your CMS (Content Management System)
There are many e-commerce platforms for you to choose from. Beginner-friendly platforms like Shopify or Squarespace might work for you, as they’ll help you to build a website and shopping platform all in one, even if you have zero experience in building a website. As well as WordPress, which is highly customisable.
2. Set up your web hosting
You can skip this step if you’re using one of the ‘all in one’ platforms like Shopify and Squarespace, since these will simply require you to create an account. With WordPress you’ll need to choose your web hosting plan – look for a plan that includes simple set up to WordPress, a free domain name and SSL certificate.
An SSL certificate enables your website to use HTTPS, it ensures increased trust and security for your customers, and is more secure than HTTP.
If your CMS does not include a domain name, you’ll need to register and obtain one through a separate domain name registrar, like GoDaddy or Domain.com.
3. Choose a template or e-commerce theme to create your look
Templates are there to give your website consistency throughout. Whichever platform you use, you’ll be provided with plenty of free templates so it’s important to choose one that fits well with your brand and style.
While free templates are useful, if you’re wanting to create a more unique, customisable look and feel, there are paid for options within most platforms too. Most importantly, it’s about considering how your customers relate to you, and making their option to buy from you as pleasant and as easy as possible, while ensuring your brand and style are recognisable to them.
4. Customising and configuring your website
Set time on one side for this step. You’ll need to customise your website with the right text, images and information for your footer items, such as your delivery policy and returns protocol, etc.
This is about making all the pages on your website, (including the 404-error page!) and your navigation, the way you need them to be – always with your customer in mind, and inline with your brand. While this is always changeable and can be altered at any point, you want it to be as good as it can be from the off. Consider design and copywriting expertise at this point if you’re struggling, or at least asking a friend to review it.
5. Inputting your product listings
Organise, categorise and input your product listings so that your complete product catalogue is complete, and easy for you and your customers to navigate.
6. Payment and shipping functionality
You’ll need to set up your chosen payment gateway, such as a third-party tool like Stripe or PayPal, which are secure and easy for customers to use. Data must be encrypted if there is any redirecting customers to other sites.
Consider how easy the integration is with your platform, if it’s secure and PCI compliant, as well as any fees you might have to pay.
PCI compliance is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and means compliance with the requirements that all companies process, store and transmit credit card information in a secure environment.
When it comes to shipping – if you can integrate costs and payment, it will create a more seamless experience for your customer.
7. Ready to test and launch!
Don’t rush to launch. Thoroughly test first – your customers will thank you for it, and you’ll be glad you ironed out peculiarities before your inbox becomes flooded with queries.
E-commerce site builders at your service
It won’t surprise you to know, we’re experts in building e-commerce and specialist e-commerce sites. Need a hand with all of it, or just one aspect? No problem. Get in touch for a chat.
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