Vault’s Perspective on Developing an E-commerce Website
- Once you’ve selected your CMS, concentrate on branding your e commerce website to immediately engage and attract your customers. After establishing your brand identity, proceed to construct your site and arrange your financial, tax, and shipping vendors before launching.
- Remember, launch day is just the beginning. We advise scheduling quarterly audits to review and enhance your website’s user experience.
Select and Set Up Your Preferred Platforms
Before starting the creation process, outline the platforms you’ll need to successfully support and enhance your e commerce website and design. For some, this may involve task management systems to coordinate efforts among teams and developers. For others, it may involve securing a content management system and hosting services.
Begin with the following technology stack to accelerate your journey to scalability and success:
Systems for managing content (CMS)
The most common options to build an e-commerce website include Square Online, Shopify, Wix, and WordPress.
Task Management Systems
Whether you’re working alone or with a team, these tools can be very useful. Consider options like Monday.com and Asana.
Website Hosting
While many popular CMS platforms for e-commerce website development include or offer built-in hosting, you may need to secure external hosting, especially if you’re using WordPress. Additionally, you might need to obtain a domain name if your chosen service doesn’t provide native tools for this purpose.
Social Media Platforms
Most e-commerce website templates include features for social sharing and marketing. Securing your social media handles and planning your strategy early can give you a competitive advantage down the road.
Consider Your Branding
Experts estimate that 80% of male and 76% of female customers prefer to purchase from familiar brands. What does this mean? Essentially, incorporating your branding into your e-commerce website from the beginning can significantly impact your bottom line. It should be a key consideration as you learn how to build your e-commerce website.
Select Your Site Template, Logo, and Integrations
Your chosen CMS will typically offer a wide array of website templates. Now that your branding is established, you may choose a suitable template. You may employ a freelance graphic designer or use a tool like Canva to develop your logo.
Investigate the integrations and add-ons your CMS has to offer as you personalize the design of your new website. These may include plugins or downloads that improve the site’s functionality and user experience. Unsure where to begin? Reach out to your CMS’s customer service team for recommendations on e-commerce integrations and extensions.
Develop Your Product Listings
Your selected CMS should enable you to create product listings for your catalog easily by following on-screen prompts to enter your product details.
While building these listings, use language and “pitches” that will attract your target audience. Anticipate and answer potential questions about the product, and highlight its long-term benefits and profitability.
Finalize Financial and Tax Requirements
When addressing essential financial aspects for your e-commerce website, focus on two key areas: your payment gateway and tax management tools. Many e-commerce professionals opt to begin with reliable solutions like Stripe or PayPal, gradually transitioning to specialized payment gateways that offer cost efficiencies as your business grows. We suggest consulting with your CMS specialists and team members to explore recommended integrations.
When making your decision, pay attention to several qualifying factors, such as:
PCI-DSS Compliance
This factor pertains to a gateway’s adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this standard ensures maximum consumer protection when making purchases from your platform.
Fee Requirements
Your gateway provider may impose fees calculated as a percentage of transactions or on a per-purchase basis. Identifying these fees early can help you avoid surprises later on.
Integration Support
Ideally, select a solution that seamlessly integrates with your chosen CMS. If you’re unsure where to begin, contact customer service representatives for their expert recommendations.
Customer Experiences
Examining customer feedback provides an authentic insight into what you can expect from your investment. Don’t skip this crucial step in your decision-making process if you aim to maximize your returns.
Also, consider your tax solution. If you already work with a vendor for annual taxes, consider consolidating your approach by inquiring about related solutions for your small business.
Selecting a Shipping Solution
It is important to consider the significance of a dependable product delivery service while developing an e-commerce platform. Identifying an appropriate option early on will significantly improve your customer service experience.
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider options that seamlessly integrate with popular e-commerce CMS vendors, such as ShippingEasy and Shippo.
Enhance Your Site with SEO Strategies
Prioritizing search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial as your website launch draws near. With over half of all clicks going to the first three organic results on Google search pages, SEO helps your website rank higher.
Most CMS vendors provide built-in SEO tools or extensions, such as Wix and WordPress, respectively. For a more comprehensive approach, consider leveraging expert support from a vendor or agency to further optimize your SEO efforts before launching.
Test and Improve
Now that you know how to create an e-commerce website, it’s critical to concentrate on testing and improving its design and functionality. To guarantee that you constantly give your clients the greatest experience possible, we advise setting aside time at least once per quarter.
Also Read: Everything Businesses Should Know About Shopping Campaigns Google Ads
FAQ’s
Which CMS works best for an online store?
Well-liked options include Square Online, Shopify, Wix, and WordPress; each offers special capabilities catered to various company requirements.
How can I pick the best payment gateway for my online store?
Make an educated choice by taking in factors like transaction costs, security (PCI-DSS compliance), CMS integration, and customer service.
Which SEO techniques are crucial for raising the exposure of my e-commerce website?
Prioritize search engine optimization, responsiveness to mobile devices, quick loading times, high-quality content, and building backlinks from reliable sources.
What is branding crucial for my online store?
Customers’ decisions to buy and their enduring loyalty are influenced by branding since it helps to establish trust and recognition among them.
How can I be sure that my online store’s delivery procedure runs smoothly?
Choose a shipping solution that integrates well with your CMS, offers competitive rates, provides tracking options, and delivers reliable customer service to enhance the overall shopping experience.