In the United States, e-commerce revenue was projected to reach $768 billion in the previous year, and over $1.3 trillion in the next three years. According to Statista, e-commerce sales in India are expected to reach $57.70 billion, or about INR 475 billion, by 2023. If you work in retail, you may increase your part of the market by developing an e-commerce website. Here are seven easy steps to building an e-commerce website.
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First Step: Select a Content Management System (CMS).
A content management system is the cornerstone of every website (CMS). There are several content management systems available, ranging from all-in-one website builders for beginners like Squarespace or Shopify to open-source platforms like WordPress. Which option is best for you and your online business will rely on your e-commerce needs, skill level, and financial constraints.
The most often used content management systems for e-commerce websites are as follows:
WordPress: One of the most adaptable content management systems available today.
Shopify is the best e-commerce platform for starting a dropshipping company.
One of the greatest website builders for novices with no prior web design knowledge who wants to quickly create a polished website is Squarespace.
Square Online: Optimal for established merchants seeking to expand their online and brick-and-mortar sales.
Wix: An very configurable and user-friendly all-in-one website builder.
Step 2: Register (Or Purchase Web Hosting)
Unless you choose for WordPress, the next step after selecting a CMS is to register an account. Getting a web hosting package is the next step if you want to use WordPress to create an e-commerce website. The finest web hosting packages provide free SSL certificates, free domain names, and one-click WordPress installations, saving you the trouble of manually configuring WordPress to work with your domain and hosting.
Simply go to the provider’s website and create an account if you’re using one of the website builders like Shopify, Squarespace, Square Online, or Wix. To avoid the necessity for a manual domain configuration procedure, register your domain name using the CMS of your choice, if that is possible.
If you are unable to obtain a domain name using your preferred CMS, register your domain name through a domain name registrar. Check out our post on the top domain registrar for assistance in making your choice.
Step 3: Choose a Template or Theme for E-Commerce
Choosing a theme for your website should be your first priority. Themes are pre-made themes that provide a unified appearance and feel for your website. Whether you choose to design your e-commerce website with WordPress, Shopify, Wix, or any other subscription platform, you will have access to a vast selection of pre-built templates and themes.
Remember that although most platforms provide free templates, some also have paid (or premium) templates available. For instance, premium themes are available from WordPress and Shopify at prices ranging from about INR 2,400 to more than INR 16,600. The advantage is that a lot of them have more distinctive designs, which may assist companies who want a certain style cut down on the time needed to customize their selected theme.
Step 4: Develop Web Pages and Customize Your Website
Customizing your online store is the next step once you have chosen the ideal theme or design. 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 the navigation on your website.
Step 5: Establish Product Listings
There is no online store without product listings. Making your product catalog, which includes each of your unique product listings, is the following stage after developing your website. Make care to classify and arrange your listings during this process to make it simple for you to maintain them and for future site users to discover them.
Step 6: Configure Tax Tools, Inventory, and Payment Gateway
Once your e-commerce website is fully loaded, there are a few important finishing touches to add, such inventory and tax tools, and setting up a payment processor.
Step 7: Verify and Open Your Online Store
You have to give the e-commerce site a comprehensive inspection before making it live for your consumers. Each and every button and link on the website needs to function. Web pages with 404 errors should also be developed with the theme in mind.
Check if you can process the payment and add items to the cart by running tests. You may test payment processing on most platforms without having to charge your credit card. After a transaction is completed or denied, be sure to verify that all emails are reaching their intended inboxes. Finally, but just as importantly, see how your website appears and works on mobile devices. Try, if you can, to see how the website functions with various web browsers.
You are prepared to launch as soon as you have verified and tested every detail, including category pages and product descriptions.
Use influencer marketing, your email lists, guest articles on well-known retail blogs in your niche, and your social media accounts to publicize the opening of your online store. You may also use sponsored advertising on Facebook, Google, and other networks if you have the necessary funds.