How to Build an E-commerce Website From Scratch? 

If you’re looking to launch an eCommerce website, there are many factors to consider. From a marketing strategy to product selection and pricing, you’ll want to build a site that appeals to your target audience. 

(Looking for “web e-commerce hosting“? Contact us Today!)

Domain names

The first step in building an eCommerce website is choosing a domain name that’s unique and reflects your brand. A short, descriptive name that doesn’t sound similar to other existing domains is a good idea. You can find domains available for purchase using a tool like Instant Domain Search. 

Once you’ve found a name, register it and set up your website with a hosting service. This ensures that you’ll always have a reliable, secure platform on which to sell your products and services. 

Design your website

The next step is to select a shopping cart and layout for your site. There are several options to choose from, but most of them include a drag-and-drop template that you can customize for your store. This makes it easy to create a professional-looking online store without the need for complex web design skills. 

Add product pictures and descriptions

It’s important to make your eCommerce website visually appealing. It should have a cohesive theme that highlights your brand’s core values, colors, and fonts. It should also be mobile-friendly and responsive, so it looks great on any screen size. 

Images are essential to any e-commerce website, and you’ll want to use high-quality photos for every item on your site. You can use stock images from sites like Wix or Photoshop, or you can create your own. 

Adding product reviews

Customers are much more likely to trust brands that offer customer reviews than those that don’t, so it’s vital to include a review function on your eCommerce site. This can help your product or service stand out from the competition and increase customer satisfaction. 

Aside from reviews, some e-commerce platforms provide other customer-focused features. For example, a live chat feature can answer questions and respond to complaints. A product search function can quickly find a specific item, and an “About Us” page that explains your business’s history, mission, and values can also be helpful. 

Once you’ve created your online store, you need to test it and make sure everything works properly. Most e-commerce websites offer a preview mode that lets you check out your site from multiple devices and ensure everything is working as it should. 

Payments

Before you can start selling, you’ll need to decide which type of payment processing you’ll use. Some e-commerce platforms include a range of payment options, from credit cards to prepaid debit cards to cryptocurrencies and money transfers. Others let you pick one of a few types, such as PayPal or Visa Direct. 

Shipping

Creating and managing shipping rates is an integral part of any e-commerce website. Some platforms support real-time rates, while others allow you to create flat fees based on total order sums. You can even include free shipping for orders over a certain amount.