Build eCommerce Website in 8 Steps
eCommerce has compelled the world towards a new way of buying and selling things. It has entirely changed the concept of window shopping and wandering in the market. It has helped people to find the best product with ease, and at the same time, it has helped businesses to flourish. It has increased the revenue of the businesses manyfold. This is the reason every business targets eCommerce to take the business to the next level. If you want to build eCommerce website for your business, you are in the right place.
Today, we will explore the important steps that can help you create eCommerce website. We will see the step-by-step procedure and try to understand every crucial aspect that you need to consider. Let's start without any further delay.
How to Build eCommerce Website in 8 Steps?
1) Design a Prototype eCommerce Website
A prototype is necessary if you want to build eCommerce website without any errors or bugs. eCommerce websites are sensitive and carry sensitive data of customers, so they must be designed perfectly in terms of their appearance and functionality. Thus, you need to create a website design using a prototype tool. You can easily amend the design and make it perfect. The functionality of the website can also be tested to ensure the operation of the website.
It also saves you a lot of time because your design is ready when you start building a website. You don't need to think; you only need to replicate the design on the website builder. So, the first step to build eCommerce website is its prototype.
A website prototype can be created using a prototyping tool. There are dozens of prototyping tools available in the market, but we recommend Wondershare Mockitt because it is a high-fidelity and user-friendly tool. Anyone can use the tool and create a fully functional prototype like a real website.
Creating a website prototype with Mockitt is a piece of cake. You need to drag and drop the items you need and connect the screens. A functional website will be ready for testing. You can see the live preview whenever you want and collaborate with your team members. So, if you wish to design a flawless website, you should use Mockitt. You can use the Mockitt free plan to create a 25 pages website, and then you can shift to the premium plan if your website has more pages.
2) Choose a Suitable Domain Name
The domain name has the utmost importance, and there is no question about it. You need to select the domain name in the early stages so that you can design your website and customize your content according to it. The biggest problem is the availability of the domain name. It is very rare that the domain name you are thinking of would be available. So, make sure to get a domain name according to your business in the early stage.
Keep in mind that selecting a domain name is a one-way thing. It cannot be reversed; you cannot change the domain name later. You can change a website builder, but the domain remains the same. So, you must choose a domain name carefully.
Moreover, you must purchase a premium domain name for your business. A branded or free domain name is not suitable for eCommerce.
3) Select an eCommerce Website Builder
Website builders have solved hundreds of problems. Now, you can create eCommerce website on your own. There are many website builders available in the market, but you need to select the one that offers better facilities for eCommerce. For instance, there should be proper templates and tools that you can use for an eCommerce website. Some of the famous eCommerce website builders are,
- Shopify
- Wix
- Big Commerce
- Squarespace
- Square Online
Website builders have different plans. You can also get a free eCommerce website builder for a trial. So, if you are not sure which website builder you need, you can use the trial. Keep in mind that most free trials are only available for branded domains, but you can still try them to get the idea. After your satisfaction, you need to select an appropriate plan to create a final website on your custom domain name.
4) Pick a Template
The next important step to build eCommerce website is picking a template. The template decides the appearance of your final website. There are hundreds of templates, but you need to select the best one that can replicate your prototype. Moreover, keep in mind that you cannot change the template later in many website builders, but most of them support this feature, and you can change the template any time. So, make sure to see this feature or ask the customer representative.
5) Add Your Content and Products
After selecting a template, you need to customize it. You need to add your content, images, products, videos and arrange everything according to your needs. You have created the website design using Mockitt in the first step, so you can replicate the same design here.
Add your products and everything carefully. You need to make sure everything is perfect.
6) Set Up Secure Payment Methods
Not all types of websites require payment methods, but to create eCommerce website, it is essential. While selecting the website builder, you need to know about the payment methods that can be integrated. Some website builders do not support some payment methods.
The security of customer information is necessary; otherwise, there will be a penalty. Integrate the commonly used payment methods and ensure the encryption of your website through SSL. Usually, website builders offer SSL certificates and ensure security.
7) Set up Shipping er
You need to set up a shipping method. You need to confirm which type of shipping option the website builder offers. For instance, if you prefer dropshipping, then make sure the website builder supports it. Then, choose the shipping services provider, such as FedEx.
8) Test Your Website
When you are done with building your eCommerce website, you need to test. You need to test the functionality. Since you have already tested the website via prototype, this won't be a tiresome step. You need to make sure that you have replicated the design correctly.
You should try the checkout, orders, products, and everything that is on the website. When you are satisfied, publish it.
We have discussed all steps that can help you build eCommerce website. You can follow the methods and create your own website.