So, you want to create an eCommerce store from scratch? We know how difficult that can be. That’s why we decided to offer you some help with the process. Please read the article today to find out why you need an eCommerce store, the benefits of creating one, what features it needs, and how to find the best company for the job.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Create an eCommerce Store?
With 2.14 billion online shoppers worldwide, 12 million online stores globally, and 20% of all retail sales happening online, eCommerce stores are a business opportunity we can’t pass out on.
When you create a high-quality store that resonates with your target audience and piques their interest with the right marketing tactics, you are bound to be successful and earn more revenue.
The Benefits of Creating an eCommerce Store
Here are some of the benefits of creating an eCommerce store:
- Wider reach: An eCommerce store allows your business to reach customers worldwide. This can lead to increased sales and transform the way people see your brand.
- 24/7 availability: With an eCommerce store, your shop is open 24/7, just like a convenience store but without the closing hours. This means people can buy your products whenever they want, which helps attract more people to your brand and increase sales.
- Saving money: Running an online store costs less than a physical one. You don’t need to worry about rent, utilities, or paying staff to take care of your store. This way, you can focus more on making great products and helping your business succeed.
- Useful data: Online stores give you super useful data that can help you learn more about your customers. This can help you stock up on what sells best and suggest products they might like to buy next.
- It’s easy to grow your business: Do you have a new product idea? Want to expand your range? With an online store, it’s easy to add new items and reach new markets without changing much.
- Managing inventory: Keeping track of stock is easier online. You can see what’s selling fast and what’s not, helping you restock the right items and avoid having too much or too little.
Features Your eCommerce Website Needs to Have
So, what does it take to create an amazing eCommerce website? Here are some features it should have:
User-Friendly Design
A clean and simple design helps visitors find what they’re looking for without much effort. It also helps them have a good experience with your store.
You want them to scroll through the site with ease, you want to keep their attention and not overwhelm them with too much information. Keep it fresh and concise, use beautiful images that represent what you stand for, and optimize your site for mobile use.
The last step is especially important because people love shopping on their phones. Almost 60% of smartphone users say they’re more likely to purchase from a brand with an optimized mobile website or an application that allows quick purchases.
Good Visuals
High-quality images help customers get a better idea of what they’re buying. It’s a plus if you want to include videos. Remember to describe the items as much as possible, so users know what to expect.
Search Options
Search options further optimize your site for your users. Today, we are all running out of time, have a short attention span, and lack patience.
Adding a search option in your online store will make sure you lose fewer customers and you keep them engaged and interested in what you have to offer.
More Payment Options
Chances are a lot of your customers have a preferred payment option. Making this step easy for them will increase your sales. A complicated checkout process can also frustrate shoppers. Keep it all simple and easy.
Shipping Information
Buyers like to know how and when they’ll receive their purchases. That’s why offering different shipping options will make their experience with your brand even better.
Fair Return Policies
A clear and fair return policy can reassure users and encourage them to buy. It shows that you stand by your products. Just make sure your return and refund policies are easy to understand.
What To Look For in an eCommerce Web Development Company?
If you want a web development company to help you create your store, you need to pay attention to a few things. The company you choose needs to give you the support you need to grow your business.
Here’s what to look for:
Experience
You want an ecommerce web development company with experience because that means they will know how to achieve the success you want (they’ve done it before).
They’ll know the ins and outs of eCommerce, all the best practices for design, usability, and security, and they’ll know what it takes to grow your business.
Strong Portfolio
A good portfolio shows that the company can deliver quality work. It also gives you a sense of their style and helps you know what you can expect.
Customization And Flexibility
Every business is special and unique, and you need a company that will be able to find your strong points and help you emphasize them in your design. Look for a company that offers customizable solutions and that will be able to adapt its services to your needs.
Expertise
Look for companies that work with experts in all fields. They should be committed to creating the best experience for you and your audience.
The company should be skilled in using eCommerce platforms (like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce) and web development technologies.
SEO Knowledge
SEO is important because you want to rank high on Google. What’s the point of creating an amazing site if people won’t see it? The company you choose should know good SEO practices that will help buyers find you.
Ongoing Support And Maintenance
Websites need regular updates and maintenance. Like with everything we mentioned, it’s best if an expert in the field helps you with these steps. That’s why it’s important to choose a company that offers ongoing support.
Bottom Line
If you want to enter the world of eCommerce, it’s best to have a professional lead your way. Choose a partner with experience and a portfolio you like that will give you a custom solution that’s perfect for your brand.
Make sure they know their way around eCommerce platforms and technologies and prioritize user experience and mobile responsiveness. Make sure to do your research and take your time to find the perfect companion for your online journey. We are rooting for you.