Last year, e-commerce revenue in the U.S. was estimated at $768 billion, and it’s projected to surpass $1.3 trillion within the next three years. In India, e-commerce revenue is expected to reach $57.70 billion (approximately INR 475 billion) in 2023, according to Statista. If you’re in the retail sector, launching an e-commerce site could help you capture a portion of this rapidly growing market. Here’s how you can build your e-commerce website in just seven steps.
1. Select Your Content Management System (CMS)
The backbone of any website is its content management system (CMS). There are several options available, from open-source platforms like WordPress to beginner-friendly, all-in-one website builders like Shopify or Squarespace. The best CMS for your online store will depend on factors such as your budget, experience, and specific e-commerce requirements.
Here are some of the most popular content management systems for e-commerce websites:
- WordPress: The world’s leading CMS, known for its extensive customization options.
- Shopify: A top choice for creating a dropshipping business with ease.
- Squarespace: Perfect for beginners who want to build a professional-looking website without any prior web design experience.
- Square Online: Best suited for existing retailers who want to sell both in-person and online.
- Wix: An all-in-one website builder that is user-friendly and highly customizable.
If you’re unsure which CMS is the best fit for your e-commerce needs, explore more about the top e-commerce platforms to help you decide.
2. Create an Account (or Get Web Hosting)
After choosing your CMS, the next step is to create an account—unless you’ve opted for WordPress. If you plan to build your e-commerce site with WordPress, your next step is to select a web hosting plan. The best web hosting services often include a free domain name, a free SSL certificate, and one-click WordPress installation, simplifying the process of connecting your domain and hosting to WordPress.
For website builders like Shopify, Squarespace, Square Online, or Wix, simply go to the provider’s website and sign up for an account. If your CMS allows, you can also register your domain name directly through the platform, making the domain configuration process easier.
If your chosen CMS doesn’t offer domain registration, you’ll need to register your domain through a domain name registrar. For assistance in choosing a registrar, check out our guide on the best domain registrars.
3. Choose an E-commerce Theme or Template
The next step in building your website is selecting a theme. Themes are pre-designed templates that give your site a consistent look and feel. Regardless of whether you’re using WordPress, Shopify, Wix, or another platform, you’ll have a wide variety of themes and templates to choose from.
Most platforms offer free themes, but you’ll also find paid (or premium) options available. For instance, WordPress and Shopify both provide premium themes, with prices ranging from around INR 2,400 to over INR 16,600. Premium themes often feature more unique designs, which can be beneficial if you’re looking for a specific aesthetic and want to minimize the time spent customizing your theme.
4. Customize Your Site and Build Out Pages
Once you’ve chosen the ideal theme or template for your online store, it’s time to start customizing it. This involves updating elements like your header and footer, setting up site navigation, and creating essential pages. You’ll need to build out pages such as your homepage, product listings, and policies like refunds and returns.
5. Create Product Listings
Your online store won’t be complete without product listings. After setting up your website, the next step is to create your product catalog, including detailed listings for each item. Make sure to organize and categorize your listings to ensure they are easily searchable for visitors and manageable for you.
6. Configure Payment Gateway, Inventory, and Tax Tools
Once your e-commerce website is populated with products, you need to focus on a few essential elements: setting up a payment gateway, managing inventory, and implementing tax tools. This ensures smooth transaction processing, accurate inventory tracking, and proper tax calculations.
Choose a Payment Gateway
When selecting and setting up a payment gateway, many online retailers prefer third-party solutions like Stripe or PayPal for their ease of use and security. If your setup involves redirecting customers to external sites, make sure that data is fully encrypted during transfer.
When evaluating payment integrations, consider the following factors:
- Integration Ease: How seamlessly can the tool be integrated with your platform?
- Security: Is the tool secure?
- PCI Compliance: Does it meet PCI-DSS standards?
- Fees: What are the costs for you and your customers?
Integrate Shipping
For a seamless customer experience, integrate shipping with your e-commerce website if your platform supports it. This integration will streamline your operations, allowing you to focus more on selling. Before setting up shipping, decide on your shipping policies, such as free shipping, variable fees, or flat rates. Additionally, establish clear refund and return policies to complete your setup.
Add a Sales Tax Calculator (Optional)
You might also consider adding a sales tax calculator to automatically calculate sales tax, shipping, and any other fees during checkout. This can streamline the process and ensure accurate charges for your customers.
7. Test and Launch Your E-Commerce Site
Before launching your e-commerce site, conduct thorough testing to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Check that all buttons and links work, and make sure 404 error pages align with your site’s theme.
Run tests to verify that you can add products to the cart and complete transactions. Most platforms offer test payment processing to avoid actual charges. Confirm that emails are being sent to the appropriate inboxes after purchases or declines. Additionally, test your site’s appearance and functionality on mobile devices and across different web browsers.
Once you’ve verified that all aspects, from product descriptions to category pages, are in order, you’re ready to launch.
Promote your e-commerce store’s launch through your social media channels, guest posts on relevant retail blogs, influencer marketing, and email lists. If your budget allows, consider using paid advertising on platforms like Facebook and Google to reach a wider audience.
