Whether you currently operate a brick and mortar business and want to expand your services online, or you are thinking about launching your own startup, creating an eCommerce site can be a highly profitable venture.
If you aren’t tech-savvy, the idea of launching your own eCommerce site can be daunting, so here is a guide on how to get started and turn your dream into a successful business venture.
Buy a Domain Name
Once you have a name and brand for your business venture, your first step in building an eCommerce site is to purchase a domain name. This can be bought through a hosting company or a domain registrar. There are many hosting companies that provide their own web builder software and packages, so it’s important that you research the different options available. If you plan to target multiple countries or regions, you may need to purchase more than one domain name. So customers can find you, make sure that your domain is the name of your business.
Select the Right eCommerce Platform
Choosing the right eCommerce platform that your webpage will run from is a critical decision for your business. Should you decide to change the platform later down the line, the process can be very time consuming and prove costly if you have thousands of products to shift. The three key types that you can pick from are Software as a Service, off-the-shelf software, and bespoke solutions.
Pick the Right Hosting Package
All websites on the internet sit on a server, so it’s vital that you pick the right hosting package that can keep your eCommerce site running correctly. There are many factors to take into account before selecting a hosting package, such as website speed and uptime and performance. Possible providers that you may want to look into include GoDaddy and Wirehive.
Find a Payment Service Provider
If you plan to pick SaaS solutions like Shopify, you will already utilize their payment solutions. For those who plan to build their page via a solution like Magento, you will need to find a payment service provider (otherwise known as a payment gateway). Having a PSP will make the checkout process easier for customers and build trust and recognition in your brand. Some of the most popular payment service providers to include in your eCommerce site include PayPal, NetPay and Sage Pay.
Get Support
Once your eCommerce site goes live, it’s vital that you have a full service IT support team behind you like Impreza, who are experts in helping ambitious businesses and non-profits in Kent to achieve success by keeping their systems operational and data secure. Impreza is a full-service technology partner who can provide you with a free site audit if you’re unsure whether to use their services or not. This service may be ideal for those who want to keep their business free of disruption.
There are many reasons why business owners set up an eCommerce site. With no time restrictions to worry about, and the ability to reach more customers, all the tips above can help you build an eCommerce page that will set you up for success.