Developing an E-commerce Store - It's Easy to Do

Developing an E-commerce Store - It's Easy to Do

In the digital age we live in, online commerce has transformed from an optional sales channel to a reality that businesses of all sizes must embrace. Establishing an online store opens up a vast market of potential customers and allows you to develop new sales channels - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. While many are still hesitant to enter the e-commerce arena because they think it's a complicated and lengthy process, the truth is that with today's technological advancements and available options, developing an online store is simpler and more user-friendly than ever. In this article, we will explain how you can easily set up your digital store, even if you have no prior technical experience. We will break the task down into simple steps, recommend useful tools and platforms, and provide practical tips to avoid common mistakes.

Let's debunk some common myths about developing an e-commerce store:

1. "You need to know how to code to set up a store" - Totally wrong! Most leading platforms and services today require zero coding knowledge. They offer drag-and-drop store building, along with ready-made design kits and templates.
2. "Setting up an e-commerce store is a long process" - Absolutely not. On average, you can launch a basic functional store within just a few days. Some platforms even allow you to open an account and start selling within hours.
3. "You need to invest a lot of money to develop a store" - The opposite is true. Most store-building tools offer affordable plans, or even completely free basic versions. You can start with a minimal investment and upgrade later as needed.
4. "I need a whole team to run an online store" - Not necessarily. Current platforms are so user-friendly that most routine tasks like inventory management, payment processing, and order fulfillment can be handled by one or two people.

So what are the actual steps to set up your own online store?

1. Choose a suitable domain name: The domain name is the address where customers will find your store. Choose a name that matches your brand, is catchy, and easy to remember. Ensure that the desired domain is available and purchase it through a reliable web hosting provider.
2. Select an appropriate platform for building the store: There are hundreds of different platforms, some specifically designed for e-commerce such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce. Choose a platform based on criteria like budget, the size of the intended store, design flexibility, and ease of use.
3. Design the look and feel of the store: Platforms usually include a wide range of ready-made templates and designs, allowing you to choose a look that best fits your brand style. Customize elements like colors, fonts, and page layouts.
4. Add your products to the catalog: Create product pages with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and updated prices. Organize products into logical categories for easy navigation on the site. Make sure to update inventory levels regularly.
5. Set up shipping and payment methods: Most platforms come with built-in modules for calculating shipping costs and processing secure payments. Connect the store to local shipping services and popular payment providers to give customers convenient options.
6. Test the store's functionality before going live: Before the official site launch, conduct comprehensive tests to ensure everything operates smoothly. Check that buttons and fields lead where they are supposed to, that the ordering process is complete from start to finish, and that the site is optimized for mobile browsing.
7. Open the virtual doors: Once you’ve confirmed that everything is in order, you can celebrate and launch the store to the public. Share the link through your marketing channels like social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.
8. Monitor performance and continuously improve: Use analytics tools like Google Analytics to track important metrics like visitor traffic, conversion rates, and cart abandonment. Learn what works well and what doesn’t, and continue to optimize and adjust the store based on insights.

Examples of Israeli e-commerce stores that have thrived due to using accessible platforms

• "Julia": A commerce site for jewelry and fashion accessories. The store operates on Shopify and seamlessly integrates the system with the physical product catalog. Since transitioning online, "Julia"’s sales have grown from year to year with the store now functioning as a responsive and mobile-optimized site.
• "Sweet Sugar": A candy boutique that started as a small physical store and has now expanded into the online commerce arena. The owners utilized the WooCommerce platform for its ease and flexibility, successfully setting up a polished store on their own in a short time. The site allows for purchasing a wide variety of candies and enjoying nationwide delivery service.
• "Leelu": An Israeli children's fashion brand offering unique design collections. The store was built on Magento and takes advantage of the platform’s personalization capabilities to present customers with products particularly relevant to them. The store features a stunning catalog, secure payment methods, and subscriptions for recurring orders.

And what about promoting the store after it goes live?

Indeed, setting up the store is just the beginning of the journey. Next, you'll need to ensure that enough relevant visitors arrive and purchase your products. Here are some marketing and advertising ideas for the store:

• Organic promotion on Google (SEO) for relevant keywords.
• Paid advertising on platforms like Google Adwords or Facebook Ads.
• Collaborations with social media influencers and advertising exposure on suitable content channels.
• Using automated email marketing to encourage conversions and repeat purchases.
• Exclusive offers for new sign-ups and special promotions.
• Creating helpful content to attract audiences to the site.

Along the way, you may need professional guidance from a digital agency, but at this stage, the fact that you've opened an online store puts you in a good position to compete for the hearts and wallets of consumers.

In conclusion, in today's connected world, every business has an equal opportunity to compete in the digital arena. With the options available today, developing an e-commerce store is easier and simpler than ever. You don't need to be a technology expert or have a massive budget to enter the game and start selling online.

So if you've ever dreamed of having your online store - now is the time to make that dream come true. Start your journey today, using the right tools and following the tips outlined here, and see how your business flourishes and reaches new heights in the digital age. If you need help or guidance during the process, feel free to contact us for advice. We would be happy to share our experience with you and assist you in building the ultimate store.