The COVD-19 crisis has helped e-commerce businesses to grow exponentially in the past 2 years. Earlier, it was considered to be a luxury but now has become an essential part of any business. In India, the volume of e-commerce orders increased by 36% in the last quarter of 2020. When the pandemic had spread across the globe, it had forced all retail stores to close and people were not allowed to move around freely. Online shopping gained a foothold during this time of crisis because it provided people with an easy way to get their everyday items from the comfort of their homes. As big brands have gone global with their sales, it has become essential for the local business to have their own online stores.
No matter if you are running a business or you want to start one, e-commerce is the right way to go. E-commerce is booming worldwide, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. While it seems like a daunting task to start an e- commerce website. But with a little help, it can be a lot easier.
Here we list down all the steps required for setting up an e-commerce website from scratch.
1. Identify your business and its goals:
The first and most important step towards building your e-commerce store is to identify your business goals. Take your time and do some research on the current market scenario as it will make it easy for you to decide on what kind of e-commerce business model you want for your business.
2. Register your e-commerce business:
Once you are ready with your business plan the next step is to come up with a perfect name for your business and getting it registered with all the legal compliances at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Once your business is registered you are ready to go to the next step which is opening a bank account for your business.
3. Create a Domain Name:
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when creating an online store is choosing the perfect domain name. Keep your domain name to be short and memorable, something that will stick in people’s minds over time, so they will remember your site when they need your products or services and at the same time is easy for them to spell and remember.
4. Create Your Product Listings and Add Inventory:
The secret of a successful online store is to create a detailed inventory. It’s important to make sure you know exactly what it is you’re selling before you open your doors for business, or else customers will be disappointed with your products.
This is the most important step while setting up your e-commerce store. You can either choose a pre-built platform like Shopify, Wix or Squarespace or make it from scratch. Choose the right store front which gives you ease of business and at the same time is convenient for the customers.
6. Setup the payment Gateway:
Payment gateways and shopping carts are the lifeblood of an ecommerce business. They provide a much-needed layer of security, and they also serve as the foundation for all of your transactions. Hence, it's crucial that you choose a gateway that is reliable and trustworthy. Some of the popular payment gateways are PayPal, PayU and RazorPay.
7. SEO and Promotions:
Grabbing the attention of customers is essential for the success of any e-commerce website. Almost 44 percent of online shoppers beginning their search with a search engine, you need to be on their radar. This makes SEO and digital promotions essential for your business.
Building an e-commerce website is a big step for any business. The most important tip while creating your online store always remember to consider the different options available and choose one that will work best for your business. While starting an e-commerce website can be a tough start, a little help from a professional may make it easier for you. Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, we are here to help you with all your requirements, so don’t hesitate to contact us!