Creating an ecommerce from scratch may seem like a challenging task, but with planning and the right tools, it is possible to launch a successful online store. Many people believe that all they need to do is set up a website and start selling, but the process involves crucial steps that, if well executed, guarantee the sustainable growth of the business. In this article, you will learn how to create an ecommerce from scratch, understand the main steps, and why hiring a specialized professional can make all the difference in the success of your digital venture.
1. Planning: The First Step to Creating an Ecommerce from Scratch
The first step to creating an ecommerce from scratch is planning. Before anything else, you need to define the niche of your business. Think about the products or services that will be offered and who your target audience is. Understanding the needs of your future customers is essential for choosing the marketing and design strategies for your ecommerce.
Define your Objectives
Before you start setting up your ecommerce, it is important to be clear about your objectives. Do you want to increase sales, improve the customer experience or expand your presence in the market? Setting clear goals helps guide your decisions throughout the creation process.
Choosing a Business Model
Do you want to sell your own products or work with dropshipping? Dropshipping, for example, allows you to sell without having to have inventory, while the traditional model requires you to keep strict control of your products.
2. Choose the Ideal Platform for Your Ecommerce
Choosing the platform is one of the most important steps when creating an ecommerce from scratch. There are several options available on the market, from simpler and more affordable platforms to customized and more robust solutions. The choice will depend on your needs and the available budget.
Most popular ecommerce platforms:
- Shopify: Ideal for those looking for simplicity and practicality, Shopify offers a user-friendly interface and a series of ready-to-use integrations. It is a good option for small and medium-sized businesses.
- WooCommerce: For those who already use WordPress, WooCommerce is an excellent choice. It transforms any WordPress website into a functional online store, offering flexibility and customization.
- Magento: Known for its robustness and flexibility, Magento is best suited for large businesses that need a scalable solution.
In addition to these options, you can also opt for a fully customized solution developed by a professional specialized in ecommerce. This allows greater control over functionality and user experience.
3. Design and User Experience
The design of your ecommerce site plays a crucial role in converting visitors into customers. A confusing or visually unappealing site can drive consumers away, even if your products are of high quality.
Tips for creating an effective design:
- Clean and Intuitive Layout: An organized design makes navigation easier and improves the user experience. Keep information clear and accessible, with a visual hierarchy that leads the customer where you want it to go.
- Responsiveness: More and more people are shopping on their cell phones, so it is essential that your site is responsive. This means that it should adapt to different screen sizes, ensuring a good experience on mobile devices.
- Quality Images: High-quality product photos increase consumer confidence. Show different angles and offer zoom so that the customer has a good view of the product.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
To ensure that your ecommerce has visibility, it is essential to invest in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This strategy optimizes your website so that it appears in the first results of search engines, such as Google.
Some SEO practices include:
Use of Keywords: The keyword should be present in various parts of your website, from titles to product descriptions. In addition, use synonyms and variations of the keyword to diversify the content and target different searches.
- Meta Descriptions: Each page of your ecommerce must have a meta description optimized for SEO. It must contain the keyword and be attractive enough to generate clicks.
- Friendly URL: Create short and descriptive URLs that contain the main keywords.
- Loading Time: A website that takes a long time to load can lose positions in Google’s ranking. Ensure that your ecommerce site performs well by using optimization plugins and lightweight images.
5. Implementing Payment Methods
Another essential point when creating an e-commerce from scratch is choosing the payment methods that will be offered to your customers. The more options, the greater the chance of conversion.
Main payment methods:
- Credit and Debit Card: These are the most common methods and accepted by most consumers. It is essential to ensure that your platform is integrated with a secure solution for processing these transactions.
- PayPal: Very popular for its practicality and security, PayPal is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable alternative to credit cards.
- PIX: In Brazil, PIX has gained a lot of traction, offering fast and fee-free payments to consumers.
6. Logistics Integration
Logistics is one of the most complex steps for those who are creating an e-commerce from scratch. From choosing suppliers to shipping the final product, it is important that the entire process is efficient to avoid delays or problems with customers.
Tips for optimizing logistics:
- Choosing Reliable Suppliers: Have a good relationship with your suppliers to ensure that products are always available and delivered on time.
- Process Automation: Use automation tools to manage inventory and process orders. This speeds up work and minimizes errors.
- Partnerships with Carriers: Choose reliable carriers that offer competitive delivery times and have a good reputation in the market.
7. Marketing and Promotion of Your Ecommerce
After creating your ecommerce from scratch, it’s time to promote your store and attract customers. Digital marketing strategies are crucial to ensuring the success of your online store.
Some marketing strategies include:
- Social Media: Create profiles on the main social networks and invest in relevant content to engage your audience and promote your products.
- Google Ads and Facebook Ads: Paid campaigns can be an efficient way to attract customers to your ecommerce, especially in the beginning, when organic traffic is still being built.
- Email Marketing: Offer incentives, such as discounts or freebies, to capture potential customers’ emails. Then, create targeted campaigns to increase conversion.
8. Advantages of Hiring a Specialized Professional
Although it is possible to create an ecommerce from scratch on your own, hiring a specialized professional can bring a series of advantages. An experienced developer will ensure that your online store has a solid structure, is optimized for SEO and offers an efficient shopping experience. In addition, you will have more time to focus on other areas of the business, such as marketing and customer service.
A specialized professional can also create a fully customized store to meet the specific needs of your business, integrating features that increase conversion and customer satisfaction.
If you want to know How to Create an Ecommerce from Scratch and need a robust and optimized platform, learn about the ecommerce development services that I, Wellington Faria, offer. I will help transform your idea into a functional and profitable online store. Get in touch and start your ecommerce on the right foot!
