How To Make an Ecommerce Website (Quick Building Guide)

Building an ecommerce website may seem daunting, but you don’t have to be a developer or even know how to code to run a successful online business. Building a lucrative ecommerce business is easier and more effective if you use a web builder platform like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify.

If you’ve never built a website or run an online business, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. We’ve tested web-building platforms and can say that by following our 10 steps, you can have your ecommerce website up and running in less than a day. Here’s how.

How to build an ecommerce website from scratch

If you were to build a website entirely from scratch, you’d need to know some basic to moderate developer skills and coding. Using a web-building platform that’s already been coded and optimized for sales is much easier and will get you up and running faster.

In fact, you can see examples on Reddit where developers have actually supported using web builders like Wix, Shopify, and more because it’s much easier, and these platforms have fewer glitches than from scratch sites. If developers who run ecommerce platforms think this is the best route, it’s worth your time and consideration.

You’ll have to define your business and products, choose a web-building platform, pick your design themes, and answer various questions for the AI tools on web builders to get your website going. It’s much easier than you think. Depending on your goals, your business can be up and running in just a few hours.

There are several ways to accept and process payment, establish shipping, and create rewards for your customers. With the right software, you’ll be able to handle all of these operational decisions with ease. After integrating with distributors, setting up email and marketing outlets, and testing your site, you’ll be ready to launch your ecommerce business.

Step 1: Define your product or service

Some people want to launch a clothing brand, while others want to sell tech. Whether you have a passion for beauty, health and fitness, the outdoors, fashion, or something else, you’ll need to figure out what your site will sell. We suggest doing some market research and seeing what’s in demand, coupled with something you’re interested in.

If you’re offering a service rather than a good, you’ll need to determine what specific services you’ll sell.

Step 2: Choose a platform

We've built sample ecommerce websites with several web building platforms. Here's what we found.

• Wix is good for beginners due to its ease of use and helpful AI tools. Plus, you can get started for free.
• Squarespace is another easy-to-use drag-and-drop app with extensive ecommerce features and customization options.
• Shopify is better for established ecommerce businesses that have a handle on the business aspect, as Shopify uses slightly more advanced tools that novices may find confusing.
• Square Online (formerly Weebly) caters directly to mobile users and offers a ton of robust ecommerce tools. This web builder is a good middle ground between user-friendly Wix and Squarespace and the ecommerce-focused Shopify.
• Other platforms, like GoDaddy and Hostinger, offer WordPress integrations if you want a more hands-on building experience. You can also host your business website directly with both of these providers.

We recommend checking out reviews for popular ecommerce web builders before choosing which one is right for you. Think about which features will support your long-term goals, and go from there.

Step 3: Create and design

Based on our experience, we highly recommend using the AI tools that come with your chosen platform to help you create a professional and functional website. Just answer a few short questions, and most platforms will create a beautiful site for you. Then, you can customize, change the design, add your own images, and more.

Step 4: Connect your distributor or list products and services

If you’ve decided to create a dropshipping or product-based service with a distributor, you’ll want to connect your account. Popular distributors include AliExpress, DSers, Wholesale Central, Alibaba, and more. Once you’ve connected your distributor, you can choose the products to sell on your site.

Keep in mind that not all web builders include dropshipping functionality. Sometimes, you’re better off opting for the WordPress integration to access robust ecommerce tools.

If you want to sell your own products, you should take pictures, upload them to the site, and create your catalog. Additionally, if you’re selling a service, you should set the prices on the storefront.

Step 5: Set up payment

After your products and services are listed, you’ll need to set up ways for customers to pay. Most web builder sites come with payment integration built in, although you may need to purchase a higher tier subscription to get different payment integration options.

Step 6: Set up shipping

You'll need to set up shipping if you’re selling physical products that don’t come from a dropshipping distributor. If you use a distributor, you’ll still need to set up shipping options with that service.

Step 7: Set up your domain

Most web builders will give you a generic or locked site to navigate traffic to, but your best option is to pay for a custom domain name. You should be able to do that easily through your web builder platform. Then, it will connect to the site you’ve designed. Make sure to test this.

Step 8: Create customer profiles

If your web-building site allows customers to set up profiles, you’ll need to set the permissions for those accounts. Most customers want to create an account and log in to track incentives like orders, shipping, loyalty rewards, etc.

Step 9: Set up marketing and email campaigns

Most platforms allow you to set up email and marketing campaigns to help drive traffic to your site. You should also be able to integrate with social media channels. Marketing is the lifeblood of a business, so create interesting and engaging content so that you stand out from the crowd.

Step 10: Publish and test your site

Use the preview features before publishing to ensure your site looks great on desktop and mobile. Once you’re happy with the design and functionality, publish your site.

It will take several weeks for your site to rank on Google. While waiting for it to become visible in search results, you’ll want to learn more about SEO tactics so that it ranks well in search results.

FAQs

Bottom line

Building a website now is much different than it was two or three years ago, thanks to the integration of AI tools. If you use web-building tools, you’ll be online and ready to go in a day with little to no startup money needed. Our favorite web builders can do all this for you and more.

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