How To Build An eCommerce Website (2023 Guide)
E-commerce revenue in the U.S. was estimated to be $768 billion last year and it is expected to exceed $1.3 trillion in the next three years, according to Statista. If you are in retail, creating an e-commerce site can allow you to get a share of that pie. Here’s how to build an e-commerce website in just seven steps.
Step 1. Choose Your Content Management System (CMS)
The foundation of every website is a content management system (CMS). There are a number of different content management systems to choose from open-source platforms such as WordPress to beginner-friendly all-in-one website builders such as Shopify or Squarespace. Which is right for you and your online store will depend on your budget, experience, and unique e-commerce needs.
Here are the most popular content management systems for e-commerce websites:
WordPress: The world’s leading CMS that is also one of the most customizable.
Shopify: An ideal e-commerce solution for building a dropshipping business.
Squarespace: One of the best website builders for beginners who want to easily build a professional website with no previous web design experience.
Square Online: Best for existing retailers that are looking to sell in-person and online.
Wix: An all-in-one website builder that is both easy to use and highly customizable.
For help deciding which is the best CMS for your e-commerce needs, learn more about the best e-commerce platforms.
Step 2. Create an Account (Or Get Web Hosting)
Once you have decided which CMS to use, the next step is to create an account–unless you choose WordPress. If you are planning to build your e-commerce site with WordPress, your next step is to get a web hosting plan. The best web hosting services come with a free domain name, a free SSL certificate and one-click WordPress installation, eliminating the need to manually connect your domain and hosting to WordPress.
If you’re using a website builder such as Shopify, Squarespace, Square Online or Wix, simply navigate to the provider’s website and register for an account. If your chosen CMS allows, register your domain name through the CMS to eliminate the need for manual domain configuration process.
In the instance where your chosen CMS does not give you the option to get a domain name, register your domain using a domain name registrar. For help choosing one, check out our article on the best domain name registrars.
Step 3. Select an E-commerce Theme or Template
The first thing you need to consider is a theme for your website. Themes are ready-made templates that give your website a consistent look and feel. All subscription platforms have tons of templates to choose from, so whether you’re e-commerce website development with WordPress, Shopify, Wix or anything else, you will have prebuilt templates and themes to choose from.
Keep in mind that while free templates are generally available across most platforms, some also offer paid (or premium) templates. For example, both WordPress and Shopify offer premium themes that range in price from around $30 to over $200. The benefit is that many offer more unique designs, which can help businesses that want a specific look to reduce the amount of time spent customizing their chosen theme.
Step 4. Customize Your Site and Build Out Web Pages
After you have found the perfect theme or template for your online store, the next step is to begin customizing it. This is where you will be updating your header and footer, configuring your site’s navigation, and building out pages from your homepage to your refunds and return policy page.
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