What You Need to Know Before Creating an Online Store

Preface

In today's world, where online sales are becoming increasingly popular, creating an online store correctly can become the basis for your success. However, before diving into the development process, it is important to understand what information and data you need to provide to the development team to create your perfect site that will bring in profit.

Before starting development, it is important to realize that creating an online store takes time, resources and active participation on your part. This is not just "I want a website - get it", but a process that includes many stages and requires careful preparation.

Main questions to discuss with the manager

1. Number of products

The number of products affects the choice of platform, the structure of the site, its performance and the required server capacity. The more products, the more complex the site structure will be, and the more powerful the server will need to ensure its stable operation.

2. Product accounting

The next important question is where you keep track of your products. This could be specialized software, such as BAS, or another accounting system. It is important to understand whether you need data synchronization between your accounting program and the online store. Why is this important? If you already keep records in a certain system, synchronizing data with the site will allow you to automate the process of updating product information and better control orders. This will significantly simplify store management and reduce the likelihood of errors.

3. Synchronization with the accounting program

If you already use an accounting program, such as BAS, it is important to discuss in advance what data will be transferred from the program to the site and back. This could be information about products, prices, availability in stock, order status, and so on.

Of course, having integration will make work easier. The so-called automation reduces the human error factor when transferring product information from the program to the site and back. All orders in one window - in the program. There will be no confusion between orders on the site and in the accounting system.

4. Integrations

An online store may require integrations with various systems, such as CRM, accounting software, marketplace. Each integration affects the functionality of the site and its cost. It is important to remember that integration is cool and complex. This is the automation that works for you, increasing the efficiency of your employees and the profits of your company.

5. Number of languages ​​on the site

If your audience uses several languages, or you are going to enter the international market, you should plan to translate the site and products. In this case, it is also important to take into account the cost of the product in another currency.

6. Having a blog

Blogging on the site is a proven way to attract more traffic and improve SEO optimization. Articles can be used to publish company news, detailed product descriptions, tips on using products and other materials that will help interest and retain visitors to the site.

7. Additional functionality

What payment systems do you plan to use? These can be bank cards, e-wallets, etc. What delivery options will be available? All these details need to be discussed in advance. The main thing to remember is that the cooler the functionality on the site, the faster the purchases will be made. The client does not need to do anything extra: contact the manager, clarify information, etc. Five clicks - and the order is paid.

Technical aspects of creating an online store

Choosing a suitable server determines how quickly and stably your site will work, especially when the load increases, for example, during sales or promotions. Often, customers underestimate this aspect, and then face problems when the site starts to "fall" due to insufficient capacity. This not only increases the level of customer irritation, but also directly affects your income.

A domain name is your "face" on the Internet. It should be simple, memorable and reflect the essence of your business. SSL certificate - ensures the protection of customer data. Without an SSL certificate, browsers may mark your site as unsafe.

It is important to remember that hosting, domain and security certificate need to be renewed regularly.

Expectations and reality

1. Development timeframes

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, "How long will it take to create an online store?" Many want their site to be ready "yesterday." But the reality is that developing an online store is a multi-stage process that requires time, attention and resources. The client's efficiency is one of the key things in creating a site, since an online store at the beginning of development requires a lot of activity and help from the client to the team.

2. Online store support

An online store requires constant support: updates, fixing errors, adding new functionality, etc. This is important for the successful functioning of the site. Our team is always in touch with our clients. We do not go into the sunset after development, cutting off all contacts. We are always ready to help: be it our old gap, or the client “poked something in the admin panel, and nothing works.”

Conclusion

Creating an online store is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. Prepare answers to key questions, discuss all the details with the manager, and your site will meet your expectations and bring profit.

The BIT Web Studio team is happy to help you implement your plans!