In the changing world of online business, having a solid E-commerce can make the difference between success and stagnation of a business. At Buq, we want to see you achieve your goals, so we will explain in detail the process of creating an E-commerce from idea to launch.
As with everything, let's start at the beginning. Before diving into the details, let's take a look at the fundamental concept. An E-commerce, or electronic commerce, is an online platform that allows businesses to sell products or services over the Internet. 💼 It's like your physical store, but in the vast digital world. 💻
A common question that always comes up is: "Is E-commerce, online store, and online business the same thing?" 🤔 Let us clarify! It depends on how we use the term. In many occasions when talking about "E-commerce", the context can refer to the whole universe of businesses that exist on the Internet. 🌐
And in the same sense, an "online business" is also a broader concept. As it can encompass more than just direct sales, such as the provision of services or content generation. 📦📱
However, if we take this in a practical way, an E-commerce and an online store are practically synonymous. Both terms refer to the same idea: selling online. In this context, we refer to the system within a website that will allow us to offer products or services, charge for them and even promote them. 💰🛍️
How does an E-commerce work?
In general terms, its operation is very simple. An E-commerce operates through an online platform where visitors can browse products or services, add them to a shopping cart and complete the transaction through secure payment methods. It also includes features such as inventory management, order processing and shipping options. 🌐🛒💳
What does it take to have an E-commerce?
Now, we come to the heart of the matter: What does it take to build a successful E-commerce? We will gladly share with you a step-by-step action plan: 🛠️
Step 1: Strategic Planning 📝
Before you dive into building your E-commerce, have a plan! Like all successful businesses, first define your goals, your market niche and your unique value proposition. Research your competition and create a solid plan. 🎯
Step 2: Choice of domain name and hosting 🏠
The domain is, so to speak, the name of your site. You may also know it as the web address of your site. Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your brand. 🌐
Next, select a reliable hosting service so that your site is always online. This service is also known as hosting and it is very important, because this is where the data that make up your page are stored. In Buq, we have previously explained what it is and how it works, we suggest you read about it. 💻
Step 3: Development of the website 🛒
This is where the Buq team comes in. At Buq, we design your website with a user-friendly interface and an aesthetic that reflects your brand. Keep in mind that before buying, the two main online shopping activities are gathering information and searching for deals.
In addition, we make sure it is a responsive site, as more and more people are shopping from their mobile devices. According to 99firms data, the percentage of consumers who use their smartphones to shop are users between the ages of 16 and 64, representing 69.4% of shoppers overall.
Step 4: Implementation of E-commerce platform 🛍️
At this point you will have to choose to work with some payment gateway.(Don't worry, we have information about that too...) To then, if you wish, also implement some shipping service. 📦
If you think this might be complicated, that's okay, at this point we will follow you and guide you on your way. And finally you set up the online store, add products to the catalog and set up payment options. 💳
Step 5: Search engine optimization (SEO) 🚀
Don't underestimate the power of SEO. Optimize your website and your products with relevant keywords to increase your visibility in search engines. Keep in mind that many people searching for products and/or services do so directly from Google, so being well positioned increases the chances of traffic to your site. 🔍
Step 6: Test 🧪
Prior to launch, perform extensive testing. Verify that all shopping systems are working properly, from navigation to the checkout process. According to data from Small Business Trends, 90% of e-commerce businesses fail in their first 120 days. And of course we don't want that!
With this work, you will be able to see firsthand how easy it is for your visitors to navigate and shop on your site. Don't lose sight of the fact that online cart abandonment rates are highest on mobile (78%), followed by tablets (70%) and desktops/laptops (67%). 🛒
Step 7: Launching and marketing 🚀
It's time to let the world know about your E-commerce. Use digital marketing strategies, such as social media advertising, search engine advertising and email campaigns to drive traffic to your site. 📢
No less, it turns out that email marketing persuades the purchasing decisions of nearly 6 out of 10 email subscribers. Just as online stores with a social media presence average 32% more sales than those without.
Step 8: Don't forget about maintenance 🛠️
It must be said, the work doesn't end with the launch. Regularly update your site, add new products and listen to customer feedback to constantly improve. This constant work ensures that your visitors always have something new to see. Exactly like a physical store. 🔄
OK, I already have a site, can I take advantage of it to have an online store?
Of course! If you already have a website, you are halfway to successful E-commerce. The difference lies in the ability to sell directly online, which expands your reach and revenue potential. 🌎💼💰
A well-implemented E-commerce can open up new growth opportunities for your business and allows you to reach a global audience 24/7. In a survey conducted in February 2022, the ability to shop on the go was the most mentioned e-commerce benefit by consumers worldwide, more so than flexibility or getting better prices.
E-commerce is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business horizons. Whether you are starting from scratch or improving an existing website, following these steps will help you build a solid and profitable online presence. So, take the plunge and dive into the world of online sales! 🚀🛒
If you have any questions or better yet, if you already want to take action, don'thesitate to contact our team of experts! At Buq, we're here to help you on your exciting journey to success.Let's sell! 💪🌟
