Ecommerce continues its steady rise, with a projected 2.14 billion global digital buyers in 2021 (source: oberlo.com). By 2023, eCommerce purchases are expected to increase from 14.1% to 22% (source: ecommerceguide.com). This flourishing market presents a golden opportunity for developers, especially those specializing in mobile app development. However, building an e-commerce website or app involves more than just technical skills. It requires careful planning, effective supply chain management, and strategic fundraising.
This article will focus on the fundamental aspects of e-commerce development, shedding light on the straightforward yet crucial steps that lay the groundwork for future complex tasks.
Defining Your Products and Choosing Your eCommerce Model
Begin by asking key questions:
- What will you be selling: a product or a service?
- What are the components of your supply chain and your preferred distribution methods?
There are two primary business models to consider: B2C (Business to Consumer) and B2B (Business to Business). For instance, Amazon and Alibaba follow the B2C model, while businesses like MakeMyTrip cater to a B2B clientele.
Selecting a Memorable Name and Registering a Domain
Choose an eCommerce website name that is catchy, recognizable, and easy to remember. It doesn’t need to be overly long, abstract, or complex. Invest in a custom domain (SSL) name for your website, typically requiring an annual subscription.
Picking the Right Website Builder
Selecting the appropriate website builder is crucial for seamless development. Consider options like:
- Wix: Suitable for various online stores.
- Shopify: Great for beginners.
- SquareSpace: Ideal for creative and artistic online stores.
- Weebly: A good fit for small stores and startups.
- BigCommerce: Offers quick scaling at affordable rates.
Leveraging Advanced Analytics Tools
Ensure your chosen tools come with built-in analytical capabilities, including features like revenue analysis and traffic trends. Consider advanced tools such as Kissmetrics, Google Analytics, HotJar, Woopra, and Piwik. Real-time data and insights will facilitate algorithm improvements and development adjustments.
Prioritizing Responsive Design and UI Trends
In addition to resizing for different screens, focus on the latest responsive design trends. This includes:
- Multi-directional layouts
- Page transition animations
- 3D modeling
- AR/VR powered displays
- Swift loading speeds
Implementing these trends uniformly across platforms enhances the user experience, garnering positive reviews and increased traction.
Integrating Payments with Security Measures
Integrate various payment gateways, including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and traditional methods like credit/debit cards, NetBanking, and digital wallets. Embrace blockchain technology for secure digital transactions. Implement robust security protocols, including PCI DSS accreditation, firewalls, antivirus and malware software, and multi-layer authentication solutions.
Crafting a Content and Marketing Strategy
Know your audience profile and demographics to tailor your marketing strategy effectively. Leverage email campaigns, social media, and integrated marketing approaches. Incorporate diverse content strategies, including memes, blog posts, listicles, SEO optimization, Google AdWords, remarketing, and digital ads to enhance brand recognition, increase traffic, and drive sales.
Emphasizing Product Descriptions and Visuals
Create an inviting customer experience with high-resolution images, 360° product views, AR/VR/MR integration as needed, and clear, concise product descriptions. Adhere to ethical design standards to ensure a seamless browsing experience. Implement features to reduce cart abandonment, such as easy coupon redemption, streamlined checkout processes, and quick loading speeds.
Investing in Search Engine Optimization
Implement effective SEO strategies to improve your website’s visibility and ranking. Key practices include keyword-based site architecture, technical SEO enhancements, keyword optimization in meta tags, and building quality backlinks.
Considering Peripheral Measures
While developers focus on technical tasks, consider other strategic factors. These may include investing in premium web hosting, implementing automated escalation measures in chatbots, optimizing code placement, prominently displaying customer ratings and reviews, and incorporating upsell, resell, and navigational features, all of which are crucial for an ecommerce website development company. These measures can significantly reduce checkout times.
These steps form the foundation for creating a sustainable e-commerce website or app. Thorough research at each stage is imperative, as is incorporating crisis control and risk assessment policies into the business/development plan. With these measures in place, you’re poised for success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.