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Ecommerce Website Development refers to the process of designing the technical features for a website, such as how it operates, receives payments and responds to its users aesthetically, which are critical components for online sales and conversion. With web development projected to surpass $11 billion by 2023 - providing business owners with the chance to develop user-friendly sites while solving key ecommerce issues like:
- Determine the features and functionalities that you need for your online project.
- Understand which framework will work for your business.
- Integrating Ecommerce in a website or template.
This article will examine web development for ecommerce. We'll also cover how to select an ideal developer who will realize your vision, as well as which steps should be taken before launch. Let's get going.
Build an e-Commerce website: Options
You'll probably come across three options when it comes to setting up your online store:
- Open Source is a way to build your website.
- Customize a SaaS (software-as-a-service) solution.
- MACH Architecture: Harness its power.
Create it Yourself
Open-source platforms offer many advantages to companies with existing web teams or IT departments, enabling you to fully customize all code aspects within an open-source platform, creating your website without restrictions or boundaries.
Keep in mind, though, when opting for open-source solutions, your company typically becomes responsible for PCI compliance, web hosting services, security patches and updates, as well as manual patching responsibilities. Some brands might see open-source as too expensive, tech-heavy or cumbersome as their business becomes more complex - particularly as its needs expand beyond simple projects.
SaaS Customization
Don't have the budget or skills necessary for developing custom solutions? SaaS (subscription-based software) offers an ideal alternative, developed and maintained by third parties and hosted on the cloud.
SaaS solutions enable businesses to enter markets rapidly at an economical cost. Open SaaS platforms provide companies with benefits from both open-source software as well as SaaS technologies.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. stands out among mid-market brands and enterprises as one of the premier open SaaS platforms used. Our open API gives merchants all of the advantages associated with SaaS platforms - lower ownership cost, quicker time-to-market speed and being hosted by Cyber Infrastructure Inc.
The Mach Acronym Stands For Microservices API First, Cloud Native And Headless
Since decades ago, traditional ecommerce setups have often taken the form of monolithic solutions: all-in-one packages that combine storefront frontend and backend server sides into one solution. While monolith solutions may work for SMBs with limited needs initially, as their businesses mature, they often become problematic as more complexity is required of their systems.
MACH (microservices and APIs first, SaaS native in the cloud, headless architectures and cloud native) principles provide a practical framework for designing enterprise tech stacks. With MACH as your guideline for enterprise stack design, selecting appropriate technology to suit future business requirements becomes more flexible than with monolithic architectures.
Microservices
They are short, focused services which perform specific tasks and can be combined to create an application. Each microservice is independently developed, managed, deployed, and updated.
API-first
The API (application programming language) is what makes it possible for two applications to communicate and deliver content. This means that the API should be at the center of the design.
Cloud-native
Cloud-native applications leverage the capabilities of cloud technology, including SaaS technologies, to monitor and manage the technology as well as license it via subscription services.
Headless
The Headless Commerce Architecture is the separation of frontend website presentation from backend functionality. It allows greater flexibility in the design of user interfaces and channels.
What Is The Best Way To Choose An Ecommerce Website Developer?
As we dive further into ecommerce design, we will examine its work and the importance of hiring someone with specific design skills that meet your web requirements. Research indicates that 73% of U.S. customers consider customer experience important when purchasing online. Yet, only 49% think brands provide positive experiences to their consumers.
Hiring an experienced web developer who specializes in ecommerce development is the surest way to enhance user experience on your site. Cyber Infrastructure Inc offers such development companies who understand best practices for eCommerce web development - they will craft websites which delight both your potential customers and increase conversion rates simultaneously.
Understand Different Developers' Strengths
Others specialize in backend customization, technical implementation and creating beautiful frontends to bring your company's online store to active life. When considering developers for your online shop, be aware of their strengths when assessing them; some developers can manage both frontend and backend design; most prefer one over another though some choose both approaches simultaneously; choose someone whose skills align well with your requirements for best results.
When developing an e-commerce site, there are several vital elements that you should consider:
- Web security and PCI compliance.
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Payment gateways and multiple payment options are available.
- Integration of CMS (content management system).
- Mobile-responsiveness.
- Shopping cart design.
- Filtering products.
Choose Based On Your Own Needs
Others excel at backend customization, technical implementation and creating stunning frontends to bring your company's online storefronts to life. Before selecting any company or developer to work on your online storefronts, ensure you know exactly what skills will be necessary for achieving what you require - particularly for an open source framework-powered ecommerce system where backend developers may be more crucial than those focused on design (though both skills should still be needed).
Your SaaS platform might need additional frontend development; as a result, someone experienced in building APIs could be ideal. While most SaaS platforms already come equipped with prebuilt apps and integrations that may meet some of your requirements, complex customization may need to be handled by experts in that field.
When selecting developers for your online shop, be aware of each developer's strengths when considering them: some may specialize in both frontend design as well as backend development. In contrast, others may choose only to focus on one side - find someone whose skills align perfectly with those requirements that best meet them when searching out potential developers based on skills aligning to requirements that match what needs you are looking for.
What to Consider when Developing an E-Commerce Website?
Your business model and individual requirements will determine which features should be present in your online store. Make a list of essential elements according to your goals that reflect customer lifecycles closely.
Startups or small companies might not need multiple currencies right off the bat; however, cross-border retailers might benefit significantly from having this capability in their shopping carts. You can quickly determine what features will best serve them by starting with broad categories before going in-depth on particular needs:
- The list should include all of the must-haves, such as payment gateways and marketplace integrations.
- Include extras to your website that you need, such as automatic shipping rates and sales taxes.
- You can prioritize your nice-to-haves in order of importance, with the first feature being crucial for driving revenue and the fifth one being an add-on which could improve efficiency.
Responsive Design
Statistics project that by 2025, mobile commerce will represent over 10% of the U.S. Retail Sales - representing an increase of 10 percentage points since 2022. With more people shopping from their mobile devices online, it will become essential for you to offer responsive mobile-friendly websites or develop one yourself using an application developer.
Both Cyber Infrastructure Inc. and Stencil strive to offer shoppers an ideal shopping experience across devices - be they mobile phones or desktop computers. Both offer fully responsive themes created using professional designers on Stencil that cater for various product categories and industries.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a Powerful Tool
It is an essential part of website design and a good distribution strategy. Searching for keywords that are relevant and ranking high on Google can drive interested online users to your website. SEO organically delivers you clients who have high intent and are more likely to convert.
Site Speed
Google has conducted a study that shows the likelihood of bouncing increases with each couple-second increase in page loading time. Google also uses the speed of a site to determine its ranking, so fast-loading websites are a big plus. You should hire web developers for your ecommerce site who can make it not only attractive and functional but also quick to load.
Content Management System (CMS)
CMSs (content management systems) are essential for any e-commerce website since they house all dynamic content, such as visuals, blog posts and other content blocks in the design, in one location. You can edit or create new content with a CMS. The changes are automatically updated on your website. You can update your website with fresh content to support your products.
Product Management
Imagine your favorite online retailer. You can bet they have your favorite products available, offer multiple versions, and provide promotions when necessary. When you are developing an ecommerce website, ensure that it includes the functionality required to track, add and edit inventory. This will allow you to consistently provide customers with the products they desire.
Paying and Checkout
It's not acceptable to have only one option for payment in the age of Apple Pay and PayPal. Research shows that seamless and flexible payment options can speed up nine-tenths of shoppers' decision-making process and encourage them to spend even more. This is why your ecommerce system must be able to integrate multiple payment gateways. As a Cyber Infrastructure Inc. merchant, you can create a customized checkout and offer one-click payment with Bolt.
Security
Take care when handling sensitive information, like credit card and customer numbers. PCI Compliance Standards must be fulfilled to accept payments; otherwise, you risk fines, the cessation of all future payments being received from customers and the loss of their trust.
Some platforms provide only minimal protection, which may not suffice. Although many include an SSL certificate by default, more robust protection could require third-party software or investments into internal infrastructure.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc's stores are equipped with PCI Level 1 compliance as standard, giving you peace of mind knowing your website will remain safe and secure while freeing you to focus on growing your business rather than worrying about security concerns.
Integrating
No e-commerce app development offers all of the features necessary for success; ensure that your platform allows for customization by providing integrations and plugins that meet your exact requirements. What's Your Ideal Back Office Setup? Many businesses seek to integrate their ecommerce platform with existing CRM, ERP, OMS or PIM systems - make sure the platform of choice offers such integration.
What types of digital marketing rely heavily on you? Perhaps a platform allows you to customize the user experience. Make sure you research what each software can offer in terms of data collection capabilities.
Are You Able To Integrate Data Into Email Marketing Software? Consider aspects such as on-site Marketing or SMS Text messaging, as well as any integration opportunities between Amazon Marketplaces or Social Media Channels and your email marketing software.
Marketing Strategy
Begin to develop your ecommerce strategy as early as possible so you can set out its framework and determine its features. If social sharing on your site is an integral component of your marketing plan, your strategy may include advertising on social media. If mobile commerce plays an important part, push notifications may also play a pivotal role; alternatively, you could build out an app specifically to meet that need.
Read More: How Ecommerce Website Development Can Boost Your Business Online
Six Steps for Developing an Ecommerce Custom Website
You don't have to start from scratch. Many platforms allow you to create your e-commerce website with little or no coding. Before you begin the process of development, it's not just about determining the platform. Before you start, here are a few things to think about.
1. Understanding your Business Objectives
It is essential to make the right decision when selling online. You can't take action unless you know the ins and outs of your business. Start with your why. What is your motivation for selling online? It's simple: to attract more customers. How do you intend to achieve this?
- Are you planning to use your online business for direct sales to consumers?
- Want to increase your brick-and-mortar business's online presence?
- Are you looking to convert a B2C to B2B business or the other way around?
Think about ecommerce metrics in addition to your baseline goals:
- How will you gauge the growth you want to achieve after launch? What's your weekly sales goal, for example?
- Are you planning to sell internationally or locally?
- What is your strategy for increasing the customer lifetime value of a client?
- What is your plan for product sales?
2. Understanding the Shopping Experience
What type of shopping experience would you like to offer your customers online? You may consider the following features:
- Allowing your clients to sort search results with a click by color, size or price.
- Comparing products in a side-by-side comparison is a great way to save time.
- Offer a one-page optimized checkout.
- Discounts and promotions are available.
Consider whether you want to give your audience a quick and easy shopping experience, as with some necessities such as consumer packaged goods. Or if they prefer browsing your website and discovering new products. Depending on the answer, you'll want to design your website for a completely different journey.
3. Talk About Platform Options
Assembling your online shop doesn't need to be complicated. With various ecommerce solutions on offer, finding your ideal platform shouldn't be hard at all. However, you must be mindful of both their advantages and drawbacks before choosing one over another.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. is one of the top ecommerce site builders, alongside Magento, WooCommerce and Cyber Infrastructure Inc. Plus. Some merchants with content-heavy websites may prefer WordPress; several ecommerce platforms, including Cyber Infrastructure Inc., offer integrations which let merchants combine both contents with commerce on one website.
4. Add Products
Make it easy to edit and add product listings and ensure that you can synchronize your stock across your entire sales channel. It can help simplify your back-office operation and prevent you from overselling products.
You'll need to consider these factors when you add new products:
- Product Images of High Quality: Assure your clients that they will receive what they ordered.
- Product Descriptions that are Detailed: When describing highly researched products in particular, be sure to include any pertinent details, such as product specifications, size information, etc.
5. Pay and Ship Settings
Website developers can assist with your checkout and shopping processes by showing how to integrate payment portals and set up shipping. Various payment gateways exist.
Customers today prefer flexible payment solutions like buy now/pay later and instantaneous credit. When selling internationally, be sure to select payment gateways which support specific regions for a seamless sales experience.
6. Launch Website and QA
Test-drive your site once it's moved from the stage to production to make sure you are ready in terms of design, navigation, and performance.
Check out this quick list:
- Check all forms and call-to-action titles at the top of your homepage.
- Check out your shopping experience.
- Double-check payment processing integrations (credit cards, PayPal, Stripe, etc).
- Ensure that images are not only high definition but also optimized to load quickly.
- Find missing categories and product descriptions.
- Verify that the links and forms on your website are working.
- Check that the tax settings you have selected are correct.
- Make sure that the entire inventory is listed.
- Test your coupons/promo codes.
Make sure that your storefront is equally as good on mobile and desktop and the experience of users across all platforms.
Successful e-Commerce Websites have Certain Qualities
A successful ecommerce site should have several elements, from security and coding on the backend to clickable features.
Good UX/UI
Successful ecommerce website designs feature an exceptional user interface (UI) and enhanced user experience (UX). Such design elements could include filters that help customers quickly locate what they're searching for or a range of related items; search boxes; readable copy; and sleek designs - among many other components.
Online Security is Important
Online store security should always come first when managing data that you store or process. Your customers trust you with sensitive data such as credit card numbers, mailing addresses and financial details, which must be protected with care.
Best practices for customer security when conducting online commerce include providing adequate password protection on all sensitive accounts (don't use easy-to-guess passwords); employing transport layer security (TLS), "secure sockets layers" (SSL), and HTTPS authentication - programs which authenticate and encrypt links between customer computers and your site - while equipping all company devices with anti-malware/antivirus software.
Great Mobile Experience
Online users and shoppers are spending increasingly more time using mobile devices for browsing online shopping, and Forbes projects that by 2023, mobile sales will account for 76% of total online sales.
Responsive web design enables you to improve the mobile site experience by automatically reformatting desktop versions for mobile screens. Many do-it-yourself website design tools, such as Squarespace or Wix, offer this capability; any designer hired after 2023 must offer this function.
Seo Aspect
SEO works to increase product exposure and sales through search engines by ranking websites higher in searches related to them than those belonging to competitors. There are various strategies and techniques you can employ in this process. For instance, adding keywords to product descriptions will increase SEO rankings over time and help your product rank better than its competition in searches related to them.
Checkout Flow Made Easy
Unsatisfactory checkout processes can result in lost sales. Customers might give up buying altogether due to complex registration procedures. Implement a guest checkout feature which enables shoppers to purchase without providing much input (or providing too many details about themselves).
Customers that have previously registered on your website and stored credit cards with you can take advantage of this feature. Consider adding a one-click checkout feature instead of the traditional loaded cart to expedite checkouts - such as Shop Pay or Apple Pay integration; alternatively, you could make sign-up quicker via Facebook or Google integration.
Last Word
Launching an ecommerce business involves several platforms of various complexity; you may require extra help with web development at some point during its life cycle if starting on one that requires a complex setup or turnkey solutions.
Now is the time to launch. Now that you understand how web developers play into ecommerce launch processes and can maintain them effectively, as well as which features and specs should be evaluated when reviewing tech specs and the steps taken before launch, you are prepared for action. Cyber Infrastructure Inc offers a network of solution and service professionals ready to assist.
