Guide to eCommerce Website Development in 2024

Updated 09 Aug 2024
Published 28 Dec 2022
Satyam Chaturvedi 6485 Views
E-Commerce Website Development

In today’s digital age, selling products or services online is a highly lucrative industry. Online shopping steadily takes over the global retail market, and more businesses are switching to e-commerce.

However, the reality differs: eight out of 10 e-commerce businesses fail within 24 months. So, what could be the reason? And what is the key to success in online eCommerce store development?

To answer these questions, we must understand eCommerce website development in its entirety. So, if you are a small, medium, or large business wanting to bring your existing retail business online or start a new one, you have a robust eCommerce website development concept. Or you are looking for ways to succeed in eCommerce website development.

Then this blog post will be a tailored guide for you.

Here we will discuss everything from how to get started with an eCommerce website to things to take care of before starting your eCommerce journey on the right foot.

Let’s get right into it!

eCommerce Industry: Market Statistics

By 2022, it is estimated that the global eCommerce market will reach a whopping $5.7 trillion! This phenomenal growth only indicates one thing: borderless eCommerce has become an exceptionally profitable choice for online retailers worldwide.

Two years ago, just 17.8% of sales were made online; however, that number is expected to increase by 20.8% by the year 2023 and by 23% five years later in 2025, representing a 5.2 percentage point rise within such a small amount of time!

Statistics of the eCommerce Industry in 2023
Image Credit: statista.com

Email validation is integral to the development and operation of eCommerce websites in 2024, facilitating effective communication with customers, supporting marketing efforts, enhancing the user experience, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

By implementing robust email validation processes, eCommerce websites can optimize their operations, drive sales, and build long-term relationships with customers.

eCommerce market share will undoubtedly keep climbing as more consumers turn to digital purchases for their needs.

Nearly 15% of sales are already happening online, and as much as 95% of shopping will be facilitated by eCommerce by 2040, according to Nasdaq in 2017.

How Do You Start Your Journey to Developing an eCommerce Website?

The journey to an e-commerce web development project begins with the following steps:

Start Journey to Developing an eCommerce Website

#1. Understand your e-commerce business 

Before opting for online store development, it is essential to understand the type of eCommerce business you are planning to establish or want to upgrade your existing one into an eCommerce platform.

#2. Define your eCommerce Business Goals

What is the purpose of your website? What are the products or services you want to deliver through the website? What goals do you want to achieve with an eCommerce website, and how will it help your business grow?

#3. Plan an eCommerce Strategy

You need to plan a strategy that will lay the groundwork for website development. This strategy should answer how eCommerce will generate sales and revenue for your business.

#4. Research & Analyze Your Niche 

Research your business niche, including competitors, customer needs and behaviors, and e-commerce trends. This will help you discover what works and doesn’t in your business niche.

#5. Research your Target Audience 

Knowing who you target with eCommerce website development is essential for success. You need to plan eCommerce website features and designs that resonate with your target audience and encourage them to shop on your eCommerce store.

Now that you have your research and eCommerce strategy ready, it’s time to move on to building an eCommerce website. Let’s first understand the options available to you.

What Options Do You Have for Building an eCommerce Website?

eCommerce has immense scope, and you have various options depending on your business requirements. Here are some eCommerce website development options to consider:

  1. If you plan to build something big, like Amazon or Flipkart, starting from scratch is the best option. 
  2. If you are looking for an eCommerce website with comparable eCommerce features to the popular eCommerce websites, then opting for eCommerce platforms like Shopify, NopCommerce, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, etc. is a better option.

Your journey to eCommerce website development starts with choosing from these options, so it is highly recommended to consult eCommerce website development professionals before you start.

Once you have decided on the eCommerce platform or technology, it is time to bring in the most critical part of this process: drafting a feature list.

Ecommerce Website Development

Features you Must Add to Your Ecommerce Website

These features are the most significant part of e-commerce website development, as they will determine whether you succeed or fail. Here is a list of eCommerce website features you should consider adding to your eCommerce store.

Back-end Features

  • Admin panel
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Product management (Product searching, sorting & filtering)
  • Payment gateway integration
  • User Management
  • Order and Inventory Management
  • Shipping and tax calculation
  • Price Management
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Automated Retargeted Emails
  • Discounts and Coupon Codes
  • SEO Optimization
  • Customer Reviews
  • Multi-language support (For Export Businesses)
  • Multi-currency support (For Export Businesses)

Front-end Features

  • Responsive website design
  • Product Filtering and Sorting options
  • Multi-tier menu navigation
  • Advance Search optimization
  • Autosuggest feature
  • Integrating the app with the website
  • Add to cart and Wishlist feature
  • Shopping cart and checkout page
  • Easy and Secure Checkout
  • Abandoned Cart and Remarketing Emails
  • User account and order history
  • Multiple Payment Options (UPI, eWallets, Debit/Credit Cards)
  • Guest Checkout
  • Review and Feedback System
  • Newsletter Subscription
  • Live tracking facility for orders
  • Social Media sharing options
  • Live Chat support

With so many eCommerce features available, it can be hard to decide which ones are right for your store. But you need to choose carefully, as the development time and cost of your eCommerce website will be directly affected by the features you choose.

So, it is highly recommended to consult an eCommerce development company that can suggest eCommerce features that will bring you the best returns for your business.

Finally, after you have finalized the eCommerce website features and development technology, it is time to find an e-commerce store developer who can build your eCommerce store.

How to Start Your eCommerce Web Development Project?

In 2024, you will find various options to start your eCommerce development project.

How to start your eCommerce Website Development Project?

#1. Freelance eCommerce Developers

Generally, you will find eCommerce developers on platforms like Upwork

and Freelancer. But this is a do-it-yourself approach, and depending on the size of your eCommerce store, it might not be the best option.

#2. eCommerce Web Development Company

The leading eCommerce web development agencies have experienced Developers with all the expertise you need. They also have UI/UX designers who can create beautiful & responsive designs to help you stand out from other eCommerce stores.

Plus, eCommerce development companies can also help you maintain your eCommerce website’s security & performance.

#3. Hire a Dedicated eCommerce Developer

eCommerce development companies provide dedicated developers on a contract basis. The developer will work with you to create an eCommerce store as per your specifications.

Also, it is important to ensure that experts understand eCommerce platforms, payment methods, eCommerce security protocols, eCommerce integrations & plugins, etc.

By keeping the above points in mind, you can easily find e-commerce development experts and start your e-commerce journey on the right foot.

Now that you have decided to create an eCommerce website and have all the necessary information, it is time to get started on a discovery call with eCommerce website development experts and ask them everything about their eCommerce website development process.

Quick Questions to Ask Your eCommerce Website Development Partner?

When you are on a discovery call with your preferred eCommerce Development partner, there are a few essential questions that you need to ask them:

  • What eCommerce platform will the project be based on?
  • Do they have experience building eCommerce websites with similar eCommerce features?
  • How much customization is required for the website design and development?
  • What eCommerce features do you think will benefit your eCommerce store idea most?
  • What do you expect or require from me before your eCommerce website development starts?
  • What are the eCommerce website development costs and the timeline for completion?
  • What eCommerce integrations do you think would be helpful for my eCommerce website?
  • What eCommerce security protocols do you offer?
  • What eCommerce payment methods do you support?
  • Do you provide eCommerce website maintenance and support?
  • What are the add-on expenses associated with your eCommerce website development?
  • What eCommerce website analytics do you offer?
  • What is the maintenance and support plan you offer?

By asking eCommerce website development experts the right questions, you can easily understand their eCommerce website development process and make sure that your eCommerce website suits your business needs.

If your eCommerce website development partner gives you satisfactory answers, you can proceed with the eCommerce website development process.

The eCommerce website development process requires diligent supervision and constant communication with your developers. Doing this helps you stay updated on progress and guarantee that the finished product satisfies your business needs.

What Are the Qualities of a Successful eCommerce Website in 2024?

Finally, while your website is under development, you must ensure that your eCommerce website is developed and designed to thrive in 2024 and beyond. To do that, you must refer to certain qualities that eCommerce websites must possess.

Let’s look at them:

Qualities of a Successful eCommerce Website in 2023?

  • Responsive Design: Your eCommerce website should be mobile-friendly and user-friendly. It should be designed to look good on all devices, from desktop computers to mobile phones.
  • User Experience: It should have an intuitive user interface and easy navigation that makes it easier for customers to find what they are looking for.
  • Convenient Platforms: You need to decide the eCommerce platform that works best for your eCommerce store’s target audience, features, budget, and other requirements.
  • Loading Speed: It should load all the content quickly and have scope for future scalability because eCommerce store trends constantly evolve.
  • Site Security & Performance: It must meet high standards of security and performance. This includes SSL certificates, robust firewalls, and regular performance optimization.
  • Integrations & Plugins: It should be integrated with other eCommerce systems, such as payment gateways, shipping solutions, CRM systems, analytics tools, etc.
  • SEO & Digital Marketing: It must have a strong SEO strategy for better search engine rankings and visibility on Google. eCommerce businesses also need to focus on digital marketing strategies such as email marketing, white hat link building, social media campaigns, influencer marketing, etc. You can work with niche experts in the specific field, for instance, outsourcing marketing tasks to an Amazon agency for your store.
  • Smooth Check-Out Flow: It must have a smooth checkout flow with minimal steps and fewer fields to fill because customers easily get frustrated with long checkout processes.
  • Customer Service: It must have a dedicated customer service team to answer customer queries and address their grievances promptly.
  • Detailed Access to Analytics: It must be able to analyze and track website performance, customer behavior, abandoned cart data, top-viewing products, and another customized matrix to make better eCommerce decisions.
  • Automated Emails: It must have a system to automatically trigger emails with order tracking updates, promotional messages, etc., which can help eCommerce businesses increase sales and customer loyalty.

Once you are done with everything, it’s time to wait and watch (and communicate in between) while eCommerce website developers build your eCommerce store.

Once you get a green signal to move your website from the development stage to the production stage, don’t forget to give it a quick test drive. It will ensure you’re all set regarding eCommerce website design, performance, and navigation.

Advantages of Developing an eCommerce Website

Data don’t lie—e-commerce websites have consistently proven to be a superior choice for shoppers, retailers, and businesses. eCommerce websites provide the following advantages:

Advantages of Developing an eCommerce Website

  1. Improved customer experience: eCommerce stores are designed with an intuitive user interface that makes navigation easy, increasing customer interaction and satisfaction.
  2. Lower cost of doing business: eCommerce websites allow businesses to bypass physical store expenses, from rent and staffing costs to inventory and supply chain management.
  3. Increased convenience: eCommerce stores offer customers the convenience of shopping at any time, from anywhere in the world, no matter how small or large their purchase may be.
  4. Wider reach: eCommerce stores have a worldwide reach. That means businesses can tap into potential customers everywhere, boosting their sales and brand awareness.
  5. Greater opportunity for growth: eCommerce websites allow businesses to scale quickly and efficiently. With the right eCommerce development strategy, businesses can quickly expand their product lines and services to meet customer demands.
  6. Better Analytics: eCommerce stores collect data on customers’ buying habits, giving businesses a better understanding of their target market. This helps them develop more effective marketing campaigns and improve customer service.

 

A Quick Checklist Before Launching Your eCommerce Website

Before launching your eCommerce website, there are a few things you must check to make sure everything is in order:

  • Check if the eCommerce platform meets all your eCommerce requirements.
  • Make sure that the checkout flow is smooth, straightforward, and simple.
  • Ensure that payment gateway integrations are correctly set up and secure.
  • Double-check that the eCommerce website is mobile-friendly and responsive on all devices.
  • Verify if the eCommerce analytics are integrated correctly to track results.
  • Test the eCommerce website for speed and performance.
  • Check that customer service is ready to answer customer inquiries.
  • Review eCommerce website content and make sure it is SEO-friendly.
  • Make sure the eCommerce website design is up-to-date and visually appealing.
  • Make sure that all images are high-definition but optimized for load speed.
  • Look for missing product categories and descriptions.
  • Ensure that all the inventory is listed correctly.
  • Check for automated email triggers and promotional messages.
  • Test your coupons and promo codes.

By following these eCommerce website development guidelines, you can ensure that your eCommerce business is successful in the long run. It will help you launch a secure, robust eCommerce website and make the most of eCommerce opportunities.

Ecommerce Development Company

Cost of Building an eCommerce Website

Building an eCommerce website is a smart investment that can cost anywhere between $1,5000 and $40,000. However, a few parameters must be considered to determine precisely how much you’ll be paying for your eCommerce store.

  • The type of web builder,
  • The complexity of the website,
  • The type of team,
  • The developer’s country of location

Read Also: Guide to eCommerce Website Development in 2024

Why Choose Arka Softwares as Your eCommerce Website Development Partner?

Arka Softwares is a top-rated eCommerce development company that can help you develop diverse eCommerce solutions that are robust, user-friendly, and scalable.

We’re a team of experienced e-commerce development experts, UI/UX designers, and eCommerce consultants who know the e-commerce industry inside out.

Our eCommerce solutions help you turn more visitors into customers by connecting with them seamlessly, delighting them with personalized services, and streamlining their shopping experiences. You can check out our work here.

Get in touch with us today and start your eCommerce journey!

Wrapping it up

Now that you know everything about eCommerce website development, you’re prepared to kickstart your eCommerce business.

As a leading e-commerce web development company, we suggest you take your project to someone who understands the complexity of the projects and provides you with the solution that empowers your idea behind the transition or new business.

We know eCommerce website development isn’t easy, but with the right eCommerce development services, you can get it done without any hiccups.

We hope this blog post has been valuable and clarified any doubts you may have about eCommerce website development.

So, get ready to take the eCommerce plunge and make sure your eCommerce website looks fantastic, performs better than expected, and conquers eCommerce markets easily.

So, what are you waiting for? eCommerce is the future, and now is the time to get started!

Share this guide with your eCommerce peers and help them confidently launch their eCommerce businesses. Good luck!

FAQs for eCommerce Website Development

Satyam Chaturvedi

Satyam Chaturvedi is a Digital Marketing Manager at Arka Softwares, a leading app development company dealing in modern and futuristic solutions. He loves to spend his time studying the latest market insights.

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