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How to develop an e-commerce website

February 12, 2025

How to develop an e-commerce website

In today’s fast-paced digital world, e-commerce has become an essential part of how we shop and do business. But what exactly is e-commerce website development, and why is it so important for businesses looking to sell online? Let’s break it down in simple terms, so you can understand the key steps involved and how an e-commerce specialist (like us!) can make the process seamless and successful.

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What is e-commerce website development?

E-commerce website development is the process of designing, building, and launching a website that allows businesses to sell products or services online. Unlike a standard website that might only display information, an e-commerce site has special features like product listings, a shopping cart, and payment processing.

In short, it’s everything that transforms a regular website into a fully functioning online store.

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What does e-commerce mean?

E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services through the internet. Whether it’s ordering your favourite takeout or purchasing a new outfit online, e-commerce covers it all. It’s a convenient way for customers to shop anytime, anywhere, and it’s a vital tool for businesses to reach a wider audience.

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Common e-commerce platform options

When it comes to building an e-commerce website, choosing the right platform is one of the most critical decisions. There are several popular options available, each with its own strengths. Here are a few common ones:

Shopify – A user-friendly, all-in-one solution perfect for small to medium businesses. It’s hosted, so you don’t need to worry about managing servers.
WooCommerce – A flexible plugin for WordPress users, ideal if you already have a WordPress site and want to add e-commerce functionality.
Magento – A powerful platform for larger businesses, offering advanced features and customisation (but often requiring developer expertise).
BigCommerce – A scalable option for businesses looking to grow, with built-in tools for marketing and SEO.

Each platform has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to select one that suits your business’s size, budget, and needs.

What do you need to organise before starting an e-commerce build?

Before diving into e-commerce website development, preparation is key. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

Your Product Range: Decide what you’re selling and ensure you have clear product descriptions, high-quality images, and competitive pricing.
A Payment Gateway: Choose a payment processor (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) to handle transactions securely and efficiently.
Shipping Options: Plan how you’ll deliver your products, including shipping methods, costs, and timeframes.
Domain Name and Branding: Ensure you have a memorable domain name and consistent branding (logo, colours, and style) to make your store professional and recognisable.
Legal Requirements: Set up privacy policies, terms and conditions, and comply with local laws around e-commerce and data protection.
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Where does an e-commerce specialist help the most?

While it’s possible to set up an e-commerce site on your own, working with an experienced e-commerce specialist can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Here’s where we excel:

Customised Solutions: We tailor your website to fit your business needs, ensuring it’s optimised for conversions and offers a seamless customer experience.
Advanced Features: From integrating inventory management systems to setting up advanced analytics, we handle the technical aspects so you don’t have to.
Professional Design: A well-designed website builds trust with your customers. We ensure your site is visually appealing, on-brand, and mobile-friendly.
Ongoing Support: After your site is live, we’re here to help with updates, troubleshooting, and scaling your store as your business grows.

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DIY vs professional e-commerce builds

When building an e-commerce site yourself, there are plenty of tools and guides available to help you cover the basics. However, doing it yourself can often result in missed opportunities, such as not optimising for search engines or failing to streamline the checkout process—both of which can impact your sales.

When you work with us at Kōwhai Creative, we go beyond the basics to deliver a polished, high-performing site. Our expertise ensures that every detail is considered, from user experience to marketing integrations, so your online store doesn’t just exist but thrives.

Ready to launch your e-commerce website?

Building an e-commerce website is an exciting step for any business, but it’s also a complex process. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade an existing site, our team can guide you every step of the way.

How to develop an e-commerce website