eCommerce Development Checklist: Steps for Building Your Online Store

Let’s say you have a product (or products) to sell and a vision to do so online. You want to start the best eCommerce business to take your products and services to the target customers around the world. But how do you create an eCommerce website? Well, there are several key elements that will dictate its success.

So in this blog, I have shown the checklist followed by the best eCommerce development services when creating an eStore. We will cover everything from the domain registration to launch and even beyond that. Let’s begin.

What are the Key Elements of an eCommerce Website?

When building a successful eCommerce website, there are several key elements to consider that will influence everything from user experience to conversion rates. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

• User-friendly Interface: Your website should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Customers should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and without frustration.
• Mobile Compatibility: A significant portion of online shopping happens on mobile devices. Ensure your website offers a seamless experience on all screen sizes.
• High-quality Product Images and Descriptions: High-resolution product photos and clear, informative descriptions are crucial for showcasing your products and building trust with potential buyers.
• Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Tell your visitors exactly what you want them to do, whether it’s “Add to Cart,” “Learn More,” or “Shop Now.” Make your CTAs prominent and easy to understand.
• Seamless Shopping Cart and Checkout Process: The checkout process should be quick and painless. Offer guest checkout options and minimize the number of steps required to complete a purchase.
• Secure Payment Options: Provide a variety of trusted payment gateways to ensure a secure and reliable checkout for your customers.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Social proof is powerful. Showcase positive customer reviews and ratings to build trust with potential buyers.
• Effective Search Functionality: Make it easy for customers to find the products they’re looking for with a robust search bar and clear filters.
• Security and Privacy: Ensure your website is secure and protects customer data. Display trust seals and clearly outline your privacy policy.
• Personalized Recommendations: Use website data to recommend products that might interest your visitors, increasing the chance of a purchase.
• Social Media Integration: Make it easy for customers to share your products on social media, expanding your reach and attracting new customers.
• Robust Customer Support: Offer multiple channels for customer support, such as live chat or email, to address questions and concerns promptly.

The eCommerce experts focus on these elements to ensure your eStore not only looks great but also converts visitors into loyal customers.

eCommerce Development Checklist

As you can see from the previous section, there are several elements in an eCommerce website. So you need to follow a checklist to make sure of the best results.

Define Your Business Goals and Target Audience

Before starting the development process, define what you’re looking for with the website, with respect to business goals and target audience. These two elements are the compass that will guide every decision you make throughout the development process.

• What are your overall business objectives? Do you aim for high sales volume, establishing brand recognition, or carving a niche in a specific market?
• Who is Your Ideal Customer? Consider age, gender, income level, location, and other relevant demographic factors that describe your ideal customer.
• What are your success metrics? How will you measure progress towards your goals? This could be through sales figures, website traffic, conversion rates, or customer acquisition costs. Having clear metrics allows you to track progress and adjust your strategies as needed.
• What is your growth strategy? Do you plan to expand your product line in the future? Are you looking to enter new markets or cater to a wider audience over time?

Investing some time and effort into defining the business goals and target audience will be beneficial. It will help you set up a strong foundation for your eCommerce website

Choose an eCommerce Platform

The eCommerce platform will become the foundation of your store. It impacts everything from the features you can leverage to the scalability of your business. So here are the key factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform.

• Essential Features: All platforms offer core functionalities like product management, shopping carts, and secure checkout. However, consider your specific needs. Do you require features like subscriptions, product reviews, or advanced inventory management?
• Scalability: Will your product range or customer base grow significantly in the future? Choose a platform that can scale alongside your business needs.
• Integrations: Does the platform integrate seamlessly with other essential tools you use, such as email marketing or accounting software?
• Consider your technical comfort level: Some platforms offer a drag-and-drop interface for easy website building, while others require more technical expertise.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Evaluate the level of ongoing maintenance required for the platform. Do you have the in-house resources, or will you need to rely on developer support?
• Subscription Fees: Most platforms have monthly subscription fees that vary depending on features and transaction volume.
• Transaction Fees: Some platforms charge additional transaction fees for each sale you make.
• Data Security: Choose a platform that prioritizes data security and offers features like SSL certificates to protect customer information.
• Uptime and Customer Support: Ensure the platform offers reliable uptime and responsive customer support in case you encounter any issues.

The top eCommerce platforms with high market shares are Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Squarespace, etc.

Select a Domain Name and Web Hosting

First off, decide on a domain name. It’s the unique web address that users type into their browser to access your website. For example, “amazon.com” or “petsmart.com” are both domain names. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the domain name.

• Memorable and Brand-friendly: It should be easy to remember, spell, and pronounce. Ideally, it should reflect your brand name or the type of products you sell.
• Keywords: Consider incorporating relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility. However, prioritize readability over keyword stuffing.
• Availability: Check for domain name availability using a domain registrar’s search tool before getting your heart set on a specific name.
• Extensions: The most common extension is “.com,” but consider others like “.store” or “.shop” for a more specific brand identity.

You also need reliable web hosting. It stores your website’s files and data on a server, making it accessible to visitors on the internet. Think of it as the physical space that houses your online store.

Consider the following when choosing the web hosting:

• Uptime: Look for a provider with a high uptime guarantee, ensuring your website is online and accessible to customers most of the time.
• Storage and Bandwidth: Consider the amount of storage space you’ll need for your website’s files and images, and the bandwidth required to handle website traffic.
• Security Features: Choose a provider that offers security measures like firewalls and malware protection to safeguard your website and customer data.
• Customer Support: Responsive customer support is crucial in case you encounter any technical issues.

Selecting the best domain name and hosting will ensure your store is easily found and accessible to your target audience.

Design the Website

The design of your eCommerce website is a critical element that influences user experience, brand perception, and ultimately, conversion rates. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations to create a website that converts your visitors into loyal customers:

• Intuitive Layout: Strive for a clean and organized layout that allows users to find what they’re looking for easily. Category menus, search bars, and clear calls to action (CTAs) are essential for smooth navigation.
• Mobile-responsiveness: A significant portion of online shopping happens on mobile devices. Ensure your website adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes and offers a positive user experience on all devices.
• High-quality Images: Showcase your products with professional and captivating product photos. Multiple images from different angles and close-ups allow customers to get a good feel for the product.
• Color Scheme and Branding: Choose a color scheme that aligns with your brand identity and evokes the emotions you want to associate with your products.
• Whitespace and Text Readability: Don’t clutter your website. Use whitespace effectively to create a sense of balance and ensure your text is clear and easy to read.
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Use social proof to showcase positive customer reviews and ratings. That will help build trust with potential buyers and encourage conversions.
• Security Seals and Trust Signals: Display trust signals like SSL certificates and security badges to assure customers that their information is safe while shopping on your website.
• Clear Contact Information: Make it easy for customers to reach you. Provide clear contact information, including an email address and phone number (if applicable), and an easily accessible FAQ section.
• Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Tell visitors exactly what you want them to do next, whether it’s “Add to Cart,” “Learn More,” or “Shop Now.” Make your CTAs prominent and visually distinct.

Remember, your website is a shop window for your online store. Design it with intention to entice, inform, and ultimately drive sales.

Add the Key Functionalities

When building your eCommerce website, incorporate essential functionalities for smooth user experience and a successful online store. Here are the key functionalities.

• Product Catalog: A user-friendly interface for adding, editing, and managing your product listings. This should include the ability to upload high-quality images, set variations (size, color, etc.), and write detailed product descriptions with clear specifications and benefits.
• Inventory Management: A robust inventory management system allows you to track stock levels, avoid overselling, and ensure accurate order fulfillment.
• Product Categories and Filters: Organize your products into well-defined categories and subcategories. Implement user-friendly filtering options based on price, brand, color, size, or other relevant attributes to help shoppers refine their search and find what they’re looking for quickly.
• Search Functionality: A powerful search bar with auto-complete suggestions and filtering capabilities empowers users to find products easily, especially when dealing with a large product catalog.
• Wishlists and Customer Accounts: Implement wishlist feature to allow the users to save products for later purchase or share with others. Offer the option to create customer accounts to streamline future purchases and track order history.
• Shopping Cart: A user-friendly shopping cart that displays chosen products, quantities, and running totals. Ensure the ability to easily add or remove items and update quantities.
• Contact Form: Make it easy for customers to reach you with any questions or concerns. Include a clear and easily accessible contact form.
• Live Chat Support: Consider offering live chat support during business hours for real-time customer engagement and troubleshooting.
• Order Tracking: Allow customers to easily track the status of their orders with clear tracking information and estimated delivery dates.
• Personalized Recommendations: Implement features that suggest products to users based on their browsing history or past purchases.
• Social Media Integration: Make it easy for customers to share products on social media platforms, increasing brand awareness and potentially attracting new customers.

Remember, the specific functionalities you choose to add will depend on your unique business needs and target audience.

Set Up the Key eCommerce Pages

Beyond the core functionalities, you need to add a few key pages that act as essential touchpoints for your customers. Crafting these pages with clear information and engaging content is crucial for building trust and driving conversions.

Here’s a breakdown of the key eCommerce pages you should set up:

• Homepage: The shop window of your store, showcasing featured products, promotions, and CTAs.
• Product Pages: Dedicated pages for each product with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and variations (size, color, etc.).
• Category and Subcategory Pages: Organized product listings with filters for easy navigation.
• Shopping Cart Page: Displays chosen products, quantities, and running totals for review before checkout.
• Checkout Page: Secure and streamlined checkout process with secure payment options and shipping information.
• About Us: Tells your brand story and helps customers connect with your business.
• Contact Us: Provides multiple channels (email, form, phone) for customers to reach you.
• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Addresses common customer inquiries about products, ordering, shipping, and returns.
• Returns and Refunds Policy: Clearly outlines your return and refund policy for transparency.
• Terms and Conditions: A legal document outlining the terms governing website use and online transactions.
• Blog: Provides valuable content, attracts visitors, and establishes brand expertise.
• My Account: Allows registered users to track past orders and manage account information.
• Wishlist: Enables users to save products for later purchase or share with others.
• Track Order: Allows customers to track the status of their orders with estimated delivery dates.

These pages will help provide a clear and informative online shopping experience for your customers, increasing trust and boosting your chances of conversion.

Optimize the eStore for Search Engines

Optimizing your eStore for Search Engines (SEO) involves making your website more visible in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords.

Here’s a breakdown of key strategies to optimize your eStore for search engines:

• Identify Relevant Keywords: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential customers are using to search for products like yours. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can be helpful for this. Target a mix of high-volume and long-tail keywords for optimal reach and conversion rates.
• Keyword Integration: Once you’ve identified relevant keywords, strategically integrate them throughout your website content. Include them in product titles, descriptions, category URLs, meta descriptions, and even strategically within your website copy. However, prioritize natural language and user experience over keyword density.
• Product Page Optimization: Optimize each product page for its target keywords. Include relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, image alt tags, and product categories.
• High-quality Content: Create informative and engaging content that incorporates relevant keywords. This could include product descriptions, blog posts, buying guides, or informative articles related to your niche.
• Meta Descriptions and Title Tags: Write clear and concise meta descriptions and title tags for each page, including relevant keywords. These are snippets displayed in search results and can influence click-through rates (CTR).
• Website Structure and Navigation: Ensure your website has a clear and logical structure with easy-to-navigate menus and categories. This helps search engines understand your website’s content and improves user experience.
• Mobile-friendliness: A significant portion of online shopping happens on mobile devices. Make your website mobile-responsive and provides a positive user experience on all devices.
• Website Speed: Search engines prioritize fast-loading websites. Optimize your website for speed by optimizing images, reducing page size, and using a reliable web hosting provider.
• Structured Data Markup: Implement structured data markup to provide search engines with additional information about your products and website content. This can improve the richness of your search results and potentially increase click-through rates.
• Link Building: Acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your niche. Backlinks signal trust and authority to search engines, potentially boosting your website’s ranking.

Remember, SEO is an ongoing process. Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest trends and best practices is crucial.

Implement Security Measure for Your Website

When it comes to eCommerce, security is paramount. You’re entrusted with sensitive customer data like credit card information and personal details. So implement a few key security measures to protect your website, your customers, and your business from cyber threats.

• SSl Encryption: An SSL certificate encrypts data transmission between your website and a user’s browser. This ensures that sensitive information like credit card details and login credentials are protected from eavesdropping by hackers.
• Regular Password Changes: Encourage or require customers to change their passwords periodically. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access in case of a password breach.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification code, typically sent via text message or generated through an authentication app, in addition to the user’s password.
• Partner with Reputable Providers: Integrate a reputable payment gateway provider that adheres to industry security standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). These providers have robust security measures in place to safeguard sensitive financial data.
• Avoid Storing Credit Card Information: Do not store customer credit card information on your own servers. Payment gateways handle secure payment processing, eliminating the risk of this sensitive data being compromised if your website is breached.
• Secure Backup Storage: Store your backups securely, ideally off-site, to ensure they are not compromised in case of a cyberattack on your primary server.

Remember, security is an ongoing process, so staying informed about evolving threats and adapting your security measures accordingly is crucial.

Set Up Checkout & Payment Processing for Your Online Store

The checkout process is the final stage in an eCommerce journey where a customer finalizes their purchase on your online store. It’s essentially the virtual equivalent of going through a cashier line in a physical store.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of a checkout process:

• Shopping Cart Review: This is where the customer sees a summary of the items they have chosen to purchase. It typically includes product images and titles, order quantities, individual and total prices, and any applicable discounts.
• Shipping Information: The customer enters their shipping address, where they want the order delivered.
• Billing Information: The customer enters their billing information, which is used to process the payment. This typically includes name, billing address, email address, phone number, etc.
• Payment Method Selection: The customer chooses their preferred method of payment. Common options include credit card, debit card, digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), COD, etc.
• Order Confirmation: Upon successful payment, the customer receives an order confirmation. This typically includes order confirmation number, order details, estimated delivery date (and/or time), tracking info, etc.

You can ensure better user experience by implementing one-click checkout.

A payment gateway acts as a secure intermediary between your online store and the payment processors (banks, credit card companies). It encrypts customer payment information and transmits it to the processor for authorization.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing and integrating a payment gateway:

• Transaction Fees: Compare the transaction fees charged by different payment gateways. These fees can vary depending on the provider, your industry, and your transaction volume.
• Supported Payment Methods: Ensure the payment gateway supports the payment methods you want to offer to your customers, such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and potentially buy-now-pay-later options.
• Security Features: Choose a payment gateway that adheres to industry security standards like PCI DSS and offers robust security features to protect customer data.
• Ease of Integration: Consider the ease of integration with your eCommerce platform. Many popular eCommerce platforms have pre-built integrations with major payment gateways.

A secure payment gateway fosters trust with your customers and streamlines the buying process.

Set Your Tax and Shipping Settings

Setting your tax and shipping settings is crucial for a smooth customer experience and accurate financial management in your eCommerce store. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider:

Tax Settings

• Determine Taxable Locations: Identify the states, provinces, or countries where you are legally obligated to collect sales tax.
• Tax Rates: Research and apply the appropriate sales tax rates for each taxable location. These rates can vary depending on your location and product categories.
• Tax Based On: Choose whether to calculate tax based on the customer’s billing address or shipping address. This can vary depending on your location’s tax laws. Consult a tax advisor for guidance in specific cases.
• Tax on Shipping Costs: Decide whether to charge sales tax on your shipping costs. This practice varies by jurisdiction.
• Automatic vs. Manual Setup: Many eCommerce platforms offer automatic tax calculations based on your location and customer’s address. Alternatively, you can set tax rates manually for more granular control.

Shipping Settings

• Shipping Zones: Define shipping zones based on geographical locations. This allows you to set different shipping rates for different regions.
• Shipping Methods: Offer a variety of shipping methods at different price points and delivery times. Common options include standard shipping, expedited shipping, and overnight shipping.
• Shipping Costs: Calculate and set appropriate shipping costs based on factors like weight, dimensions, destination, and chosen shipping method. You may consider offering free shipping above a certain order value to incentivize purchases.
• Real-Time Shipping Rates: Consider integrating with shipping carriers to offer real-time shipping quotes during checkout. This allows customers to see different shipping options and costs up front.
• Packaging Options: Factor in the cost of packaging materials when setting shipping rates. You may offer flat-rate shipping for specific product categories or box sizes.
• Returns Policy: Clearly outline your return and exchange policy, including shipping costs associated with returning items.
• Order Tracking: Offer order tracking functionality to allow customers to track the status of their shipments.

You can set up eCommerce fulfillment to take care of shipping and order tracking. Ensure accurate pricing for your customers, minimize order fulfillment issues, and set clear expectations for delivery times. Or you can use a shipping management software after consulting with the experts.

Implement Marketing Strategies

As important it is to create a high-quality website, it is important to market it properly. It will help attract customers and drive sales to your store. Here are the key marketing strategies for your eCommerce website.

• Content Marketing: Create valuable and informative content like blog posts, articles, infographics, how-to guides, or video tutorials related to your products or niche. Share this content on your website, social media platforms, and relevant online communities.
• Search Engine Optimization: Optimize your website to rank higher in SERPs for relevant keywords. Conduct keyword research, integrate targeted keywords throughout your website content, implement technical SEO best practices (clear website structure, mobile-friendliness, fast loading speed).
• Social Media Marketing: Be present on relevant social media platforms where your target audience is active. Integrate social media by sharing engaging content, product updates, promotions, and connecting with your followers. Also, run targeted social media ad campaigns, monitor social media conversations to understand customer sentiment.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send targeted email campaigns with personalized product recommendations, promotions, and abandoned cart reminders. Email marketing will help nurture relationships with potential and existing customers, foster brand loyalty, and encourage repeat purchases.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Run PPC ads on search engines or social media platforms. These ads appear when users search for relevant keywords, driving targeted traffic to your website.

You can also run affiliate marketing with other websites and influencers for better reach. The best marketing strategy will depend on your niche, target audience, and budget.

Monitor the Website with Analytics Tools

Website analytics tools provide valuable insights into how visitors interact with your online store. That allows you to optimize your website, marketing strategies, and ultimately drive sales.

There are various website analytics tools available, with free and paid options. Some common ones include Google Analytics, Hotjar, Crazy Egg, etc.

Here are the key metrics to consider when using analytics after launching your website.

• Traffic Sources: Identify where your website traffic is coming from (search engines, social media, direct visits, etc.). This helps you understand which marketing channels are most effective.
• Website Traffic: Monitor overall website traffic, including unique visitors, pageviews, and session duration. This helps you gauge website popularity and user engagement.
• User Demographics: Analyze visitor demographics like location, age, gender, and device used. This helps you understand your target audience better.
• User Behavior: Track how visitors navigate your website, what pages they visit, and where they drop off. This helps you identify potential website usability issues and optimize the user experience.
• Conversion Rates: Monitor your conversion rates for defined goals (e.g., purchase completion rate, email signup rate). This helps you measure the effectiveness of your website in driving desired actions.
• Product Performance: If your eCommerce platform integrates with your analytics tool, you can track product performance metrics like product views, add-to-cart rates, and purchase rates for individual products.

Use A/B testing to compare different versions of website elements (e.g., product page layouts, call-to-action buttons) and see which ones perform better.

Remember, website analytics is an ongoing process. As you gather more data and experiment with different strategies, you can continuously refine your website and marketing strategies.If you need help with developing and marketing your eCommerce website, you can consult with our eCommerce development company. Our experts will analyze your requirements and create a suitable checklist for the project.

---

FAQs on eCommerce Development Checklist

---

Conclusion

An eCommerce development checklist ensures the successful planning, design, development, and launch of an eCommerce website. It covers various aspects such as goal setting, platform selection, design, functionality, security, marketing, and legal compliance.

The key elements of an eCommerce development checklist include:

• Design and UX
• Product management
• Shopping cart and checkout
• Shipping and delivery
• Security
• SEO and marketing
• Analytics and reporting

If you need help with creating the best eCommerce website, consult with our experts today!