Setting up an online store doesn't have to be difficult. 7 frequently asked questions and practical solutions.

Setting up an online store doesn't have to be difficult. Nowadays, creating a store doesn't require specialized knowledge, and the most important element is our time and willingness to start a new business.

When we want to learn something new, especially if it involves new technologies, the question arises whether we can handle it? In this article we will show how to answer this and other questions that may arise when setting up an online store.

• How to set up an online store, can I handle it?
• How to install an online store?
• Do I need a domain?
• How long does it take to set up a store?
• What are store updates?
• How to get customers?
• What else do I need to know?

How to set up an online store, can I handle it?

An online store is a program that is usually managed from a web browser. A good store has an intuitive administrative panel and we can manage all the content of the store through it. We don't need programming knowledge or advanced graphic skills.

The best way to check the program is to set up a demo version of the online store. Even logging into the panel, adding a product, placing a test order will allow us to get used to the program. It is also worth having the documentation at hand.

Set up a SOTESHOP online store demo

How to install an online store?

When we start our e-commerce adventure, it is worth choosing a subscription program with a full installation. Thanks to this, we can start working on the store right away, instead of wondering how to install the store on the server.

Example of a subscription version with installation: SOTESHOP Standard

Do I need a domain?

When testing the store, e.g. on the demo version, we do not need a domain. The store address is assigned automatically. However, if we start working on the full version and want to show the result of our work on the Internet, we must have our own domain.

More information about choosing a domain: How to choose a domain for a company, online store

How long does it take to set up a store?

Setting up a store can take a few days or many months. From a technical point of view, the store is launched almost immediately, but a ready store is also data that needs to be entered, which depends on the number of products and other factors.

Two design methods:

• Waterfall - e.g. building a house
• Cycle - e.g. IT projects, online store

The traditional design model looks like a waterfall. We plan each element of the deployment and after each stage we move on to the next. The advantage of this model is that everything is planned in detail. Unfortunately, this model does not cope well with unpredictable situations, especially if it turns out that changes need to be made at an early stage of the project.

Here comes the help of the model that can be visualized as a cycle. We try to launch the prototype of the whole project as soon as possible and then refine it, repeating the successive stages many times. The advantage of this model is much faster implementation and resistance to changes. This model also works well with an online store.

In short - it is worth launching the store as soon as possible, even if we do not use all the features, payments, deliveries, etc. and systematically refine it.

What are store updates?

An online store, like other programs, needs to be updated from time to time. It is worth updating, but you need to know how such updates are made. We will present this on the example of 3 update models:

Fully Automatic

In this model, updates are installed in our program without our confirmation. When a new version or update appears, it immediately appears in our store. The advantage of this solution is that minor changes and fixes immediately appear in the store.

The problem, however, arises when a larger functionality changes at the least expected moment by us or an error appears in the program that will be automatically replicated in all stores, and we just have an important promotion or meeting with an important customer. Windows users know something about it;)

Automatic on Demand

Once again, another model comes to the rescue, which automatically updates the store, but only on our request. Thanks to this, we can easily update the store at a convenient time for us. We have used this solution in the SOTESHOP online store.

Manual

This is a model in which we have to manually update the files on the server. It requires specialized knowledge and is not recommended. If a given program requires such an update, it is better to skip it, because the final update costs may be very high.

How to get customers?

When we have an online store running, even in its basic form, let's start by sharing this news with friends or existing customers, if we have previously run a business, e.g. in a stationary store. The goal of the first stage is to blaze the trail and make sure that everything works as we wanted. This is the time to make changes and improvements.

The next stage is to reach new customers. The fastest option is to use Google or Facebook advertising, but, regardless of the ads, it is worth starting from the very beginning to work on the store's positioning.

Getting customers

• How to increase sales in the store?
• How to get customers in the online store? 7 most important entry channels.

Store positioning:

• What is SEO and Search Engine Optimization?
• Search Engine Optimization of SOTESHOP Online Store. 30 SEO elements.

What else do I need to know?

Many questions arise when setting up an online store and although some elements of the puzzle are common, each project should be approached individually. That is why it is worth having the support of someone who already runs an online store or help from a company providing store software.

We have been designing online stores for over 20 years and we know how important it is for the customer not to feel left alone with questions. Our job is to help find answers to questions, even the most difficult ones, and to help customers every day.

Find out more: How to open an online store and start selling online?

Related pages

• SOTESHOP Online Store
• Implementation Examples