E-COM STORE CHECKLIST - YOUR GUIDE FOR 2025

E-commerce has significantly transformed the retail landscape in the past decade. Modern consumers expect the convenience of online shopping portals where they can easily buy products or services anywhere, anytime. 

Your business needs a digital footprint to thrive in today's competitive market, or you risk losing a significant market share.

For small businesses, deciding to go online is only the first step of a long and confusing process. Setting up an e-commerce shop comes with unique challenges, and navigating them is easier said than done. 

This is where services like OrderEm can be a lifesaver, as they can provide you with all the essential tools you need to launch your very own online marketplace. Read on as we list the critical aspects of creating an e-commerce website. You can treat these points as a guide to setting up your e-commerce store in 2025.

Content Management System

The making of the e-commerce store starts with the content management system you select. Think of it as the base on which your entire online shop will be built. So, choosing a feature-rich content management system with options like templates, plug-ins, themes, analytics, etc is essential.

You must be able to easily customize your online store without requiring any prior knowledge of operating complicated CMS systems. This includes adding your company logo and making the site look and feel more like your brand.

Additionally, you must opt for CMS systems with additional analytical features to track important metrics like sales details, inventory analysis, average order value, conversion rate, etc.

Secure Hosting

For any website to operate, it needs a stable host server, and your newly created e-commerce store is no different. Look for hosting providers with reliable uptimes, meaning they can ensure your business website will be up around the clock. You must also consider if the provider can handle heavy online traffic, ensuring your e-commerce store can function during peak hours with fast loading.

The hosting provider must also have the security measures that protect your online store from cyber-attacks and ensure all sensitive customer data is encrypted and safe from the prying eyes of internet data criminals.

Product Catalogue

A successful e-commerce store must be able to showcase your products to the visiting customers. This means providing them with adequate information about your products' features and essential details.

Using the OrderEm software, you get a dedicated product list/menu with product details, types, and categories. You can also use HD pictures for added appeal. This lets your customers easily browse and select the items they want.

You must also look out for proper product cataloging features. These will allow your customers to easily search for desired items and locate them with features like name search, category, and filters based on price, brand, color, size, etc. Product tags can help with this, and you must ensure your e-commerce store has all of these capabilities.

Customer Profile Management

One of the most significant advantages of operating an e-commerce store is that it allows business owners to keep track of their customer user data. This can be done with the help of a customer-specific profile system. New customers can easily register with your store and provide information such as address details, name, email, etc.

With this information, you can track the priority customers and have a loyalty program for your business. You can also mail them personalized offers and discounts on special occasions.

You can use a quick registration, simple login, different ways to access your profile, and employ features like two-factor authentication for added security.

Shopping Cart

Your online store must have a dedicated shopping cart feature. It is handy for customers and allows them to add and remove items from their purchase list. You can even add a wishlist feature with a shopping cart, where customers can select items they want to buy soon.

From the business owner's point of view, the shopping cart and wishlist features hold immense potential. They can provide essential data on your store's popular items.

For example, if you find an item being added to the cart by an overwhelming number of your customers, it is in high demand, and you should always keep it in stock. Similarly, if a particular item has been wishlisted frequently, you must either restock the item or give discounts to encourage your customers to make the purchase.

Checkout Process

The checkout or billing page is one of the most essential parts of an e-commerce website. Your online store's conversion rate depends on how accessible and straightforward it is. You must opt for a checkout page that provides customers with multiple delivery options, like express or standard. 

You can even offer free delivery for orders beyond a specific number. The payment process must be secure with various methods like credit/debit card, UPI, and cash on delivery.

You can use OrderEm services and offer your customers pick-up options like shipping, curbside pickup, delivery, catering, takeout, drive-thru, in-room, and in-seat delivery, based on your business type. It lets you add your business account details and receive funds via Clover, Square, or Stripe.

Customer Support

One of the biggest challenges e-commerce store owners face is gaining customers' trust. This is due to the online nature of such businesses. It is paramount to make your customers feel that you are a few clicks away if they need you. This can only be done with a dedicated customer support system.  

This e-commerce checklist is complete, and we will give you a few tips to make your online store customer-friendly. Make sure to have a comprehensive FAQ section where all the common questions about your store and product are answered in detail. Additionally, you must provide chatbots so that customers can get quick answers to any query.

For more critical discrepancies related to product delivery, order details, and refund policy, you must have a significant customer support staff who are well-trained and available 24/7. You should be able to converse with customers in multiple languages and respond to their queries swiftly.

Conclusion

To sum it up, setting up a successful e-commerce store in 2025 involves a careful blend of technology, strategy, and customer focus. By following this checklist and leveraging tools like OrderEm, you can create a seamless online shopping experience that attracts and retains customers for a long time. 

Remember, a well-designed e-commerce store is not just a digital storefront; it's a platform to build lasting relationships with your customers.