Creating stores
online
Creating stores
Creating online stores is our core service. Every e-commerce implementation is the centerpiece of our work, and Shopify, as an e-commerce platform, is the online store engine upon which all our projects are based.
Each e-store is different (very often the main division is B2C and B2B stores), so the implementation plan and creation of online stores look different, but based on dozens of projects, we know how to conduct the work to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The store construction process
online
The process of building an online store consists of several key stages and varies depending on, among other things, whether another e-commerce platform is currently powering the store and we are talking about a migration, or whether the project is a 'clean slate' and the whole thing is a completely new e-store.
01
Pre-implementation analysis
When it comes to creating online stores, pre-implementation analysis is the first, focal point of the project. Its primary goal is to define business goals and identify the store's functionality. This pre-implementation analysis (often conducted in the form of workshops) allows for a better understanding of the project's assumptions and provides space for breaking down all the goals for the new store engine.
Pre-implementation analysis allows for planning the work and developing a checklist for the entire implementation, which is crucial when creating online stores. This checklist, which is verified at later stages of the project, ensures that each element required for implementation is included in the project work plan.
02
System configuration
Store configuration is the next step in the step-by-step process of creating a store, during which specialists handle all technical elements of the store from the inside. Each configuration differs depending on the store's functionalities and, among other things, the market in which the project will be implemented. Store configuration differs between B2C and B2B stores. This stage includes activities related to payments, shipping, applications, pricing and discount policies, category trees, and subcategories.
03
Integrations
Creating online stores also relies on connecting the e-commerce platform with other systems through integration. An e-commerce platform is one thing, but alongside it may be a range of tools designed to optimize processes, such as PIM, ERP, and CRM. Integrations can also include marketing automation systems, for example. Connecting to Google Analytics, Google Merchant Center, and Meta are also considered e-commerce integrations.
04
Designing an online store
Defining business goals during the first stage of the project, which is the pre-implementation analysis, also allows us to answer the question of whether the creation of online stores should be based on one of the ready-made templates, where we create a store tailored to the needs within the functionalities offered by the template creator, or whether it should be a tailor-made store.
A store tailored to your needs, based on a template from the Shopify Theme Store, is a solution for e-entrepreneurs who want a slightly shorter implementation process and for whom the functionalities offered within individual ready-made templates will be sufficient.
Designing an online store, when a custom-made store is included in the implementation, consists of graphical intelligence, competitor verification and benchmarking, and designing mockups and layouts. The online store is designed using Figma. This choice is no accident – Figma is one of the best design systems and is highly regarded by both UX/UI designers and developers.
05
Programming work
Programming work is a stage that can look like this in two ways:
- if the implementation is based on a store tailored to the needs (based on a template), the programming work is based on the styling of the application and modifications of individual elements of the template in accordance with the requirements
- if the implementation is a tailor-made store, the programming work concerns the implementation of the designed layouts in accordance with the views in Figma
Building an online store here is based on Liquid Shopify. The implementation team is led by a development team leader, who is responsible for verifying development progress, ensuring code quality, and conducting code reviews.
06
Data migration
Data migration is the next step in creating online stores. When a project involves transitioning from one engine to another, data migration is a key element of the entire e-commerce implementation process. Data migration includes, among other things, the product database, information pages, content pages/blog posts, customer database, and purchase history.
07
SEO Migration
Data migration is one of the key components of a Shopify migration project, and SEO migration is one of the most important parts of this stage. The SEO migration aims to ensure that the store's Google rankings are not affected during the engine change. It's crucial to develop a 301 redirect map and plan the entire project to ensure the SEO migration occurs at the appropriate time during the implementation. Building an online store without considering SEO is a very serious mistake when it comes to online store development.
08
Tests
Creating an online store step by step also means that many elements will require verification and testing. Testing involves verifying the correct operation of the template, application, integration, and the entire purchasing process. Testing is performed in several different ways: manual testing using physical devices, browser-based testing, and testing using BrowserStack. Our e-commerce specialists, in the case of testing, are QA Specialists/Software Testers, are responsible for ensuring that all elements have been verified and the e-commerce platform is ready to accept and process orders before the online store goes live.
The Project Manager plays a crucial role when it comes to creating online stores. One of the most important things to emphasize is that the person leading the entire project must have in-depth knowledge of Shopify. This is what ensures our projects are on time, high-quality, and meet budget and functional objectives.
What functions should a modern one have?
e-commerce store?
To answer the question of what features a modern e-commerce store should have, it's worth remembering that much depends on the functionalities provided by individual sales platforms. If the e-commerce platform on which the online store is built is Shopify, we can be sure that the most popular solutions in the e-commerce industry will be provided.
So what features should a modern e-commerce store have? A modern online store primarily involves:
01
responsive design
02
page loading speed
03
reliable and verified opinions about products
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top-notch customer service using live chat and a contact form
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intuitive returns mechanism at the store level
A modern online store should also include intuitive navigation, extensive filtering (if the specificity of the products allows it) and an intelligent search engine with an auto-complete function and correction of incorrectly entered keywords.
Our projects
Every e-commerce implementation is different, but as e-commerce specialists, we treat online store development as a process influenced by many factors. Our clients' feedback on Shopify shows that other sales platforms their e-stores previously relied on, among other things, hindered development, hindered growth, lacked scalability, prevented extensive visual customization, operated too slowly, required constant technical support, were not 100% efficient during sales peaks, and prevented international expansion.
Our projects in the field of creating online stores (a few selected):
Frequently asked questions about creating online stores at Noto Agency
How do we help you choose the right e-commerce platform for your business model?
We specialize in Shopify and Shopify Plus store implementations, so our main task is to verify if this platform will be suitable for the client. We analyze needs, challenges, and if the project involves migration from another system - the difficulties faced by the store owner. Based on all this information, we indicate whether Shopify will be a good solution and what our recommendation is regarding the Shopify plan and applications.
How do we design e-commerce architecture for sales scaling?
Shopify and Shopify Plus offer extensive capabilities, and scaling sales with them is inherently embedded in the DNA of this eCommerce engine. Therefore, when designing the architecture of an online store, we pay attention to elements such as: choosing the right Shopify plan; the approach to design and the scope of custom elements (including apps from the Shopify App Store and dedicated ones); integrations with external systems that can support business processes; automation using Shopify Flow;
automation around the product database (e.g., availability alerts, automatic addition to collections, assigning metafields); scaling in terms of international sales through the configuration and adaptation of Shopify Markets.
These are, of course, only some of the elements we consider when implementing an online store in the context of sales scaling. All of this is discussed during workshop and status meetings.
What system integrations do we implement in e-commerce projects?
When it comes to system integrations in e-commerce projects, we are responsible for configuring payments, deliveries, and connecting to Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Tag Manager. We also connect with Meta. System integrations can also include the configuration of key applications from the Shopify App Store, which are responsible for, among other things, handling cookies and Omnibus.
How do we prepare online stores for SEO and marketing?
There are several elements we focus on regarding SEO and marketing.
For SEO, these include:
- URL structure (especially when discussing migration to Shopify, not a fresh implementation)
- logical category structure in line with good SEO+UX practices
- implementation of breadcrumbs
- adding unique content (product descriptions, category descriptions + brand content + FAQ) + internal linking
- implementation of meta tags, meta descriptions
- optimization of loading speed (which also impacts SEO)
- optimization of headings
For marketing, these include:
- first and foremost, implementation of Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console (also important for SEO), Meta Pixel
- adding applications responsible for marketing automation, social proof, up-selling and cross-selling
- activation of a section for newsletter sign-up (email and/or phone number)
For marketing, we adapt solutions to the client's needs and their marketing strategy within paid campaigns and social media.
How do we prepare online stores for SEO and marketing?
There are several elements we focus on regarding SEO and marketing.
For SEO, these include:
- URL structure (especially when discussing migration to Shopify, not a fresh implementation)
- logical category structure compliant with good SEO+UX practices
- implementation of breadcrumbs
- addition of unique content (product descriptions, category descriptions + brand content + FAQ) + internal linking
- implementation of meta tags, meta descriptions
- loading speed optimization (which also affects SEO)
- header optimization
For marketing, these include:
- primarily, implementation of Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console (also important for SEO), Meta Pixel
- adding applications responsible for marketing automation, social proof, up-selling and cross-selling
- activation of newsletter signup sections (email and/or phone number)
For marketing, we adapt solutions to the client's needs and their marketing strategy for paid campaigns and social media.
How do we design e-commerce stores for high conversion?
It is very important to consider high conversion rates in the future during the store implementation process. Therefore, in addition to integrating with analytical accounts (which are crucial for measuring conversion and traffic sources, although the reports section within Shopify is also very helpful in this regard), we remember to include elements such as: marketing automation, email, and SMS marketing applications; lead generation through collecting a contact database within the store; integrating the store with social media accounts; abandoned cart mechanisms; and implementing product reviews as a form of social proof.
What's it like working with the client's team during e-commerce implementation?
During the implementation of the store, we maintain email and phone contact with the client, but online status meetings are a key element of the project. During these meetings, we analyze the implementation checklist and discuss work progress so that the client and their team are up to date on the entire project, completed tasks, elements that are on their side and ours during implementation, and those that are yet to come.
How do we support the development of an online store after its launch?
After launching a store with most of our clients, as a Shopify agency, we work on a development agreement basis, where the scope of work always depends on the client's individual needs – there may be months with minimal needs, and there may be months where our support will be required to a greater extent. We also encourage our clients to have regular meetings where we discuss new features in Shopify and the opportunities they offer.
In which industries do we have experience with e-commerce implementations?
We have implemented stores in, among others, the following industries:
- apparel
- cosmetics
- home furnishings
- jewelry products
- gastronomy
- pet care
- healthcare
- construction equipment
- baby products
What factors influence the cost of creating an online store?
A key factor influencing the cost of creating an online store is the design approach. You can either use a ready-made template from the Shopify Theme Store or design the views from scratch and then implement them programmatically element by element – a apt comparison is to the construction industry: either we move into a ready-made apartment and customize it with accessories, or we go to an architect and create an apartment strictly for ourselves, starting from the design.
The implementation cost is also influenced by such elements as: the number of language versions, the scope of functionalities (the more there are, the more work is required for configuration and customization), and integrations with external systems.
Are you interested in implementing a Shopify store?
We're happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please contact us.
