A properly selected Content Management System (CMS) is the key to a successful start. It is better to spend a few minutes studying at the very beginning than to spend months remaking. Now let’s look at step-by-step instructions on how to create an online store from scratch for free. The functionality of the store largely depends on the capabilities of the CMS.
In fact, this is a site management system, as well as sets of working templates. The Content Management System (CMS) service allows each user to register or log in to a personal account with a set of basic tools that they can use to create. Delete and edit pages, expand the catalog, publish content, add a feedback form. Set up a shopping cart, social network buttons, collect orders, quickly work with the database, a single database with your CRM, etc. Ecommerce web design agency can do all of this.
Simple Content Management System (CMS)
A primitive store can be created on a free, simple CMS service, also choosing inexpensive hosting. There is also an option of templates, when a ready-made template is taken and adjusted for you. But keep in mind that if your trade starts to flourish, there will be many orders and development. There may be problems with the functionality of the resource in the form of. Slow loading of pages, which entails the departure of the visitor from the site.
Therefore the loss of orders, the inability to organize normal sorting. Restrictions on the creation of the number of pages and filling them with content. The inability to customize feedback forms, all this affects the quality of your service. If you expect long-term, productive work of the online store. It is better to immediately use the service from ecommerce web design agency.
Okay CMS Lite
There are two versions of the Content Management System (CMS) designer. You can get by with a free one – for beginners, the free service is more than enough, the paid one is for advanced users. The tools of the paid version of the CMS will make your online store as complete as possible due to extended rights (different CMS cost differently). In the free version, you can integrate customizable payment and delivery methods. Indicate the cost of goods in different currencies, use import / export of goods from the database.
Joomla Content Management System (CMS)
This system is one of the most popular CMS, attracts with excellent functionality. Bright design, frequent updates, good service, adaptive menu. To create an online store, you first need to install a special plugin. The administrative panel is quite complex. Advanced users recommend this CMS. It will be difficult for a beginner to understand it, to fully learn the system will take at least 10 days, or even a month, depending on the time spent.
Drupal Content Management System (CMS)
The system is free, but contains quite a wide functionality. Various options are available that will help to create a convenient, practical site. The only downside of this CMS is that you need to figure it out for a long time. Or you can hire ecommerce web design agency.
1C Bitrix
A very convenient and functional CMS. It is paid, but is suitable for managing and creating large complex projects with 1000+ products with various rules for applying discounts. It is possible to later implement synchronization of the site with other applications on 1C. Perfectly integrated with Yandex services (Yandex.Market, Yandex Turbo Pages, Yandex.Money, etc.). Endless options for customizing feedback forms, accounting for balances, an optimally configured file structure, and much more. The basic functionality includes everything you need to open and start working with small online stores. Basic technical support is provided.
If you have made up your mind and decided to open a personal store, you can go three ways. Hence, the first is to do everything yourself. Due to, you will need to spend a lot of time, effort, and money too. For example, it is not a fact that your attempts to create an online store will be successful. Lack of experience and the necessary knowledge often affect the quality of the result. Instead, the second solution is to choose and contact a freelancer directly.
However, keep in mind that you will have to pay separately for both creation and many additional services. Separate invoices are issued for any modifications and improvements. Which often leads to a situation where the final amount of investment is unjustified. In fact, the third option is a web studio. Such agencies employ qualified specialists, the team of developers will do the entire volume of work exactly on time, and the transfer of the finished site will be without delays. The main thing is that there is a clear interface and the client is interested in your site.