To develop an e-commerce website in 2025, you need to: (1) choose a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce, (2) secure a domain and hosting, (3) design your store, (4) set up payments, (5) configure shipping and taxes, and (6) launch and optimize.
Building an online store may feel overwhelming, but the right process makes it manageable. E-commerce sales are projected to hit $6.3 trillion globally in 2025 (Statista), so having a professional store is more important than ever.
Step 1: Choose Your E-Commerce Platform
Your platform decides how flexible your store will be:
- Shopify – Polished, beginner-friendly, includes hosting.
- WooCommerce – Free plugin for WordPress, highly customizable .
- Wix/Squarespace – Easy for small stores, limited long-term.
- BigCommerce – Scalable option for larger catalogs.
Choose based on budget, features, and long-term growth goals. If unsure, you can always request a free consultation with our team to find the best option for your business.
Step 2: Get a Domain and Hosting
- Domain → your web address (e.g., coolcandles.com). Buy via Namecheap or GoDaddy.
- Hosting → needed if using WooCommerce. Providers: Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger.
- Shopify and Wix include hosting by default.
Step 3: Design Your Store
Focus on user experience and conversions:
- Choose a modern, responsive theme (Shopify Themes, ThemeForest).
- Use high-quality product photos (natural light works best).
- Write clear product descriptions (features + benefits).
- Keep navigation simple: Home, Shop, About, Contact.
- Test on mobile — over 60% of online sales now happen on mobile devices (Oberlo).
Need inspiration? Explore our portfolio to see how we’ve built fast, conversion-focused e-commerce stores for clients across industries.
Step 4: Set Up Payments
A frictionless checkout = higher conversion rates. Popular options:
- Stripe – Global, secure, supports subscriptions.
- PayPal – Widely trusted worldwide.
- Razorpay – Great for India.
- Shopify Payments – Native for Shopify stores.
Test your checkout before launch — cart abandonment averages 70% (Baymard Institute).
Step 5: Configure Shipping, Taxes, and Policies
- Shipping: Define zones and costs (flat rate, free over $X, real-time rates).
- Taxes: Use your platform’s tax settings or plugins to automate based on region.
- Policies: Add return, refund, and privacy policies for compliance and trust.
Step 6: Launch and Optimize
Don’t wait for perfection. Go live once payments, products, and shipping are functional.
Post-launch:
- Connect Google Analytics & Search Console.
- Create Instagram, Facebook, TikTok shop integrations.
- Start an email list (Mailchimp, Klaviyo).
- Run small test ads (Google, Meta).
- Collect reviews & feedback.
For ongoing success, you may want expert support — Reliqus specializes in building and optimizing E-Commerce Websites that convert.
FAQs About E-Commerce Website Development
Q1. How much does it cost to develop an e-commerce website?
A small Shopify store may start at $500–$1,500, while a custom WooCommerce site with advanced features can cost $3,000–$10,000+.
Q2. Which is better: Shopify or WooCommerce?
- Shopify = easier setup, hosting included, less flexible.
- WooCommerce = flexible, cheaper long-term, requires hosting.
Q3. How long does it take to build an e-commerce website?
- Basic store = 1–2 weeks.
- Customized store with integrations = 4–6 weeks.
Q4. Do I need coding skills to build an e-commerce site?
No. Platforms like Shopify and Wix are no-code. WooCommerce and custom builds may need developer support.
Final Thoughts
Building an e-commerce website in 2025 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By breaking it into six clear steps, you can launch faster and focus on selling.
At Reliqus Consulting, we design and build clean, fast, SEO-friendly e-commerce stores that convert visitors into customers.