Checklist: Have an online store created
With the right planning and implementation, you can have a successful and user-friendly e-commerce store built that effectively presents your products or services and appeals to customers.
This checklist will guide you through the most important steps to create a professional online store together with a web agency.
Requirements catalog: Define all requirements for your online store
- First clarify all your requirements for the online store independently within the scope of your level of knowledge
- Which functions do you want, which features are a MUST HAVE, which are more practical but not absolutely necessary (NICE TO HAVE)?
Multilingualism and internationalization
- Work with a web agency to plan the implementation of multilingual content to reach a broader target group.
- Take cultural differences and local adaptations into account when designing the store and product presentation.
- Make sure that the national and international shipping options and payment methods work smoothly.
SEO and findability on Google
- Ensure comprehensive SEO optimization in order to be highly visible for relevant search queries on Google.
- Use meaningful meta tags, keywords and optimized product descriptions.
- Implement a sitemap.xml and set up Google Analytics to monitor and optimize the store’s performance.
Integrate payment services
- Offer a variety of secure payment methods that meet customer needs.
- Implement SSL encryption to ensure the security of payment data.
- Test the payment functions thoroughly to ensure a smooth payment process.
Responsive design
- Make sure that the online store is displayed optimally on all devices and screen sizes.
- Test the user experience on different devices to ensure that all functions work properly.
- Optimize loading times and performance for a better user experience.
Accessibility and inclusion
- Take the needs of people with disabilities into account by making the store accessible.
- Use clear fonts, sufficient contrast and alternative texts for images.
- Test the accessibility of the store with appropriate tools and carry out regular checks.
Evaluation of online store technologies
- The right choice of online store technology is certainly crucial for future success.
- Rely on an online store evaluation, check whether the online system suits you and your needs
- Work with a web agency that will go through an evaluation phase with you
- Only then decide on an online store product or technology
Connections/interfaces to accounting systems, ERPs & Co
- As your online store becomes more successful and grows, the administrative workload also increases
- Plan the connection to your existing accounting system or even your existing ERP system at an early stage
- The intelligent choice of a store system in the evaluation phase (beforehand) can significantly influence the subsequent connection effort to other systems in terms of integration effort and costs
Data protection, data security & co
- Clarify with the web agency at an early stage which legal aspects could be relevant when implementing the online store
- Depending on the orientation of your business activities or online stores, not only the revised Data Protection Act, which has been in force since 1.9.2024, may apply, but also other regulations.
In the case of a European one, the EU GDPR must also be taken into account.
In the case of a global market orientation, further data protection legislation comes into play - In addition to complying with applicable data protection laws, you should also ensure that your online store and customer data are protected against cyber attacks and data loss.
- The implementation of security measures such as firewalls, regular security updates and data backups is crucial.
Social Media & Social Commerce
- The integration of social media functions and the use of social commerce platforms such as Instagram Shopping or Facebook Marketplace can help to make your products accessible to a wider audience and increase sales.
Digital marketing strategies for your online store success
- In addition to SEO optimization, it is important to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes various channels such as email marketing, influencer marketing and content marketing to increase the visibility of your store and boost sales.
- The integration of analytics tools such as Google Analytics allows you to track user behavior on your website, measure key metrics and make informed business decisions to continuously optimize your store.
Estimate online store costs & get a quote
- Plan the approximate costs based on a from-to budget
- Obtain a detailed modular quote using the requirements catalog in order to be able to flexibly select or delete functions
- Evaluate independently or together with the web agency which functions should be implemented
- Get detailed advice before you commission an online store project
A pre-concept phase helps to counter uncertainties
- It makes sense to go through a preliminary concept phase first.
This involves deciding whether the online store can be implemented and whether the collaboration with the web agency is suitable for carrying out the implementation. - If the requirements change in the concept phase or if new findings about your project have changed the project, it is best to have the original offer adjusted