E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the selling and purchasing of goods or services online. In website building, e-commerce means building an online platform where companies can display products, track inventory, accept payments, and provide an easy online shopping experience. Different ecommerce business models, like B2B and B2C, determine how businesses connect with their customers and structure their operations.

A well-designed e-commerce website not only attracts customers but also keeps them coming back with smooth navigation, secure transactions, and mobile-friendly design.

Ecommerce business website features

An ecommerce website combines a number of essential elements to produce an efficient and user-friendly shopping experience, whether you're operating a business-to-business site or direct-to-consumer shop:

• Product listings: Pages that display product details like descriptions, images, prices, and availability.
• Shopping cart: A functionality that allows customers to add several items they want to purchase and view them prior to checkout.
• Payment gateway: A secure system for processing online payments via credit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers.
• Order management: Tools to track orders, manage shipping, and handle returns or exchanges.
• Security measures: SSL certificates and data encryption to protect customer information and payment details.

By combining these features, an e-commerce business website makes it simple for businesses to sell their products and for customers to shop online from the comfort of their homes.

Examples of online store websites

Some of the popular e-commerce store sites are the following:

• Amazon: An international giant famous for offering a huge selection of products and quick shipping.
• Etsy: An online marketplace and a consumer-to-consumer platform for unique, handmade, and vintage items sold by independent creators.
• Shopify stores: Businesses of all sizes use Shopify to set up sleek, professional online shops.

These platforms show how important design, ease of use, and secure payment systems are for building a successful ecommerce store website. They also highlight how embracing ecommerce trends, like mobile-first design and flexible payment processing systems, can drive customer loyalty and online sales.

How to build an e-commerce website

Building a digital commerce site involves more than adding products — it's about creating a site that represents your brand and provides an excellent shopping experience. Whether you're a small company or a large online retailer, the right tools and marketing strategies make all the difference.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Select a domain name: Select a memorable and brand-friendly web address for your store.
2. Select a website builder: Use a platform like B12 that simplifies the website creation process.
3. Design your store: Make sure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for mobile devices.
4. Add product pages: Add good-quality images, proper descriptions, and correct prices for all products.
5. Set up secure payments: Integrate a trusted payment gateway to ensure safe and smooth transactions.
6. Optimize for SEO: Use relevant keywords like “e-commerce” throughout your site so customers can find you easily through search engines.

Best practices for e-commerce

Following best practices can help you run a successful e-commerce store:

• Optimize for mobile – Ensure your store is mobile-friendly to reach a wider audience.
• Provide excellent customer service – Offer responsive and helpful customer support.
• Use high-quality images – Display clear and attractive product images.
• Implement SEO strategies – Optimize your store for search engines to increase visibility.
• Analyze data – Use analytics tools to track performance and make data-driven decisions.

FAQs about e-commerce

What is an e-commerce website?

An e-commerce site is a web page where companies offer products or services for sale to consumers directly. It allows consumers to browse through products, put them in a cart, and make online purchases via a safe checkout process. A good mobile commerce website assists companies in reaching more customers, reducing overheads, and giving customers the option of shopping anytime, anywhere.

How much does it cost to build an e-commerce website?

The cost can vary depending on the platform, design, and features you choose. With a website builder like B12, you can reduce costs but still achieve a professional outcome.

What makes an e-commerce site successful?

A successful e-commerce website is easily navigable, visually attractive, and mobile responsive, provides safe and hassle-free online transactions, is fast in terms of loading times, and conveys product information easily.

Do I need technical skills to build an e-commerce website?

Not at all! Website builders like B12 handle the technical side for you. You just need to focus on your products and content.

How do I start an e-commerce store?

To start an e-commerce store, choose a platform, design your store, add products, set up payment and shipping, and launch and promote your store.

How can an e-commerce website help grow my business?

An e-commerce website helps grow your business by expanding your reach beyond local customers and making your products or services available 24/7. It allows you to attract a wider audience, offer a convenient shopping experience, and showcase your brand professionally. With features like online payments, customer reviews, and personalized marketing, an e-commerce site can boost online retail sales, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline your business operations.

Build your online business with B12

Ready to take your online business to the next level? B12 offers an all-in-one solution to help you effortlessly create a professional, trustworthy online presence. With features like AI-powered website creation, invoicing, scheduling, and email marketing, B12 simplifies your business operations so you can focus on growth. Transform your online business with B12 today!