Many platforms exist within the e-commerce industry, but if you aim to create a comprehensive online store quickly and efficiently, OpenCart stands out as a top choice. This PHP-based online store management system enjoys widespread popularity among online retailers.
I’ve put together this extensive guide for individuals who are new to OpenCart or wish to delve deeper into the platform’s intricacies. This guide serves as the initial installment in our series. In the upcoming blog posts, this series will demonstrate how to manually install OpenCart and become acquainted with it in just 10 minutes.
OpenCart- A Brief Introduction
OpenCart holds a prominent position in the e-commerce industry, thanks to the commendable efforts of developers who have transformed it into a dependable and robust platform for online stores. This online store management system is coded in the PHP scripting language and utilizes a MySQL database, which is quite standard.
To run OpenCart, you’ll need a compatible e-commerce hosting environment that includes PHP 5.4 or higher, a MySQL database, a minimum of 500MB of available storage space (store size depends on factors like categories, products, and images), and the Apache Server mod_rewrite module.
In addition to these basics, OpenCart also relies on several PHP libraries/modules, such as Curl, ZIP, Zlib, GD Library, Mcrypt, Mbstrings, and XML. It’s crucial to ensure that your hosting provider has these system requirements in place. During the installation process, OpenCart will verify the presence of these requirements, and if any are missing, you should reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.
Essential Steps To Take When Building an E-Commerce Site
Building an online store can be a relatively straightforward process, but to guarantee a successful launch, there are several critical actions you must take. Here are the essential steps for setting up an online store:
Select Your Website Builder
One of the advantages of creating websites nowadays is that companies can launch their own without the need to learn, code, or handle complex edits. A website builder is a program or online tool that empowers users to create and design websites without delving into any of the mentioned technical tasks.
Today, there are website builders tailored for generating e-commerce platforms, equipped with features like payment processing, shipping options, and inventory management. Many of these tools are available for free, enabling individuals to build their websites. However, it’s advisable for businesses to invest in enterprise-level platforms to access and fully utilize every available feature.
Collaborate with a Developer
Hiring a developer is the ideal route if you lack experience in this field. While many e-commerce builders offer the option for users to create a site independently, having an expert by your side ensures that your online store not only functions smoothly but also looks and complies with various online regulations.
Most e-commerce builders provide businesses with the ability to access and hire a developer from their in-house talent pool. This professional will assist clients in establishing the site online and aligning it with the brand’s identity.
Alternatively, you can opt to hire third-party or external developers to handle the aforementioned tasks. In such cases, make sure to equip them with the necessary tools and internal access to set up your online store effectively.
An expert developer can also help you incorporate game-changing features into your e-commerce site, such as address validation. This feature streamlines the checkout process and reduces shipping errors by ensuring the accuracy of customer addresses. Providers like Radar.com offer these tools at a cost that’s a fraction of what other vendors charge. When setting up your online store on platforms like OpenCart, consider all the innovative solutions available to enhance your website’s performance.
Register Your Domain and Select Your Hosting
A domain functions as your website’s online address. To simplify, envision the Internet as a residential neighborhood where each house represents a website, and their addresses are akin to domains, making them accessible and identifiable to visitors. Hosting, on the other hand, is like the land or space in this neighborhood where you construct your “house.” There are numerous hosting services available, with Ubuntu VPS standing out as one of the most popular choices.
Acquiring a domain and hosting is a fundamental step in establishing your online presence. Most e-commerce builders offer both domain registration and hosting services. However, if you prefer obtaining them from external providers, many options are available online. Regardless of your choice, you’ll typically be required to pay a modest annual fee to keep your site live.
Design Your Online Store
Another remarkable aspect of e-commerce builders is the wide variety of themes at your disposal. With numerous options to choose from, you can discover the perfect design that aligns with your branding. These tools often feature a drag-and-drop functionality, enabling users to customize selected templates and incorporate pre-built modules or features into each page.
When designing your e-commerce site, remember not to focus solely on the storefront. Dedicate time to creating other essential pages like “About Us,” “Blogs,” and “FAQs” to enhance your branding and foster better customer relations.
List Your Products
To finalize your e-commerce site, it’s essential to create a comprehensive product catalog that presents your items in an informative and appealing manner. During this process, you’ll need to gather and incorporate various elements to help visitors better understand your products.
Your product listings should feature high-definition photos capturing each item from multiple angles. Product descriptions should include crucial details such as dimensions, weight, and materials. Additionally, provide information on product options like size and color variations, stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers, and pricing.
Furthermore, make sure to indicate the stock quantity for each product. Fortunately, some e-commerce builders offer inventory tracking features that inform users when an item has low or no stock.
Set Up a Payment Gateway and Handle Tax Collection
Selecting the right payment processor is pivotal, as it serves as the financial backbone of your online store. It should offer both security and convenience to instill confidence in online shoppers and encourage them to make purchases on your site. If you plan to cater to a global audience, opt for a payment processor accepted worldwide to broaden your reach.
While many e-commerce builders come with built-in payment processors, don’t limit yourself to these options. Various third-party processors are available, offering straightforward integration and seamless payment processing.
Determine Your Shipping Strategy
Shipping solutions are often included with many e-commerce website builders, providing brands with a range of services, from label printing to delivery. However, if your provider doesn’t offer such services, you’ll need to seek out the right third-party provider for integration into your site. The good news is that with the prevalence of location-based services, such as logistics and delivery, numerous providers are available to support your business.
As you set up your shipping services, take the time to establish various logistics and delivery policies, including those related to refunds and returns. These policies may not be uniform across all e-commerce brands, so consider drawing inspiration from established online stores to determine what works best for your specific needs and your customers’ expectations.
Test and Launch
It’s essential to conduct thorough testing of your e-commerce site before launching it online. Carefully review all buttons and links to ensure they function correctly. Go through your site’s entire purchasing process, from browsing products to making payments – this step is crucial. Most e-commerce builders offer the option for users to test their payment processing without actual card charges. Take advantage of this feature to observe how your site handles orders.
Additionally, it’s important to meticulously review each product listing. Ensure there are no faulty images or typographical errors in the product descriptions. After thorough testing and double-checking everything, your site will be ready for launch.
Set Up Social Media Profiles
After launching your e-commerce site, one of the initial steps you should take is to establish a presence on social media. This is crucial for building brand awareness, promoting your products, and engaging with potential customers.
There is a multitude of social media platforms available for e-commerce sites today. However, not every business needs to be present on each one. Typically, brands join popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to expand their reach and creatively showcase their products.
Launch Your Products into the Digital World
Selling online has never been more vital in today’s highly interconnected world. Following the proper steps outlined above is essential for launching an e-commerce site that effectively represents your brand, operates in line with industry standards, and delivers exceptional services to attract potential customers and earn their trust.
In Conclusion
OpenCart stands out as a leading solution in the eCommerce industry, offering a wide range of features and functionalities. It caters to businesses’ essential requirements, such as flexibility, a user-friendly interface, and a supportive community. OpenCart empowers businesses on their path to eCommerce success. To enhance your online store’s presence even further, considering the integration of comprehensive shipping services can be a game-changing move.
