How long does it take to create a complete online store?

Sahl Sunday,22 Dec 2024

In Saudi Arabia, opening an online store is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to take advantage of the rapid growth in the e-commerce market. But how long does it take to get started? The answer is not uniform, as it depends on the tools you choose, your readiness, and the size of your project. Here we will take you on a detailed journey to open an online store, specifying the time period for each step.
1. Planning and setting goals (1-3 days):
The first step is to define a clear vision for your store.
• What products or services will you offer?
• Who is your target audience?
• What is your budget?
For example: If you are targeting the Saudi market, you may choose to offer local products that enhance Saudi heritage or meet daily needs. Good documentation of the business plan shortens implementation time and clarifies the course of action.
2. Choosing the right platform (2-4 days):
Choosing an e-commerce platform is one of the most important decisions.
• Ready-made platforms: Shopify and WooCommerce for quick and easy design.
• Customized solutions: Saudi companies provide e-store building services that suit the local market, such as designing interfaces compatible with the Arabic language and local payment options such as Mada.
This choice directly affects the speed of implementation and flexibility in managing the store.

3. Designing the online store (5-10 days):
The design phase includes:
• Choosing a template: Choose a design that reflects your brand identity and is easy to browse.
• Adding products: Make sure to write an accurate and attractive description of the products with high-quality images.
• Preparing the user interface: Make sure that the customer experience is smooth and simple.
Excessive customization may increase the time, so it is recommended to start with a simple design and then develop it later.
4. Technical settings (3-5 days):
To ensure a smooth user experience, you need to adjust:
• Payment methods: Make sure to activate secure and fast payment gateways.
• Shipping: Choose shipping options that suit your customers' needs, such as domestic shipping in Saudi Arabia via companies such as Aramex or SMSA.
• Technical compatibility: Make sure that your store works smoothly on all devices, including mobile phones.
5. Comprehensive store testing (3-4 days):
Test all store functions before launching:
• Is the process of adding products to the cart working?
• Are the payment gateways working smoothly?
• Can customers navigate the store easily?

Catching errors early saves you future problems that could affect your store’s reputation.

6. Launch and Marketing (3-5 days):

Once you’ve confirmed that your store is ready, launch it gradually with a clear marketing plan.

• Start promoting on social media.

• Use email marketing to notify your audience.

• Make sure your store is optimized for search engines (SEO) to increase its visibility.

Total duration:
Opening a simple online store can take anywhere from one to two weeks. More complex projects, such as those requiring custom designs or advanced integrations, may take 4-6 weeks.

Creating a successful online store requires careful planning and execution, but it’s not difficult. With clear steps and the right management tools, you can quickly launch in the Saudi market, taking advantage of the rapid growth in this promising field.