الفرق بين تصميم متجر إلكتروني وإنشاء متجر إلكتروني

Sahl Thursday,06 Mar 2025

In the world of e-commerce, you may often hear two basic terms: online store design and online store creation. Some people think that they are the same thing, but the truth is that there is a big difference between the two processes. If you are planning to enter the e-market in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to understand the difference between store design and creation, because each one requires different skills and tools.
In this blog, we will detail the differences between the two processes, and what you need to build a successful online store that suits your target audience.
1. What is online store creation?
Creating an online store is the first and basic step in building your online store. This process includes the technical and technological aspects that ensure that the store is fully functional, such as:
Choosing an online store platform: such as "Sahl", "Zed", "Shopify", "WooCommerce", or dedicated platforms.
Setting up hosting and domain name: to ensure that your store is available online.
Programming and developing the store: either using ready-made platforms or through custom programming according to your needs.
Linking electronic payment gateways: to provide secure payment methods such as Mada, Visa, MasterCard, STC Pay.
Setting up shipping and delivery options: to ensure that orders reach customers easily.
Preparing the store and adding products: so that the store is ready for sale.
In other words, creating an online store is the foundation on which everything else is built later, and it is similar to building the basic structure of a building before decorating it from the inside.
2. What is online store design?
After completing the online store creation, comes the design stage, which focuses on making the store attractive and easy to use. Store design includes the following aspects:
Choosing a visual identity: colors, fonts, and logos that express your brand.
User interface (UI) design: ensuring that the site looks elegant, organized, and easy to browse.
Improving the user experience (UX): making the purchase process smooth and convenient for customers.
Adjusting the design to mobile compatibility: where the store is optimized to work perfectly on smartphones and tablets.
Adding internal search engines: to help customers find products easily.
Improving security and loading speed: to ensure a reliable and fast user experience.
Online store design is similar to the interior decoration of your physical store - it is what makes visitors enjoy the experience and turn into permanent customers.
3. Which one do you need for your online store?
It depends on the stage your project has reached:
If you are starting from scratch and do not have an online store, you need to create the store first, then move on to designing it later.
If you have an online store but it does not attract customers or suffers from weak interaction, designing the store may be what you need to improve performance and increase sales.
In some cases, you may need to completely redesign your store, especially if you are using old designs that do not match the developments in the Saudi market.
4. How do you choose the best way to create and design your store?
There are two main ways to create and design an online store:
A. Relying on ready-made platforms
If you are looking for a quick and easy solution, you can use e-commerce platforms such as:
• Sahl: A Saudi platform that provides you with integrated solutions to create a professional online store.
• Zid: An excellent option for small and medium-sized stores in Saudi Arabia.
• ​​Shopify: A global platform that supports local and international payment methods.
Suitable for small business owners who want to create an online store quickly and without programming complications.
B. Custom Design and Development
If you want a unique and distinctive online store, you can contract with a specialized programming company or independent web developers to create and design the store from scratch according to your needs.
Suitable for large companies and stores that need special features that are not available in ready-made platforms.
5. The importance of combining creation and design in the success of your online store
Success in e-commerce does not only depend on creating the store, but also on designing it professionally. Here's how each of them affects your sales growth:
Creating a strong online store ensures that your store runs smoothly and is free of technical problems.
Designing a professional store makes the customer experience better, which leads to increased conversion rates and sales.
If you want to succeed in the Saudi market, do not neglect either of these aspects, because they work together to get the most out of your online store.
Whether you are in the process of creating a new online store or want to improve the design of your current store, understanding the difference between the two processes will help you make the right decision. Creating an online store is the first step that ensures its technical operation, while designing the store is what makes customers enjoy shopping and come back to buy again.
Thinking of launching your own online store? Share your questions and experience in the comments!