Smart tips to reduce the cost of designing an online store without compromising on quality

Sahl Thursday,17 Apr 2025

Nowadays, owning an online store has become a necessary step for any business, whether small or large. However, many business owners are hesitant due to design and programming costs. A common question is: "How can I design an excellent online store without incurring high costs?"
The gist? There are many ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality of the store. In this blog, we've gathered the most important smart tips to help you cut costs and build a successful and distinctive store, especially in the highly competitive Saudi market.
1. Define your store's goals from the start
Before you begin, ask yourself: What is the goal of the store? Do you want to sell ready-made products? Services? Digital? The clearer you are from the start, the less modifications and additional costs you'll have later. Setting goals saves time, effort, and money.
2. Use ready-made platforms if your budget is limited
You don't have to start from scratch! Many successful stores in Saudi Arabia started using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. These platforms offer a ready-made, easy-to-install design at a much lower price than custom programming.

3. Choose a simple but practical design.
Not every store needs a lavish and complex design. Sometimes, a simple and organized design achieves better results and saves you a lot of costs. Don't distract yourself with unnecessary details... Focus on the customer experience and ease of navigation.
4. Request a clear and detailed quote from the start.
One of the most common mistakes is when a client requests a design without knowing what the quote includes. Make sure everything is written in the contract: the number of pages, store features, the number of modifications, the support period... to avoid any surprises.
5. Contact local companies that offer packages that suit the market.
Local programming companies in Saudi Arabia, such as Sahl, offer packages specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, with high quality. Contacting a company that understands the local market ensures that you pay exactly what you need.

6. Invest in the essentials and save on luxuries.
Focus on the essentials: the product page, payment, the cart, and shipping. You can postpone some secondary features, such as live chat or app design, until the project grows. This way, you maintain quality and avoid spending on something that isn't essential right away.
7. Prepare the content yourself
Instead of paying extra for writing product descriptions or taking photos, you can start with simple content you create yourself and update it over time. Good content is important, but it doesn't have to be perfect from the start; what's important is that it's clear and realistic.
8. Follow offers and discounts from design companies
Some companies launch seasonal offers or special discounts for new entrepreneurs. Follow their social media accounts and subscribe to their newsletters... you might find an offer that saves you a lot!
Designing a professional online store doesn't have to be expensive if you plan well. Be realistic, start with the basics, and work with a company that understands your needs. If you're looking for a store design company that offers flexible solutions and packages that fit your budget without compromising on quality, Sahl is always ready to help you with its local expertise and deep understanding of the Saudi market.