Before you start
- A registered business: payment providers and invoicing require one; requirements depend on your country.
- Your own domain and business email: registered in your company's name, not your developer's.
- Product data: names, descriptions, variants, prices, stock and good photos. This is what speeds up a project the most.
- Operations plan: who packs, ships, handles returns and answers customers.
Hosted platform, open source or custom?
| Route | Examples | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted (SaaS) | Shopify, BigCommerce | Launching fast without managing servers | Monthly fees, app costs, platform limits |
| Open source | WooCommerce, PrestaShop | Flexibility and content-led brands | Hosting, updates and security are on you |
| Custom | A store built for your business | Complex catalogues, B2B pricing, part-number search | Higher upfront cost and longer build |
A detailed comparison of the two most common options: Shopify vs WooCommerce.
Payments
Most stores use a payment provider such as Stripe, PayPal or the platform's own payment service, which handles card payments, wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and fraud checks. Availability differs by country: in Turkey, for example, stores typically use local providers. Compare fees, payout schedules and supported currencies before you choose.
Shipping, taxes and returns
- Shipping: carrier integrations create labels and send tracking numbers automatically; set zones, rates and free-shipping thresholds.
- Taxes: VAT or sales tax rules depend on where you and your customers are; configure them with your accountant.
- Returns: a clear policy and a simple returns flow reduce support load and build trust.
- Marketplaces: Amazon, Etsy or regional marketplaces can sync stock and orders with your own store.
Legal pages
Requirements vary by country, so confirm them with a legal advisor. Most stores need terms and conditions, a returns/refund policy, a privacy policy (GDPR in the EU, KVKK in Turkey), a cookie notice with consent where required, and clear company and contact details.
Getting found on Google and AI search
- Category structure that matches how people search.
- Unique product content instead of copied manufacturer text.
- Structured data (Product, Offer, Breadcrumb) for rich results.
- Speed: optimised images and a lightweight theme.
- Guides and FAQs that answer buying questions; they also make it easier for AI assistants to cite you.
What does an ecommerce website cost?
Cost has two parts: the build (platform, design, number of products, integrations, languages) and running costs (subscription or hosting, payment fees, apps, maintenance). A full breakdown: how much does it cost to build an ecommerce website.
Pre-launch checklist
- A real test order end to end: payment, confirmation email, invoice, refund.
- Shipping labels, tracking emails and shipping rules.
- Stock: sold-out products, variants, marketplace sync.
- Checkout on iOS and Android.
- Legal pages linked at checkout.
- Speed, titles and descriptions, sitemap, Search Console and analytics.
- SPF, DKIM and DMARC so order emails don't land in spam.
Working with a freelancer: from domain to launch
- DiscoveryProducts, customers, competitors and sales channels; written scope and timeline.
- Domain, hosting, emailDNS, SSL and business email set up in your name.
- DesignHome, category, product, cart and checkout, mobile first.
- Build and integrationsStore setup, payments, shipping, invoicing, marketplaces.
- Content and launchProducts, legal pages, SEO; full testing and launch.
A hosted-platform store can launch in a few weeks; custom builds and heavy integrations usually take a few months. I work remotely from Turkey with clients in Turkey and abroad. Example: Tek Yedek Parça, a spare-parts store with a large catalogue where fast search sits at the centre.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build an ecommerce website?
A store on a hosted platform with an adapted theme can launch in a few weeks. Custom design, many integrations or custom development usually take a few months. Having product data ready shortens the timeline the most.
Should I use Shopify or WooCommerce?
Shopify suits businesses that want to launch fast without managing servers, especially for international sales. WooCommerce suits content-led brands that want full control and have someone to maintain it.
Can my store sync with Amazon or other marketplaces?
Yes. Through marketplace APIs or integration services, products, stock, prices and orders can be kept in sync so stock is managed in one place.