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E-commerceMar 07, 20269 min read

How to create an online store for a small business: step-by-step guide

Creating a professional online store doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. Understand what's essential, how much it costs and how to start selling online.

You sell products and want to stop depending on Amazon, Etsy or selling only via social media. You want your own online store — with your brand identity, without paying commissions to third parties.

What's needed for an online store

Your own domain your internet address (mystore.com). Conveys professionalism.

Product catalogue a page for each product with quality photo, full description, price and stock.

Cart and secure checkout the customer adds products and pays safely.

Payment gateway integration with Stripe to accept card and bank transfer.

Order management dashboard to see orders and manage stock.

How much does a professional online store cost

SaaS platform (Shopify) €30 to €100/month. Easy to set up, but with customisation limitations.

Custom-built store €2,500 to €9,000. Total control, no limitations, no monthly platform subscription.

Marketplace (Amazon, Etsy) no upfront cost, but 15-25% commission per sale.

When it's worth creating your own store

If you already sell regularly, your own store starts to make sense. The tipping point: when marketplace commissions or time spent manually managing sales exceeds the investment in a custom store.

Practical example: selling €5,000/month on Etsy at 15% commission = €750/month in fees. A store developed for €5,000 pays for itself in less than 7 months.

What can't be missing from your online store

Card and bank transfer payment essential.

Mobile-first over 70% of online purchases are made from phones.

Basic SEO optimised product titles, descriptions that answer customer questions.

Clear delivery and returns policy customers abandon carts due to lack of clarity.

Contact us to see how we can help you launch your online store.

Need help with this?

Dilevate helps small businesses grow online. Free quote, no commitment.

How to create an online store for a small business: step-by-step guide