E-commerce is all about building online spaces where products can be offered to customers, 24/7.
This article is written with the small business owner or solopreneur in mind. With platforms like Online Store Builder, launching a professional online store has never been easier. No need for a big budget or a dedicated IT team to get started — just click, drag, and sell.
We’ll guide you through everything step by step, from choosing the right platform and domain name to setting up product listings, payment options, and shipping. We’ll also explore design, user experience, and simple SEO tips to help attract customers and keep them coming back.
Why sell online?
The UK is the third-largest e-commerce market in the world today. That’s right — third: ahead of Japan, ahead of Germany, and behind only the US and China.
Online business in the UK is valued at a staggering $195 billion (around £160 billion) in terms of business-to-customer (B2C) revenue. Online retail now accounts for 36% of the UK retail market in total. Impressive stuff.
To make sense of the numbers, nearly 65 million of us in the UK have internet access, of which over 50 million can be counted as online shoppers. Britain leads Europe in terms of spending per e-shopper, averaging at £4,115 spent online each year.
Mobile shopping plays a big part in it. According to SellersCommerce, most online shopping transactions (63%) are made on mobile devices (or tablets) these days, with nearly half of those being made via apps. Cards are used for 52% of payments, while digital wallets cover 28%.
Surprisingly, the UK also ranks very highly when it comes to future potential. E-commerce is growing, but still has plenty of room to grow further.
In short, there’s never been a better time to start your own online store.
The future of retail: online or bust?
All this stands in stark contrast to the realities of the high street. Physical shops continue to struggle as more and more customers choose the comfort of shopping from their sofas. Over 28,000 shops have closed since 2010, and this trend has only accelerated in recent years.
Fact is, commerce hasn’t gone away. It’s just somewhere else.
Staying relevant means embracing change. Moving online opens up a world of opportunities and gives retailers access to a larger, ever-growing market. It’s about meeting customers where they are, and increasingly, that’s online — and on mobile.
10 Reasons to Take Your Business Online
✓ Eyes on your brand
Getting your store online gives you the chance to show off your brand and products to people all over the world. The wider the reach, the more chance you’ve got to grow your customer base and get noticed. The more people see your brand, the more likely it is they’ll remember it when they’re ready to buy.
✓ Lower overheads
Forget the rent, utility bills, and physical stock storage. Running an online store means fewer costs, so you can put that money where it matters — growing your business. Without the need for a physical storefront, you can reinvest those savings into better customer service, improved marketing, or expanding your product range.
✓ Scalability, Flexibility
Running an online shop means you can manage things from anywhere with an internet connection. Want to expand? Easy. Need to scale back? No problem. You can adjust as you go, whether it’s adding new products, expanding your marketing, or just working with what works best.
✓ Be open 24/7 (if you like!)
With an online shop, you’re open 24/7. Customers can browse and buy when it suits them, making it easier to boost your sales without lifting a finger. Plus, you can cater to different time zones, so you’re not limited by traditional business hours.
✓ Smarter marketing
Paid online ads are often cheaper and more effective than traditional advertising. Same goes for email campaigns. The idea is to keep it targeted, so you reach the right people at the right time.
Content marketing helps you share your message with a wider audience without breaking the bank. Using SEO techniques makes it easier to get noticed on search engines and draw in more customers over time.
✓ Mobile ready
More of us are shopping on mobile devices than ever before. Having an online store optimised for mobile means customers can browse, compare, and buy on the go.
✓ Improved stock control
With built-in inventory management on many e-commerce platforms, tracking stock and handling orders is easier. You can keep a close eye on stock levels, reorder in time, and avoid the stress of running low on popular items.
✓ Build customer relationships
Running your store online lets you connect directly with customers. You can chat with them, get feedback, and offer a personalised service, without the middleman. This makes it easier to create loyal customers who feel heard and valued.
✓ Customer insights
Online stores can tap into a wealth of data on customer habits, likes, and shopping patterns. Use this info to fine-tune your marketing, improve the shopping experience, and make informed decisions for your business. Free tools like Google Analytics can help you adjust strategy.
✓ Global reach
You’re not restricted by location when you run an online store. You can start selling across the UK, expand to Europe, or even take your products global if that’s where you want to go. The whole online world is your marketplace.
What’s the difference between e-commerce and online stores?
E-commerce and online shops or stores are essentially the same thing — websites where buying and selling take place.
The difference might come down to context. For smaller, more local setups, “online store” feels a bit more down to earth; bigger international businesses are more often referred to as “e-commerce”.
As we’ll explore, e-commerce giants use advanced platforms that let them manage inventory, handle thousands of customised orders, and operate at scale. Keeping this running often requires dedicated IT teams. But you don’t need all that just to start your own successful online store.
How to choose an e-commerce platform
Before diving into the technical side, it’s important to first consider the basics. Think about what products or services you’ll be selling and who your target audience is.
The best platform for your online store will depend on the size of your business and how much control you want over your site’s design and functionality. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, your platform should provide the right tools to get products out to customers.
Take the time to research your audience’s preferences and shopping habits, so you can choose a platform that best meets their needs.
Here are some options to consider:
In-browser design tools
☐ Website Builder
There used to be a time when setting up a website meant picking up the phone and calling a web designer to do all the heavy lifting for you. Dare we say it: those days are gone. Now, creating a professional online store is something you can do yourself — even if tech isn’t your thing.
For most solopreneurs and small business owners, a good in-browser design tool like Website Builder will be the quickest and easiest way to get your shop online.
Website Builder gives you a huge selection of ready-to-go, customisable templates, so you can quickly choose a design that suits your brand. You can easily tweak colours, fonts, and images to make it your own. Importantly, the themes are also mobile-responsive.
Choose a great domain name (or grab a free .online domain to get started). You’ll also be able to set up a custom email address that matches that domain for a professional look. Your website comes with an SSL Certificate as standard to protect data and build trust with customers.
Website Builder gives you everything you need to launch a professional business website with just a few clicks. In fact, it’s no understatement to say you could get an online store up and running within an hour or so.
☐ Online Store Builder
A more advanced version of Website Builder, Online Store Builder might be right for you if you need a little extra in terms of tools and features to grow your e-commerce business. You’ll get more advanced features for inventory management and payment processing, along with options to handle shipping and track performance with built-in analytics.
More advanced SEO features help your shop rank higher on search engines, making it easier for customers to find you.
As with Website Builder, Online Store Builder comes with a free domain name, custom email address, SSL Certificate, and hosting, so you’ll have all the essentials to create a secure, professional store.
For those looking for more than the basics, Online Store Builder can be the perfect choice. It’s packed with features to help your business grow and to keep customers coming back.
Learn more about Online Store Builder
Managed WordPress
WordPress is the world’s most popular Content Management System (CMS), powering over a third of all websites today. It’s a great choice for small business owners looking for more flexibility and room to grow.
While WordPress itself is free, you’ll still need a domain name and a reliable host to get your shop online. Managed WordPress Hosting gives you expert support and plenty of customisation options. That’s great for businesses looking to scale and grow in the future.
Unlike drag-and-drop builders, WordPress does require a bit more technical know-how. However, it’s approachable for those with fairly strong IT skills. There’s still no need to get into coding or “back end” developer shenanigans — unless you want to.
Most of the setup revolves around downloadable themes and plugins, many of which are free (or freemium). Most can be installed more or less as easily as mobile phone themes.
Learn more about Managed WordPress Hosting
For sure, that huge plugin library is one of the great strengths of WordPress. From contact forms and booking tools to SEO boosters, there’s a plugin for almost everything.
For e-commerce, powerful plugins like WooCommerce are there to transform your WordPress site into a full e-commerce store, managing product listings, stock, payments, and more.
Alternatives to WooCommerce include Ecwid and BigCommerce. If your aim is to sell digital products, such as eBooks, software, or teaching courses, plugins like as Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) are designed for it.
See also: How to Create an Online Shop with WordPress
The “Big” e-commerce CMS platforms
For businesses with big ambitions or complex needs, the major e-commerce Content Management Systems are often the way to go.
Platforms like Adobe Commerce (Magento) and BigCommerce are built for scale. With multi-channel integration and support for high-volume sales, they’re ideal for businesses managing thousands of transactions and reaching a global audience.
E-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba need robust web infrastructure to handle huge amounts of traffic. Alibaba, for instance, can manage over 544,000 orders per second during peak periods.
For smaller businesses and solopreneurs, however, the major e-commerce platforms can all be a bit much. They demand advanced tech skills — or, more realistically, dedicated IT teams. Tools like Online Store Builder are usually a better fit. They’ve got the features you need to manage your online shop solo or in a small team, without the high overheads.
You’re not stuck with your first choice forever, remember. Many businesses start small, using platforms like Website Builder to get up and running. As they grow, they move on to WordPress or more advanced systems that match their bigger ambitions. It’s about finding what works for you right now.
Checklist: Must-have e-commerce features
A great website
Your website is your shopfront – and first impressions matter. Visit-to-lead conversion rates can be more than 4x higher on e-commerce sites that deliver better UX. A smooth, easy-to-navigate design keeps customers happy and drives sales.
Think about the User Experience (UX):
☒ Can visitors easily find what they’re looking for?
☒ Are product categories clear, with filters to make searching simple?
☒ Is your layout clean, professional, and inviting?
47% of potential customers expect a site to load in under 2 seconds. Slow sites lose sales. It’s that simple. A well-designed website can boost conversions by up to 200%.
Great design isn’t just about how your site looks. It’s about creating an enjoyable shopping experience. Keep the navigation intuitive, cutting the number of unnecessary clicks, and make checkout as easy as can be.
Mobile optimisation
If we haven’t hit it home enough already: most people do their shopping on phones and tablets. So, having a website that’s mobile-friendly isn’t a nice-to-have anymore – it’s a must. Choose a web design tool that does the hard work for you, with responsive design templates that adjust your store’s layout for mobile devices.
For more, check out: Mobile Matters – Why You Need a Mobile-Friendly Website
Easy, flexible, and secure payment options
No shop goes far without a reliable till. The same is true online. Offering a range of smooth payment options, like credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay, makes it even easier for customers to complete their purchase. The easier and faster the payment process, the more likely customers are to hit “buy now”.
Customers also need to know and feel that their details are safe. Secure payment gateways protect sensitive data during transactions. SSL certificates add an extra layer of security, keeping everything stays protected and building trust.
See also: 7 Reasons Why SSL Certificates are Essential for Websites
Smart inventory management
According to Wasp, 43% of small businesses still manage their inventory manually. What this might really suggest is that a lot of online businesses are ill working in a way that’s slower and more prone to mistakes.
Smarter inventory management can make a huge difference. The right software helps keep track of stock in real-time, predict demand, and streamline the whole process. This means fewer errors, less time spent on admin, and a smoother experience for both you and your customers.
Regularly updating your products, content, and design will help keep customers coming back for more.
Detailed analytics
Understanding the numbers behind your store is key for growth. Tracking your website’s performance shows what’s working and what needs tweaking.
Tools like Google Analytics help you see where your traffic’s coming from, what products are selling well, and how long visitors are sticking around. Using analytics well can drive more traffic, increase conversions, and grow your e-commerce business.
See also: Google Analytics – A Guide For Your Online Business and How to Use Google Trends
Customer engagement
Success isn’t just about making sales — it’s about creating a business that grows. Keep customers in the loop with regular newsletters, product updates, exclusive offers, and engaging blog posts. Social media is a great way to connect, share updates, and interact directly with your audience.
Email marketing is one of the most effective lead-generating strategies. According to HubSpot, 66% of consumers report having made an online purchase thanks to clicking a marketing email. It’s important not to overwhelm customers, but a few well-timed emails and posts can keep your brand top of mind.
See also: Customer Retention Tactics: How to Keep Customers (Happy)
A great domain name
We might have started with this one first, really. Buying a great domain name is a key step for any successful online shop.
It should be short, easy to remember, and ideally say something about what your e-commerce site is all about. While popular extensions like .co.uk or .uk are great choices, consider alternatives such as .store, .shop, .online, or even .ai, to help your site stand out.
If your ideal domain is already taken, try adding a relevant keyword or adjusting the name to make it unique. Another great strategy is the idea of “reverse branding”. That is: find a catchy domain name that’s cheap and available now, then build your brand around that. (Amazon did it, after all!)
Professional email to match
A custom email address, like you@yourbusiness.co.uk, is a must for e-commerce. It’s a key step towards looking professional and building trust. Using a free service like @hotmail or @gmail doesn’t cut it for an online shop — your brand should be front and centre with every email you send. A branded email makes your business look established and serious.
See also: Why Every Business Needs a Professional Email Address
How much does it cost to build an online store?
Building your own e-commerce website doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but there are a few costs to keep in mind. In the UK, the price can vary depending on the platform you choose, the features you need, and how much you’re willing to invest in design and marketing.
If you go for a website builder like 123 Reg Website Builder, you can expect to pay from around £10 to £30 per month, depending on the plan. This includes hosting, security, and all the essential tools to get your store up and running, such as payment gateways and inventory management. You may also need to budget for your domain name, which can cost around £10-£20 per year.
If you choose WordPress with WooCommerce, the platform itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting (typically £3-£10 per month) and possibly a premium theme (from around £40-£100). You might also need to invest in plugins for added features, which can cost anywhere from £20 to a few hundred pounds, depending on what you need.
On the higher end, larger-scale ecommerce for big business can start at £300 per month and go up from there. These platforms offer more advanced features and customisation but come with higher costs and might need a developer to help set things up. For bigger businesses, this investment might be worth it, but for smaller shops, it’s probably more than you need.
When it comes to costs, it’s all about finding what fits your business. If you’re starting out, 123 Reg Website Builder or WordPress will likely cover everything you need without breaking the bank. As your business grows, you can always upgrade to a more advanced platform as you go along.
SEO: Get found online and drive traffic to your shop
Online or offline, there’s not much point in building a shop that noone can find. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is all about the tips and tricks an e-commerce store can use to rank higher on search engines like Google.
By using the right keywords on your landing page, in product descriptions, and across your site, SEO helps search engines understand your shop and rank it higher in search results. The higher the ranking, the easier it is for customers to find you.
SEO is every bit as important to online commerce as traditional marketing. Many would argue it’s even more so. According to one report by HubSpot, SEO-driven leads have an average close rate of 14.6%, compared to just 1.7% for traditional advertising methods.
See also: The A-Z of SEO and Local SEO – How to Get My Business Found Online
Wrap Up
The best time to start your online store is now. Choose a platform that suits your needs and start building with a clear plan in mind. With the right tools and a bit of effort, you can have your e-commerce business up and running in no time. Why wait? Start today, and watch your e-commerce business grow.
