Creating an Online Store: A Guide for 2026

Building an online / internet store – service description

What does online store creation involve

Creating an online store encompasses all steps from planning to launching a functional and secure website. This includes defining core functionalities such as product catalog, ordering system, payment, and customer support. Additionally, designing the site structure, navigation, and user experience that will motivate visitors to buy is essential.

An indispensable part is choosing a platform or custom development. Platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify enable quick implementation and are sufficiently flexible for most small and medium-sized businesses. However, if you require specific functionalities or greater customization, custom development using technologies like React or Svelte is the right choice.

The difference between ready-made platforms and custom development

Ready-made platforms for building online stores, such as WooCommerce and Shopify, offer quick startup and easy maintenance. They are suitable for businesses that want to start with minimal upfront costs and quickly establish a presence on the market. These platforms often come with built-in features, payment options, and integrations.

On the other hand, custom development allows full control over functionalities, URL structure, and design. This is recommended for larger companies or those with specific needs that cannot be met by ready-made platforms. Such development involves building a system from scratch, which is more cost-effective in the long run but requires more time and resources.

Market, customer, and sales analysis

Researching competitors and trends

Before starting the creation of an online store, it is necessary to analyze competitors and market trends. This helps identify gaps in the offer and gain better visibility on Google. Understand what your competitors do well, where their weaknesses are, and how you can offer better service or products.

Understanding the preferences of your target customers allows you to tailor site functionalities and communication. For example, if your target group prefers quick delivery or deferred payment options, these features should be included in the planning stage.

Assessment of sales channels and customer behaviors

Assessing where and how your target market usually makes purchases helps define your production strategy. In Serbia, RSD transactions represent the majority of total sales, so adapting the payment system is important. Often, local payment channels such as credit cards, e-wallets, and cash on delivery are used.

In sales analysis, seasonal and annual trends should be considered. For instance, holidays and seasonal discounts can dramatically impact revenue, so planning infrastructure and marketing accordingly is advisable.

SEO optimization for online store

Basic techniques of SEO optimization

To increase your online store's visibility on Google, proper application of SEO techniques is crucial. Researching and applying relevant keywords for your products and categories increases the chances of good ranking. This includes optimizing meta tags, page titles, and product descriptions.

Content optimization is vital. Texts must be informative and relevant, while also adhering to SEO rules. Page loading speed and responsive design directly influence ranking and visitor experience.

The importance of backlinks and link building strategies

Acquiring backlinks from authoritative sites increases your store's authority and improves ranking. Incorporating useful content that naturally attracts links, such as blogs or guides, contributes to building a network of backlinks.

Establishing a link building strategy requires continuous work and often engaging experts or collaborating with influencers. It is important to avoid unnatural and spammy link campaigns, as Google penalizes such approaches.

On-page and technical SEO & site structure

Site structure and navigation

Clear hierarchy and simple navigation are key to increasing traffic and improving UX. Well-organized URLs, categories, and filters make it easier for visitors to find products and increase the chances of conversions.

Responsive design is mandatory because most customers access via mobile devices. Optimizing loading speed, minimal clicks to the desired product, and intuitive structure are integral parts of good user practice.

Implementing sitemap and robots.txt files

Sitemap is used for quick indexing of all pages and products by Google, while robots.txt helps manage indexing. Both documents are important for maintaining good site visibility and effective SEO.

Customizing for mobile devices and PWA options allows your site to function as an app, further increasing engagement and potentially conversions.

Store integrations and functionalities

Payment and logistics systems

Implementing secure payment systems, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and NBS standard payments, is crucial for customer trust. Transparent payment terms and data protection guarantees increase security.

Logistics functionality, with fast and reliable deliveries, makes a difference in customer satisfaction. Establishing cooperation with local couriers and planning options for rapid delivery within 1-2 days is necessary.

Additional features to increase sales

Personalizing the experience through recommendations and introducing AR/VR features can significantly boost sales. Chatbot assistance responds quickly and continuously to inquiries, improving user experience and encouraging conversions.

Performance tracking and analysis

Using Google Analytics and Search Console

Monitoring visitors, traffic, and conversions helps understand the effectiveness of your marketing and SEO activities. Google Search Console allows identifying issues with indexing and optimizing for better ranking on Google.

Regularly analyze keywords, visitors, and conversions, and make changes based on this data to increase visits and sales.

A/B testing and continuous optimization

Testing different versions of design, texts, and calls-to-action allows identifying the most effective strategies. Continuous adjustments based on results certainly lead to increased conversions and traffic.

Latest trends and industry standards

Technologies like PWA and AR in e-commerce

PWA (Progressive Web Apps) enable fast, reliable, app-like experiences on all devices, increasing engagement and sales. AR features, such as virtual product previews, are becoming more popular and can serve as differentiators in the market.

International standards and security procedures

PCI-DSS standards for payment security and GDPR for data protection are global requirements that must be considered. In Serbia, compliance with NBS regulations and local laws is mandatory, and it is important to implement them during development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creating an Online Store

How much does it cost to create an online store?

The price varies depending on complexity and the chosen platform. You can start with a minimal budget, using WooCommerce or Shopify, with hosting and design costs of €200-500. For more complex projects, custom development can cost several thousand euros.

How to create an online store?

First, choose a platform or consider custom development if you have more complex requirements. Then, implement basic SEO and security standards. After that, add products, configure payments, and test functionalities before launching.

What is the best platform for an online store?

For quick implementation and easy maintenance, WooCommerce and Shopify are excellent choices. If you have specific needs or want full customization, custom development using technologies like React or Svelte is recommended for larger projects.

How to connect an online store to a payment system?

You will use secure APIs and NBS standards for payment integration. Testing functionality is crucial to ensure secure transactions and availability at all times.

How to optimize an online store for Google?

Optimize content, site structure, and loading speed. Regularly update content and work on building backlinks. All these contribute to better rankings, visibility, and increased traffic.

What is e-commerce SEO?

SEO for online stores includes adjusting content and technical optimization for products and categories. The goal is to increase organic traffic, which directly impacts sales growth.

How to increase sales of an online store?

Improve user experience, speed up delivery, and use promotions and personalized recommendations. Quality UX and fast delivery are key factors for sales growth.

How to analyze sales in an online store?

Use Google Analytics and your sales system to monitor key metrics. Based on the data, adjust your offer and marketing strategy for maximum effectiveness.