In the last article, you have been introduced to e-commerce and online store (toko online). What is e-commerce and online store (toko online), how it penetrates Indonesian market, and the latest trend in e-commerce business. If you have ever wondered how to create an online store for your business, sit back, we will have it explained for you.

Before we go further, you might have realized the importance of online platforms for your business. You may already have put your products on instagram or facebook on sale, or opened a seller account on giant e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, or Tokopedia. While those channels might be sufficient enough for your business, why would you still need your own website, then?

To answer that question, we will give you some illustrations. Selling your products on social media or already-existed e-commerce platforms were like renting a space on department store. The traffic was good, lots of people came and chances are they noticed your products and purchased it. The things is you can only display your products as it is. You have to follow the store’s layout and display, unable to really show your brand’s personality, which could be a disadvantage especially when you need to compete with other brands selling similar products.

Now, imagine you have your very own customized physical store at a location you choose by yourself, displaying only your products. Online store is no different. After all, the only difference between online and offline store is the platform. By building your own website, you will have full control of your online store. You can build it with any technology and configuration you desire, maintain it in any way you want; plus, it will look professional and good for your business.

Still wondering why you need a website for your online store (toko online)? Remember the answer: PERSONALIZATION.

Start your Own Online Store (Toko Online) Website

Now, let’s get down to the business. There is more than one way to create your own website. To make it simple, we will put them into two categories: Simple Practice and Best Practice. You can use either practice to create your online store website.

However, before choosing which practice suitable for your online store website, you have to know first how would you plan to use your online store website. Is it only to display your products, or you wish for full features to automatically handle transactions? Obviously, different purpose requires different practice. Below, we will be talking about each practice for you to decide the most efficient one to cater your needs.

Simple Practice

As the name suggests, Simple Practice requires simple step to build a website. You only need the right provider to host your store online. The most popular one is probably WordPress, so popular you might have heard or even use it. A lot of people have used WordPress for its practicality. You only need basic IT knowledge to utilize it. Simply browse and follow the instructions, or if it is still too confusing, YouTube is always there to help you out. There are already tons of videos showing you steps on how to build a website using WordPress and another similar platforms.

Simple practice usually equals faster process. WordPress, for example, has already provided you with themes, plugins, and pictures you can choose to customize your website. Simple practice is like ordering fast food in the website-making world.

While it is true that you can still run your business with website created by simple practice, there is not much you can do to advance your online store website. You will have to pay to unlock certain features, yet your choice is limited to resources provided by the providers.

Best Practice

Best Practice, just like the name, is considered the best way to create a website for your business. It offers exceptional flexibility and control to website owners as it uses the latest technology to construct. This practice basically uses ASP, or Active Server Pages, as the foundation which enables you to create your website using different technologies such as Angular, PHP, Go Lang, Ruby on Rails, etc. Each of these technologies is different and has its own special purpose, strength and weakness that you can adjust to suit your preference and needs.

The thing with this practice is, you can not work alone. You may need to hire expert web developer to help you making your website. As much as it will cost you, website created with best practice would bring your customers shopping experience that website created with simple practice can not serve.

Technology-wise, you will have more advanced features for your website compared to one created with the first practice. You can create a more personalized website where everything is customized according to you and your business’s needs.

Just like foods, fast food may be nice and all but nothing could beat the taste of home-cooking food, right? Whatever products you sell, making your website personal will help your customers find a better connection to your brand.

To Conclude…

Your online store (toko online) is like investment. While you can invest on cheaper and simpler option, it is always better to invest on the one with better features, especially if your business is big enough and customer experience has became your number one priority. Simple practice might be easier to utilize, but of course, the result will not be as sophisticated as the best one.

For your own personalized website with technologies of your choice, contact us:

Telp : (+62 22) 6614726
Email : info@bts.id