If you’re searching how to build ecommerce website UK, you probably want a plan you can actually follow — not a generic “pick a theme and add products.”
This guide is a step-by-step UK-first checklist (VAT, shipping, legal pages, tracking) plus the decisions that most affect cost, timeline, and conversion.
If you want help scoping an ecommerce build (Shopify or custom), you can request a quote here: Contact us.
Step 1: Choose the right platform (don’t overbuild)
The fastest way to burn budget is choosing the wrong platform.
Shopify
Best when you want:
- proven checkout
- quick launch
- strong app ecosystem
- lower maintenance
WooCommerce
Best when:
- you already have WordPress content
- you want full control and can maintain it
Custom ecommerce
Best when:
- you need unusual pricing/quoting (B2B)
- you need complex workflows
- the ecommerce experience is your product
If you’re unsure, start with Shopify unless you have a strong reason not to.
Step 2: Define your “v1” scope
Write down what is essential for launch.
Typical v1 requirements:
- homepage + category pages + product pages
- basket/cart + checkout
- shipping rules
- email confirmations
- returns policy and contact options
Nice-to-haves that can wait:
- complex bundling
- loyalty schemes
- advanced personalisation
A tight v1 scope keeps cost and timeline predictable.
Step 3: Set up payments (UK considerations)
Most UK ecommerce sites should support:
- card payments (via a provider)
- Apple Pay / Google Pay (often via the same provider)
Decide early:
- do you need PayPal?
- do you need “buy now pay later” options?
- do you need subscription payments?
Payments aren’t just a checkbox — they affect checkout UX and conversion.
Step 4: Shipping, delivery, and returns (make it clear)
Shipping rules quickly get complicated.
Decide:
- UK-only or international?
- flat rate vs weight-based vs thresholds
- local pickup?
- delivery time expectations
Also define returns:
- return window
- refund processing
- who pays return postage
Clarity here reduces support tickets and increases trust.
Step 5: VAT and pricing display
UK buyers care about clear pricing.
Make sure you decide:
- are prices shown including VAT (common for B2C)?
- do you need VAT rates by product category?
- do you need invoicing support for B2B?
If you’re selling internationally, you’ll want advice on tax handling — but for many UK-first stores, keep it simple at launch.
Step 6: Product catalogue setup (data is work)
Your product data is what drives a good store.
Minimum product page content:
- clear title
- high-quality images
- key benefits (bullets)
- specifications
- delivery/returns details
- trust signals (reviews, guarantees)
If you have many SKUs, plan time for:
- product variants
- collections/categories
- consistent descriptions
- SEO-friendly URLs
Step 7: Conversion essentials (what actually makes sales)
Product page basics
- clear pricing and availability
- shipping information near the CTA
- size guides (where relevant)
- reassurance copy (“Secure checkout”, “Returns”)
Trust signals
- real reviews
- clear contact details
- returns policy
- company details and location (where appropriate)
Site speed
Slow stores convert worse. Optimise:
- image sizes
- theme performance
- avoiding unnecessary apps/scripts
Step 8: Email flows (the highest ROI automation)
Even a small store should set up:
- order confirmation
- shipping confirmation
- abandoned checkout/cart reminders
- post-purchase follow-up (review request)
These can significantly increase revenue with minimal ongoing work.
Step 9: Analytics and conversion tracking
If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.
Minimum tracking:
- page views
- add-to-cart
- checkout started
- purchase completed
Also track:
- which channels drive sales
- top landing pages
- product performance
Step 10: Legal pages (UK store basics)
You’ll typically need:
- privacy policy
- terms and conditions
- returns/refunds policy
- delivery policy
- cookie notice (as appropriate)
This isn’t legal advice — but don’t launch without clear policies.
Step 11: Launch checklist (do this before you go live)
- test checkout end-to-end (multiple devices)
- test refunds/returns process (even once)
- verify payment provider settings
- verify shipping rules
- ensure confirmation emails look correct
- set up error monitoring (so you know if checkout breaks)
Platform decision: Shopify vs custom (quick summary)
If you want a clean Shopify build, avoid app bloat and focus on performance. If you need complex workflows or unique user journeys, custom development may be worth it.
For help choosing the simplest path, see Services or request advice: Contact us.
Next step: get a realistic ecommerce build estimate
If you share:
- your product count
- UK/international shipping needs
- payment options
- any special logic (bundles, subscriptions, B2B)
…we can scope a v1 build and timeline.
Request a quote here: Contact us.