How To Create An eCommerce Store Using The PHP Language – Step-By-Step Guide

eCommerce is buying and selling products or services using the internet and transferring money and information to perform these transactions. eCommerce refers to the sale of physical goods online. But it can also describe any commercial transaction enabled through the internet. Four main eCommerce models can define nearly every transaction between consumers and businesses; There is the business to consumers, also known as B2C. B2C is when a business sells goods or services online to an individual consumer. Business to business, also known as B2B. B2B is when a business sells goods or services to another business. Consumer to consumer, also known as C2C. When a consumer sells goods or services to a business or organization is C2C. eCommerce can take various forms involving different relationships between businesses and consumers as part of these transactions. The fact that all these transactions take place online is where PHP comes in. PHP, which stands for Hypertext Processor, is an open-source general-purpose scripting language built using the C-language. PHP was initially known as a personal homepage, but today PHP is a recursive acronym, i.e., an acronym that refers to itself. PHP can be embedded directly into HTML and is excellent for creating simple websites or full-fledged Software-as-a-Service applications. The E in eCommerce stands for electronic commerce or internet commerce, which are business transactions you carry out online. Hence, you can use PHP to create an eCommerce store. So in this article, we will be looking at how to create an eCommerce store using the PHP language; a step-by-step guide.

Can You Build An eCommerce Site With PHP Language?

Many people are buying and selling many things online, and the eCommerce world keeps expanding. Yes, you can build an e-commerce site with PHP language, as it has been tested and is trusted by many programmers worldwide. PHP is a scripting language that runs on the server rather than the client computer. In the world of programming, it is one of the simplest languages to learn, which makes the creation process of a website straightforward. The PHP language enables developers to interact adequately with databases while creating unique user websites. As a developer, whether you are developing from scratch or jumping on existing frameworks, PHP is apt for you. Creating an eCommerce site with PHP makes sense because it is speedy and easy to learn. Hence, many developers jump on these programming languages and start them immediately. For people to comfortably buy from your eCommerce store, they must be able to navigate around your site easily. Having an eCommerce website that lacks a pleasing interface will turn consumers off and push them to other sites that have what you are lacking when in the real sense, you have what they want to buy. So, you can use the PHP language to build an eCommerce site as it provides a relatable platform to keep your visitors engaged.

What Websites Use PHP?

Most websites use PHP because it is open source, among other benefits. So, here are websites that use PHP;

1. Facebook
2. Slack
3. Wikipedia
4. Etsy
5. Mailchimp
6. Tumblr
7. Yahoo
8. Flickr
9. iStockPhoto
10. Baidu
11. Canva
12. Digg
13. Fotolia
14. Drupal
15. Flipkart
16. Skillshare
17. Trivago
18. Spotify
19. CakePHP
20. Crowdcube

Tools You Need To Develop An eCommerce Site With PHP Language

1. Code Editor

One of the tools that you would need to develop an eCommerce site with PHP language is a reliable code editor like visual studio code editor. A code editor is tool web developers and programmers use to write and edit codes. Whether you use a Mac or Windows system, you can download and install the visual studio code editor. But note that as a developer, if you already have a code editor that is not visual code studio and you are comfortable using it, you are still good to go. Always remember that the code editor you use when developing can significantly improve your productivity, efficiency, and ability to customize or debug your code. You can use various code editors aside from the visual studio code editor like Notepad++, Sublime Text, etc.

2. Database

The entire purpose of a database is to store and manage data. The data goes back to the Egyptians, who carved and preserved their data on the wall. But today, we have a more efficient way of storing and managing data on a device. Data can be generated manually and automatically depending on the system of things. When data is stored manually, you store that data by entering the information and hitting the save button. Data is automatically generated when you use existing data in the database. You consume data using software to make sense of it. Hence, having a database is one of the essential tools you need when developing an eCommerce site with PHP because you will be using a lot of data, and having a place to store it is vital. Here you can make use of MySQL because it is open source, fast, and can be integrated with PHP.

3. Programming Language

As we will use MySQL, PHP is the programming language for developing an eCommerce site. A programming language is an artificial language designed to implement and feed information to a machine. Using the correct programming language, PHP, determines a lot in the development process because it will be used to create programs that will control the output of the eCommerce website. The PHP programming language possesses the following features;

• It is open source.
• It is an independent and flexible framework.
• It is simple and fast.

4. Server

Following a PHP programming language, an Apache server is another tool you can not do without when developing an eCommerce website. A server is a computer system that provides services to other computers. These other computers are called client computers. An Apache web server is an HTTP server that presents websites to visitors that come to your server. If you want to deploy a website set for a business, like an eCommerce store or your organization, the Apache server is the apt server. Apache servers possess the following;

• It is flexible.
• It is free.
• It is reliable.
• It is perfect for an eCommerce website.

5. eCommerce Website Design

The right eCommerce website design engages potential shoppers and makes them want to revisit your site. The eCommerce website design tool handles the general outlook for your eCommerce store, and there are many designs to choose from. Your eCommerce site should reflect your vision and goal and create the ideal image you want your shoppers to see.

How To Create An eCommerce Store Using The PHP Language - Step-By-Step Guide

An eCommerce store lets people buy goods and services directly from your business. It is not just enough to have a website; an eCommerce website, i.e., a store, brings your target audience now to your business. So here is how to create an eCommerce store using the PHP language;

Step 1 - Website Name And Domain

The first step is getting a website name that attracts shoppers to your eCommerce store. You can develop several ideas for the name and run it by people to get feedback on how receptive and engaging the name is. In this step, it would help if you had a domain name, hosting, and access to your website building platform.

Step 2 - eCommerce Platform

Choosing the right eCommerce platform is very important, and having a graphical idea of how you want your site to look and the features it should possess will guide you in achieving this. When choosing your eCommerce platform, you must consider the cost, efficiency, and hosting capabilities. PHP, which is one of the best frameworks to use for web development, is compatible with a lot of eCommerce platforms which include;

• WooCommerce
• Magento
• Drupal
• Opencart
• Zencart
• Bagisto
• OsCommerce
• PrestaShop
• Virtuemart
• X-cart

Step 3 - Website Builder

Selecting your eCommerce platform is vital. The next step is getting your website builder for the development process. You can make use of the following website builders;

• Wix
• Weebly
• Squarespace
• Zyro

Step 4 - Plan And Create Store

This step involves planning and creating your eCommerce store. You include the necessary features via your codes and the technicalities to make the eCommerce store come out right.

Step 5 - Logo And Brand Images

One thing that makes an eCommerce store stand out is the navigation ease and pleasing interface. Work on getting the right images that depict what you will be selling in your eCommerce store. For instance, if you sell clothes, come up with images that capture the exact kind of clothes you will be selling. Your logo does not have to be too complex; it should just capture what your brand stands for.

Step 6 - Data Construction And Marketing Tools

This step involves providing the correct data stored in your database and adding the right add-ons. Because you are creating an eCommerce store, activities like shopping will take place, which is one of the major factors that differentiates your eCommerce store from a regular website. Hence, you must add a shopping cart and the necessary marketing tools.

Step 7 - Testing

This step always comes at the end of the development process, but it is one of the most critical steps when creating an eCommerce store with PHP. Test the eCommerce store repeatedly and ensure you have categorized your goods and service rightly, the features are well portrayed, etc. Test your eCommerce store and make improvements and corrections.

Step 8 - Launch Your Website

After testing your eCommerce store, and as a developer, you feel it is good to go; having made the necessary improvements; you can launch your eCommerce store.

Why Is PHP Language Used For eCommerce?

1. It is easy to learn.
2. It is cost-efficient.
3. PHP is compatible with most platforms like UNIX, Microsoft, macOS, and Linux.
4. It has a high speed.
5. It can be integrated with other platforms.
6. It improves the look of your eCommerce store.
7. It is scalable.

Our Expertise In Developing An Ecommerce Platform

At our company, we provide eCommerce website designing and development services. This is a crucial task because your means of livelihood is dependent on your eCommerce store; We are an eCommerce development company that understands this fact, and we always ensure to give you the best, which in turn enables your shoppers to get the best. We have an expert team that constantly works to understand why many eCommerce businesses fail and succeed, so we can apply the right tactics and use the right tools for you to succeed. Our developers also possess the technical skills and expertise to develop an eCommerce platform anytime. Our company has developed numerous eCommerce platforms that are a success today.

Conclusion

The Covid 19 pandemic has increased the need for eCommerce. Many people have moved their businesses online, and people who have physical spaces now have an eCommerce store because of the ease and flexibility it brings to consumers. Your eCommerce store will be perfect when you use PHP. Making your shoppers comfortable is very important, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Creating a flexible eCommerce platform with a unique and user-friendly interface will let consumers stay longer and shop in your eCommerce store. PHP enables you to achieve these effortlessly. We are the perfect eCommerce development company to bring the qualities mentioned above and more to life for you. At our company, we have all you need when it comes to eCommerce development using PHP. As long as you want the best quality, contact us today. Mobirevo is a renowned eCommerce development company in Nigeria. With the help of cutting-edge tools and advancements in the AngularJS platform, our experienced in-house WordPress developers can efficiently meet complex business needs. Even startups and small businesses can benefit from our high-quality eCommerce development services at a low cost. You can contact us today to get a free quote. Our team at Mobirevo strives to provide unrivaled services to all of our valued clients. You can also check out our case study page to see our client’s portfolio and better understand the quality of products we deliver. Also, contact us if you have any questions about our services, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Want to receive more content like this? You can sign up for our newsletter, which features curated opinions, and web app development tools for building remarkable digital assets. If you sign up for our weekly newsletter, you will be the first to know when we publish awesome content like this. You can also visit our blog to see other content created with love by our amazing team.