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What does an ecommerce web developer do?
An ecommerce web developer is responsible for designing, coding and maintaining an ecommerce website. They are tasked with making sure that the platform runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently for customers to be able to shop without any problems. A good eCommerce web developer, often employed by a web development firm, should have expertise in platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce or Adobe Commerce (Magento) as well as knowledge of architecture patterns such as microservices and serverless computing. From scaling databases during peak periods of traffic to fine tuning checkout processes for maximum conversions rates – a great ecommerce web developer can help your business unlock its full potential online.
Choosing the right ecommerce platform
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is essential for any business looking to hire a professional web developer and create an effective ecommerce website. The top three ecommerce platforms are:
Shopify : It is a widely used ecommerce platform that offers a variety of features and tools for building and managing an online store. It is easy to use, has a wide range of customizable templates, and offers a variety of apps and plugins to add extra functionality.
WooCommerce : It is an open-source ecommerce platform that is built on WordPress. It's a free plugin that can be installed on any WordPress website, It offers a wide range of features and is highly customizable.
Magento : It is a powerful ecommerce platform that offers a wide range of features and tools for building and managing an online store. It is highly customizable, and it is a popular choice for large and complex ecommerce websites. It is also an open-source platform but it is more suited for developers and tech-savvy people.
These are some of the most widely used e-commerce platforms, however there are other platforms like BigCommerce, Opencart, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, etc. The best ecommerce platform for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you don't know which ecommerce platform to hire a web developer for, Shopify is a great choice. It is easy to use, has lots of customizable templates, and lots of apps and plugins (like Kickflip!) that can add extra features.
Where to Find Skilled Developers for Your Ecommerce Website
When it comes to finding developers to help you build your online store, there are several places you can look :
- Freelance platforms: Popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Toptal offer a wide range of options in terms of pricing and skill level. Plus, when you hire a freelancer through one of those platforms, you’ll have the assurance that they’re reputable and have been vetted by the platform, and when it comes to payments and contracts, you’ll have the security of being able to use the platform’s payment gateway and terms of service. There are some more affordable options among Upwork, Fiverr and Toptal competitors that are able to give you the same quality. Dive into your research and ensure you will hire the best talent!
- Web development firms: You can hire an experienced web development firm to manage the entire project from start to finish. This is usually the best option for larger and more complex projects.
- Google: You can search for developers on Google. This is a great option if you want to hire local developers or find someone with specific experience and skills.
- Referrals from your network: Word of mouth is always a great way to hire! Ask for referrals from your network of fellow entrepreneurs or colleagues on Linkedin.
- Forums and social media: There are several forums and social media groups dedicated to web development where you can find skilled developers. Don't be shy to ask questions or solicit advice from the group before you hire someone.
Mistakes you should avoid when hiring a ecommerce developers
We've all made costly mistakes when it comes to hiring a web developer for our ecommerce website, but luckily we can learn from those mistakes and avoid making them again. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when you hire a ecommerce developer:
- Not doing your research : hire a ecommerce developers without researching their experience, skills or previous projects. If you are planning to build a Shopify store, make sure that it's their area of expertise. Be cautious of developers who claim to have expertise with all ecommerce platforms. While this might sound attractive, it could mean that they lack the expertise with the platform of your choice.
- Not having a contract and detailed project requirements : hire your web developer without first signing a contract. A good contract should outline the scope of the project, payment terms, milestones and deliverables. Describe the milestones as precisely as possible, and make sure you are fully aware of what is expected from both parties. The devil is in the details!
- Agreeing to unfavorable payment terms : make sure you fully understand the payment terms before starting the project. The majority of web developers will ask for an upfront deposit, but this should not exceed 50%. Some developers will want to be paid on an hourly basis, that's a very bad idea. If you hire a developer on an hourly basis, you won't have control over the project budget and the timeline. The developer will be incentified to take as long as possible to complete the project.
- Hiring without a timeline : hire your web developer without first setting a timeline. Having a general timeline will keep them on track and will ensure that the project is delivered on time.
- Not setting a budget : hire a developer without specifying how much you can afford to pay them. Ask them what is their hourly rate or how much will they charge per project. Ask them to provide a breakdown of the cost and set a budget that you are comfortable with. The hourly rate will make a big difference down the line, so you should be clear about it upfront.
- Not verifying their code : Make sure you don’t hire someone who is going to deliver poor quality code that won’t scale properly or be compatible with other software. Ask them to provide sample code and if you don't understand it, hire someone who does.
- Not validating their design skills : in a perfect world, you would hire a web developer with strong design skills because your website needs to be visually appealing and easy to navigate. However, it is very rare to find a developer with both design and development skills. Most likely, you will need to hire a designer to work alongside them. That's why agencies are so popular, because they have both design, development and project management resources under one roof.
- Not managing the project : do not hire a web developer without first setting up a system to manage the project. Once the contract is signed, you can not just sit back and wait for the project to be completed. You need to manage it, monitor their progress and take corrective actions if needed. This is crucial to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget.
How much does it cost to hire a web developer?
It really depends on the project and the expertise of the developer that you hire. Generally speaking, it typically costs anywhere from $50 - $250 an hour, with most projects costing around $60-$80 an hour. Larger and more complex projects can cost upwards of $500 per hour or even thousands for certain specialized skillsets. Keep in mind that developers may also charge by project size or by milestone, so make sure you understand their payment terms before hiring them. It’s worth noting that web development is a long-term investment in your business, as good quality websites will last many years if they are well designed and maintained by experienced professionals.
Best Ecommerce Web Development Companies
Having an ecommerce website is essential for any business that wants to expand their reach and maximize sales. To make this process easier, here is a list of some of the best ecommerce web development companies available today who specialize in different platforms such as Shopify, Magento and WooCommerce.
Top 10 Shopify web development companies
1. HeyCarson
Carson is the perfect solution for Shopify brands looking for an easier and more affordable way to get top-notch design and development services. They understand budgets, growth trajectories, and unique needs without the need for minimum spends, long timelines, or complicated contracts.
2. Storetasker
Storetasker is a marketplace that connects online business owners with expert Shopify and Shopify Plus experts. With Storetasker, businesses can choose from experienced professionals to help complete important tasks, such as creating visually-appealing, user-friendly stores; performing comprehensive business evaluations; developing data-driven marketing plans; and building cutting-edge applications. Storetasker’s mission is to provide online businesses with the tools they need to break free from the ordinary and achieve remarkable success in ecommerce.
3. Elogic Commerce
Elogic Commerce, an acclaimed Shopify Plus development company, excels in crafting bespoke ecommerce solutions that drive growth and success. With a strong foundation in creating high-performance, scalable Shopify Plus stores, Elogic ensures that businesses not only meet but exceed their online potential. Their expertise spans across custom design, advanced integrations, and strategic migrations, empowering brands to unleash their full ecommerce prowess.
4. Xgentech
Xgentech specializes in providing online businesses with superior services such as visually-appealing, user-friendly Shopify stores; comprehensive business evaluations; data-driven marketing plans; and cutting-edge applications. Born in New York, established in Toronto, and growing globally, they are Shopify and Shopify Plus experts. Their aim is to help their clients break free from the ordinary and achieve remarkable success in ecommerce.
5. Novatize
Novatize is a leading ecommerce agency aimed at providing innovative solutions to empower entrepreneurs and brands. They specialize in Shopify Plus, Magento, and Prestashop, offering tailored services such as web design and development, optimization strategies, marketing campaigns, and comprehensive support. Novatize believes in partnering with their clients to reach success through their expertise and creativity.
Liquify.design is a team of Shopify experts that can design, develop, and help you dominate Google searches. Their experience in the industry allows them to create anything you need for your store while giving you an edge over your competitors.
7. Eastside Co
Established in 2012, Eastside Co is a full-service digital agency based in London and Birmingham with additional offices in New York and Hamburg. As one of the world’s leading Shopify Plus Partners, they have helped hundreds of brands exceed their sales goals through ecommerce solutions that are trusted for their quality and expertise.
8. Eventige
Eventige is a full-service digital marketing and creative communications agency. They specialize in website design & development, digital advertising & campaign planning, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, content ideation & creation and more. They provide the tools and strategies needed to create exceptional digital experiences that engage their clients’ target audiences.
9. Huemor
Huemor Rocks is a digital agency with a focus on creating meaningful digital experiences. They offer web design and development, e-commerce solutions, branding and identity design, marketing strategy & implementation, UX/UI design, mobile app development and more. They combine their technical knowledge with creative insights to create stunning user experiences for their clients.
10. Creative Web Co.
Creative Web Co. is a full-service digital agency, specializing in web design and development, SEO, analytics and reporting, content marketing, digital strategy consulting and implementation, mobile app development, and more. With their experienced professionals and modern technology solutions, Creative Web Co. helps organizations increase their reach and success in the digital world.
Top 10 Woocommerce web development companies
1. Sayenko Design
Sayenko Design is an innovative web design agency that offers comprehensive web design and development solutions using the latest technologies. Their team of experts create stunning websites that are optimized for search engines, mobile-friendly, and designed with both the end user and client's needs in mind. They also provide specialized services such as branding, logo design, content creation, copywriting, and more.
2. Virtina
Virtina is a full-service digital agency offering award-winning web design and development, digital marketing, and eCommerce solutions to businesses across the globe. Their team of creative professionals are experts in helping clients realize their online potential by creating custom solutions that drive real results.
3. SEO TA
SEO TA is an SEO agency providing comprehensive digital marketing solutions for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies. Their services include SEO optimization and analysis, keyword research and targeting, content creation, and other cutting-edge strategies designed to increase visibility and boost website traffic.
4. Fortune Soft IT
Fortune Soft IT is an award-winning web and mobile development company that provides custom design and development services for businesses worldwide. Their team of highly experienced developers brings innovative digital solutions to life, building products that help their clients stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape.
5. Concetto Labs
Concetto Labs is a dynamic digital agency tailored to business success, offering world-class services in web design and development, SEO, SEM, brand management and more. With their data-driven strategies, Concetto Labs leverages the latest technologies for comprehensive digital solutions.
6. Numinix
Numinix's Wordpress and WooCommerce experts have expert knowledge of user experience and consumer behavior, to ensure your site not only attracts, but also converts visitors into loyal customers.
7. Thee Digital
Thee Digital is passionate about leading your online success through creative and cutting-edge digital strategies, web design, custom programming, ecommerce and internet marketing.
8. KrishaWeb
Since 2008 KrishaWeb has been providing innovative design, development and marketing services to clients around the world.
9. Icecube Digital
Icecube Digital's passion is creating digital products. From logo design and web design to eCommerce web store development, mobile app development and SEO - their enthusiasm for the job shows in everything they do.
10. Ebizon
Ebizon helps businesses grow in the digital marketplace. Their out-of-the-box eCommerce solutions provide convenience and engagement. They specialize in Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce setup, management and customization - giving you more time to run your business.
Top 10 Magento web development companies
1. Newbird
Newbird is a full-service agency delivering outstanding results in everything they do. Their team of designers and developers can help you create a custom eCommerce site, transform your branding, or provide ongoing marketing and maintenance - all designed to reduce your workload while maximizing returns.
2. Upment
Upment, a leading Magento Development Agency, provides best-in-class eCommerce solutions - from design to full stack development. Their expertise in customer journeys helps businesses gain leads and increased sales.
3. Appnovation
Appnovation's global team of over 400 experts provides clients with services in locations around the world.
4. Chetu
Chetu is a US-based software development company specializing in custom technology solutions. With over 2,800 specialized developers, their services include mobile and web application development that are tailored to meet enterprise-grade requirements.
5. Nortern
Nortern offers an omnichannel approach to commerce, creating purchase opportunities across channels and optimizing conversion analytics, performance and revenue. This helps customers get the most out of their investment while maximizing profits.
6. Webkul
Webkul, founded in 2010, has been providing eCommerce services for 12 years. Contributed to various open-source eCommerce platforms, they are one of the few 100% self-bootstrapped organizations with 150k+ customers and 650+ employees.
7. Deploy
Deploy, established in 2010, is dedicated to developing relationships that share key values and goals. Known for their client-centric approach, they've had the pleasure of working with excellent businesses, meeting brilliant people, and celebrating exceptional results.
8. Atwix
Atwix is a full-service Magento agency founded in 2006. Their team specializes in delivering award-winning digital transformations, comprehensive implementations, designs and development, performance optimization, maintenance and support services. They are celebrated as one of the longest-serving and most highly certified members of the Magento Community.
9. Scandiweb
Scandiweb, from Denmark, is a company with 100 employees who specialize in driving revenue, engagement and conversions. Their services include CX and UX audits and improvements, data & analytics setup, conversion rate optimization, A/B testing, UI design, technical SEO and PPC campaigns.
10. MagePlaza
After more than 8 years of supporting e-commerce businesses and developing Magento 2 solutions, Mageplaza understands the ins and outs of the industry. The brand is loved for its diverse knowledge, experiences, professional services, and dedicated support. If you have a lot of tasks to take care of and want to save on development costs, the advice is to hire experienced Magento developers and leave the rest to them.
Conclusion
Hiring a web developer to create an ecommerce website is essential for any business that wants to stay competitive in today's market. With the right development team, you can build a stunning and user-friendly platform that helps your customers find what they're looking for quickly and easily. We've provided some of the top companies specializing in Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento so you have plenty of options when it comes time to hire. You can also find great freelancer on platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr. Good luck with building your dream ecommerce site!
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