Creating an e-commerce website for your Sri Lankan business

In today’s digital era, having an online presence is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you're operating in Colombo or a remote region of Sri Lanka, an e-commerce website gives your business the global reach it needs. A website enhances credibility, expands market opportunities, and boosts profitability. Why your business needs a website is simple: it enables you to reach potential customers beyond local boundaries, builds customer trust, and opens new revenue streams. In fact, the benefits of a website for business are undeniable.

Tangible benefits of creating an e-commerce website

• Increased visibility: With millions of customers searching online for products and services every day, an e-commerce website ensures your business doesn’t get left behind. Online business in Sri Lanka is on the rise, and without a strong web presence, your products may remain unseen by potential customers. 
• 24/7 availability: Unlike a physical store, your e-commerce website operates round the clock, offering convenience for customers who can browse, place orders, and make purchases whenever they wish.
• Better customer engagement: Engage your customers through interactive features like product reviews, FAQs, blogs, and live chat. These features help build customer loyalty and increase sales by making your website more engaging. The higher the engagement, the greater the chance of repeat business.

Expand your customer base beyond Sri Lanka

A well-designed website can break the limits of the local market and connect you with international customers. The potential for e-commerce in Sri Lanka is immense, with growing demand for unique Sri Lankan products across the globe. By creating a sophisticated e-commerce website, you can tap into emerging export opportunities, boosting your revenue streams.

For example, Kapruka, Sri Lanka’s leading e-commerce website for gifts, has successfully extended its online shipping from Sri Lanka to over 150 countries, offering personalized cakes, flowers, and more. Kapruka Holdings PLC reported a revenue of LKR 427.54 million for the quarter ending 31 December 2024¹.

Enhance customer trust and credibility

Your e-commerce website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. Why a website is important for a business comes down to building trust and credibility. A well-designed, informative, and secure website helps establish professionalism and confidence in your brand. Conversely, a poorly designed or outdated website may drive potential customers away.

Providing detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and videos will help customers make informed purchasing decisions. Transparency in business policies, shipping, and returns will also increase trust. Positive customer reviews and testimonials serve as social proof that your products or services are high-quality and reliable. By consistently offering valuable content and insights related to your products or services, you can position your business as a trusted authority in your industry.

Step-by-step guide: Creating your business website 

Embarking on the journey of starting a website to sell products may seem complex, but with a structured approach, it becomes manageable and rewarding.

1. Domain registration: Your domain name serves as your online address. When selecting one, it's essential to pick a name that is easy to remember, reflects your brand, and aligns with your goals. Learn more about how to choose the best name for your business to ensure it resonates with your audience. Ideally, your domain should end in ".lk" for local recognition or ".com" for international reach.
2. Hosting selection: Web hosting provides the server space for your website to live online. Consider the bandwidth, storage, and security provided by different hosting services to choose one that suits your business needs.
3. Website design: When designing an e-commerce website, prioritize user experience (UX) by keeping the layout clean and intuitive. Make sure the website is mobile-responsive, as many customers shop via their phones. 
4. Content creation: Populate your website with engaging content that connects with your audience. Product descriptions should be detailed, compelling, and complemented by high-quality images and videos. Incorporate a narrative around your brand to deepen customer engagement.

Choosing the right platform

The platform you choose will impact everything from your store’s design and functionality to how efficiently you manage online orders and shipping in Sri Lanka. Here's a quick overview of what to consider:

• Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify): These platforms offer intuitive interfaces and pre-built templates. Shopify is particularly recommended for e-commerce because of its robust features for product management, payment processing, and marketing.
• Content Management Systems (WordPress with WooCommerce): WordPress, combined with WooCommerce, provides a powerful e-commerce solution with extensive customization options. It is ideal for businesses seeking greater control over website design and functionality.
• Integration with DHL Express Commerce: Make sure your platform integrates with DHL Express for e-commerce to streamline the shipping process. This integration will automate label generation, provide real-time tracking, and ensure smooth order fulfillment, improving the customer experience.

Optimizing your website for e-commerce success

• Design: Opt for a clean, intuitive layout, prioritizing fast loading speeds and mobile responsiveness. Implement clear navigation and a prominent search bar. 
• Product Photography: Use high-resolution images with multiple angles and zoom functionality, and include lifestyle photos to showcase products in context. 
• User Experience (UX): Ensure a seamless mobile experience, streamline the checkout process with multiple secure payment options, and use clear, compelling call-to-action buttons. 
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Conduct thorough keyword research and strategically incorporate relevant terms into product descriptions, meta descriptions, and image alt text. Optimize for mobile speed, build a strong backlink profile through reputable sources, and ensure your site is indexable by search engines.

DHL Express: Your e-commerce logistics partner

Once your website is live, effective logistics are essential for ensuring smooth order fulfillment. With DHL Express, you can leverage comprehensive DHL Express e-commerce solutions that simplify the shipping process and offer numerous benefits:

• Automated shipping labels: Automatically generate shipping labels for faster order processing.
• Real-time tracking: Keep your customers informed with transparent tracking information, increasing satisfaction.
• Reliable overseas courier services: Benefit from our extensive network spanning over 200 countries to ensure fast and secure international shipping services.

DHL Express Commerce has everything you need to manage your online orders. By connecting your website to DHL Express services, you can reduce manual effort and ensure orders are processed and shipped with maximum efficiency.

Take your Sri Lankan business global with a website and DHL Express

A well-designed e-commerce website opens the door to a wealth of opportunities. It enhances visibility, expands your customer base, and builds trust with customers. With the power of DHL Express at your disposal, you can streamline logistics and make international shipping a breeze.

Don’t wait to take your business to the next level. Sign up for a DHL Express business account today and start your e-commerce journey.