This guide covers the most important steps when planning to set up an e-commerce store.
We have built e-commerce stores across many platforms since 2006. You'll benefit from extensive experience with e-commerce, usability research and design.
Broad experience across systems
We have worked with the e-commerce systems listed below. We know their features, strengths and weaknesses.
1. Planning and strategy
A successful e-commerce store starts with good planning. Before technical decisions, it's important to clarify:
Business idea
What are you selling and to whom?
Target audience
What needs do your customers have?
Competitive edge
How do you stand out - price, quality, delivery speed or specialty products?
Budget and goals
Allocate enough resources for setup, marketing and maintenance.
2. Choosing an e-commerce platform
The platform largely determines how the store works, scales and evolves in the future. Four recommended platforms are:
Magento 2
A powerful and scalable platform for large and complex e-commerce stores and B2B. A good choice for an extensive, customized solution.
WooCommerce
A WordPress plugin that turns a site into an e-commerce store. Flexible, extensible with thousands of plugins and cost-effective especially for SMBs.
Shopify
A popular SaaS service that gets a store up and running fast without major technical investment. User-friendly and modern, but more limited in certain customization areas.
MyCashflow
A Finnish option designed specifically for Finnish merchants. Easy to integrate with local payment and logistics providers.
No worries - we can recommend the right platform once we know your business and customers' needs and requirements clearly enough.
3. Usability and design
The customer's purchase experience determines whether they come back and recommend your store. Pay attention to:
- Clear structure and navigation
- Responsive on every device
- Visually appealing and on-brand
- Conversion-optimized, simplest possible purchase path
4. Payments and logistics
Working payment methods and smooth deliveries are the backbone of e-commerce. In Finland, the most common solutions are:
Payment methods
Paytrail, Klarna, Stripe and PayPal
Delivery
Posti, Matkahuolto, DB Schenker and pickup points
Integration with logistics and payment providers should be considered from day one.
5. Marketing and SEO
Without marketing an e-commerce store does not reach customers. The most effective methods are:
- Search engine optimization: make sure your store shows up on Google for the right terms
- Content marketing: blogs, guides and customer stories drive traffic
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok support sales
- Email marketing: newsletters and automations keep customers engaged
6. Maintenance and development
An e-commerce store is never completely finished. A successful merchant invests in continuous development:
- Update the platform and plugins regularly
- Take care of security
- Monitor analytics and run A/B tests
- Continuously optimize usability and conversion
Summary
Setting up an e-commerce store requires planning, the right platform and continuous development.
- Magento suits businesses that need flexibility and features.
- WooCommerce and Shopify suit SMBs.
- MyCashflow is a great and easy-to-use basic package for an e-commerce store.
When you combine quality content, good usability and active marketing, your e-commerce store becomes a profitable sales channel for the long term.
We're happy to help with anything related to setting up an e-commerce store.
Get in touchE-commerce platforms
Magento
Magento is currently the most versatile e-commerce software available. There are plenty of free and paid extensions and ready-made themes that make the store look polished.
In terms of features, Magento outclasses most other e-commerce platforms. Magento is an excellent e-commerce software that we're happy to recommend.
Below are a few Magento implementations we've built:
- Pohjoiskaarre.fi
- Satshop.fi
- Fintage.fi
- Mamtus.ng
- Kepeä Taival and Ke-Hu
- Finnpc
Magento is the platform for demanding merchants.
Read more about Magento e-commerce
Request a detailed quoteShopify
Shopify is an internationally popular SaaS e-commerce platform that gets you up and running fast without your own server or version upgrades. It's especially suitable for SMB merchants who want a modern, easy-to-maintain store without a large technical investment.
Shopify's strengths include fast launch, an extensive app ecosystem and strong marketing tools. Shopify Markets enables multilingual sales in multiple currencies under one admin. Limitations - monthly fees, transaction fees with external payment services and certain B2B features only on Plus - should be assessed before choosing.
B2B e-commerce
We also build Business-to-Business e-commerce stores. For example, Magento is well suited as a B2B platform due to its extensibility.
Wholesale e-commerce
Magento also handles wholesale e-commerce easily. Ask us more about the options for setting up a wholesale e-commerce store.
MyCashflow
Note: Use the MyCashflow discount code to get your first month free: PROMO113
We recommend MyCashflow as an e-commerce platform if its features fit your needs. From a merchant's perspective the Finnish-made MyCashflow is easy to use and maintain.
MyCashflow is also a handy tool for designers, which means it takes less time to set up an e-commerce store compared to other platforms and the initial costs are lower. MyCashflow is a subscription service, so there is no one-time license fee.
Avania is an official MyCashflow partner.
Frequently asked questions
How much does setting up an e-commerce store cost?
The cost depends on the platform, integrations, product volumes, design and customization needs. Avania e-commerce projects typically start from €2,500 + VAT.
How long does it take to set up an e-commerce store?
A simple e-commerce store can be launched in a few weeks. Larger Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce or MyCashflow projects, integrations and migrations can take several weeks or months.
Which e-commerce platform should I choose?
The right platform depends on your business goals. Shopify suits a fast launch, Magento suits demanding and B2B implementations, WooCommerce fits a WordPress environment and MyCashflow is good for a Finnish basic e-commerce store.
Is Magento suitable for B2B e-commerce?
Yes. Magento works well for B2B because it is extensible, flexible and supports complex customer group, pricing, integration and product tree structures.
Is Shopify suitable for Finnish SMBs?
Shopify suits many Finnish SMBs when the goal is a modern, quick-to-launch and easy-to-maintain e-commerce store. Limitations should be evaluated before choosing, especially around B2B and integration needs.
Does Avania help with maintenance after launch?
Yes. Avania helps with maintenance, ongoing development, conversion optimization, usability, integrations and technical support after launch as well.