What Budget to Open an Online Store?

Building an online store on a limited budget can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, with the right solutions and thoughtful planning, it is entirely possible to launch your ecommerce for less than €100. This economical approach does not mean compromising the professionalism or quality of your online presence.

The costs of creating an online store have changed considerably in recent years. Where once it was necessary to invest thousands of euros in web development and technical infrastructure, modern platforms now make it possible to get started with minimal investment. This democratization opens up new perspectives for entrepreneurs, artisans and creatives who wish to embark on the adventure of ecommerce.

The key lies in choosing the right tools and optimizing each euro invested.

In this article we will analyze in detail how to open an online store by effectively distributing a budget of €100. We'll explore the different options available for every aspect of your project, from hosting solutions to marketing tools to payment management.

Choosing an affordable ecommerce platform

In the jungle of ecommerce solutions, making the right choice is crucial to controlling your budget. Modern platforms now make it possible to create a professional online store without spending a fortune.

The Squarespace solution: an all-in-one platform

Our platform stands out for its integrated approach, with ecommerce packages from 17€ per month. This all-in-one solution eliminates hidden costs and simplifies the management of your online store.

An intuitive and professional interface

Our creation tools allow everyone to easily create your website without technical knowledge. The intuitive visual interface guides you in creating attractive product pages and personalization of your store.

Complete ecommerce functionalities

Your package includes everything you need to sell online:

• Simplified product and inventory management

• Integrated payment solutions

• Marketing and SEO tools

• SSL certificate included

• Support client 24/7

A scalable solution

Our platform grows with your business. Start with the basic plan, then scale as needed without ever compromising the quality of your store or undergoing a complex migration.

Market alternatives

Similar solutions: Shopify and Wix

These platforms also offer all-in-one plans, generally between €25 and €35 ​​per month. Be careful, however, of the additional costs:

• Necessary extensions and paid applications

• Variable transaction fees

• Premium themes at extra cost

The WooCommerce option: free but with hidden costs

This open-source solution may seem attractive because it is initially free. However, the actual budget includes:

• WordPress hosting (10-30€/month)

• The ecommerce theme (30-100€)

• Essential extensions (50-200€)

• Regular technical maintenance

• Customized development if necessary

For a budget limited to €100, all-in-one platforms like Squarespace offer the best compromise between cost, functionality and ease of use. They allow you to get started quickly without financial surprises and to concentrate on the essential: the sale of your products.

Configure your domain name and hosting at a lower cost

Choosing and configuring your domain name represents a fundamental step in creating your online store. Contrary to popular belief, these essential elements can be obtained at very affordable rates without compromising the professionalism of your online presence.

The Squarespace domain and hosting offer

Our solution significantly simplifies the technical management of your online store by offering an all-in-one approach. The first year of your domain name is offered with any annual subscription, representing a substantial saving for the launch of your project. WHOIS protection, often charged extra elsewhere, is included free of charge in our offer.

Integrated hosting guarantees you optimal performance at no additional cost. Our infrastructure includes automatic backups, protection against cyberattacks and an automatically configured SSL certificate. Security updates and performance optimization are managed by our teams, allowing you to focus on your business rather than technical maintenance.

This integrated approach eliminates the hidden costs traditionally associated with hosting an online store: no additional charges for bandwidth, security certificates or backups. Our 24/7 monitoring system ensures maximum availability of your site.

Buy your domain name independently

If you prefer to manage your domain name separately, you have several options. Traditional registrars offer varying prices, generally between €8 and €15 per year for a .fr extension. However, this option requires more technical configuration.

When purchasing independently, pay special attention to the included services:

• The cost of annual renewal, often higher than the first year

• WHOIS protection fees, usually extra

• Ease of configuration with your hosting

• The quality of technical support

• Email redirection options

How to choose an effective domain name

For select the ideal domain name, several criteria must be taken into account. Brevity and memorability are essential elements: a short name is easier to remember and reduces the risk of typing errors. The .fr extension, particularly relevant for the French market, inspires confidence in your visitors and improves your local SEO.

Consistency with your brand also plays a crucial role. Your domain name should reflect your business identity while remaining simple to pronounce and write. Avoid special characters or numbers that could cause confusion. Take the time to check the availability of your name on social networks to ensure overall consistency of your online presence.

How to create an online sales site with cost-effective tools to manage your products and photos

The attractive presentation of your products is a key element to the success of your online store. Even with a tight budget, today there are professional solutions for creating impactful product sheets and taking quality photos.

Take professional photos at a lower cost

The quality of the photos directly influences your sales. Our product photography guide shows you how to achieve professional results with minimal equipment:

Affordable basic equipment

A recent smartphone may be ideal for getting started. Invest in a few essential accessories:

• A neutral background (a sheet of white paper may be sufficient)

• Well-managed natural lighting or a basic LED lamp

• A smartphone tripod (around €15)

• A kit of foldable reflectors (around €20)

Economical shooting techniques

Choose natural light near a window to save on lighting. Create a mini photo studio with a table near a natural light source and a white sheet draped in the background. Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most beneficial ones for your products.

Accessible retouching

There are plenty of free tools you can use to optimize your photos: Squarespace's built-in image editor offers the basic functions you need. For more in-depth editing, free mobile apps like Snapseed offer advanced features at no additional cost.

Create effective product sheets without a budget

Creating product sheets that convert does not necessarily require a significant investment. The main thing is the quality and relevance of the content. An effective product sheet is structured around several key elements.

Start with a thorough research of the terms used by your potential customers. By studying comments on social networks, forums or marketplaces, you will identify the exact vocabulary they use. This knowledge will allow you to write natural and relevant descriptions.

For the structure of your sheets, favor clarity. Organize your information in order of importance: main features, key benefits, technical details. Add reassurance elements such as delivery times, guarantees or return terms. This information, although basic, builds trust with your visitors.

Don’t hesitate to ask your first customers to get authentic reviews. These free testimonials constitute a powerful element of persuasion for your future sales.

Optimize your product sheets with Squarespace

Our platform integrates powerful tools to create professional product sheets at no additional cost. The design of attractive product pages requires careful layout and convincing descriptions.

Our product sheet templates automatically adapt to all devices, guaranteeing an optimal shopping experience on mobile and desktop. The intuitive management interface makes it easy to add variants, manage inventory and personalize the display of your products according to your needs.

Writing compelling product descriptions is also crucial. Our advice for writing help you highlight your products while optimizing their natural referencing.

Online store: how to integrate cost-effective payment solutions

Payment management represents a crucial position for any online store. A judicious choice will allow maintain controlled transaction costs while ensuring a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

Payment solutions with Squarespace

Our platform simplifies transaction management thanks to optimized integration with Stripe or Square. These all-in-one solutions save you from traditional implementation and development costs.

Transparente Preisgestaltung

Transaction fees vary depending on your plan, but you only pay when you sell.

Integrated security and management

Our system includes at no additional cost:

• Complete PCI DSS compliance

• 3D Secure authentication

• Protection against fraud

• Automatic security updates

Financial management tools

The platform automatically generates your invoices and accounting documents. The integrated dashboard allows precise tracking of your transactions and fees, making it easier to optimize your business.

Economical payment alternatives

PayPal to get started

PayPal remains a popular option for small stores:

• No monthly fees

• Quick setup

• International recognition

• High conversion rate thanks to buyer confidence

•  Be careful, however, of the higher transaction fees (around 2.9% + €0.35).

Traditional banking solutions

Banks offer online payment solutions with specific advantages:

• Negotiable fees depending on your volume

• Support local

• Integration with your existing accounts These solutions generally require banking history and may include setup fees.

Optimize your transaction costs

Regardless of the solution chosen, several strategies can reduce the impact of transaction fees:

Set order thresholds

Calculate your breakeven point taking into account transaction fees. A well-defined minimum order amount guarantees your profitability. For example, with an average fee of €0.50, set a minimum basket of €20 to keep these fees below 2.5% of the total amount.

Diversify payment methods

Bank transfer, particularly suitable for large orders or B2B transactions, eliminates transaction fees. Offer it in addition to card payments for large orders.

Favor local transactions

Domestic or European transactions generally benefit from reduced fees. If possible, direct your activity towards these markets to optimize your costs.

How to promote your online store at a lower cost

Digital marketing offers many opportunities to promote your online store without a significant budget. The key is to adopt a strategic approach and use the tools available effectively.

Squarespace marketing tools

Our platform integrates powerful marketing features to develop your visibility at no additional cost.

Integrated SEO optimization

Our pages are automatically optimized for natural referencing. Notre guide SEO ecommerce helps you improve your visibility for free thanks to:

• Optimized URL structure

• Automatically generated meta tags

• Optimizing images for search engines

• XML sitemap generation

Email marketing made simple

Notre solution d'email marketing allows you to:

• Create professional newsletters

• Manage your mailing lists

• Automate your campaigns

• Analyze the performance of your emails

Social-Media-Integrationen

Easily synchronize your catalog with Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shop to increase your points of contact with your potential customers.

Free marketing strategies

Free marketing, often called organic marketing, is based on strategic actions that mainly require time and creativity rather than a budget. Here are the most effective approaches to promote your store without financial investment.

Content marketing as a pillar

Quality content remains one of the most effective ways to attract qualified visitors. A professional blog allows you to position your expertise and improve your natural referencing. Focus on in-depth articles that answer your potential customers' questions. Take the example of an online store selling natural beauty products: you can create detailed guides on the ingredients, their benefits and their use.

Video tutorials are also a great opportunity. Even made with a smartphone, they can generate significant engagement. Show how your products are used, share maintenance tips, or present tips related to your industry.

Intelligent use of social networks

Success on social networks does not depend on the advertising budget but on the regularity and relevance of your publications. Focus on one or two platforms where your target is most active rather than scattering your efforts.

Instagram is particularly effective for ecommerce thanks to its shopping features. Share behind the scenes of your business, present your new products and create engaging stories. The key is authenticity: show the personality behind the brand and create a real connection with your audience.

Strategic partnerships

Collaborations allow you to increase your visibility without a budget. Identify brands that complement yours and offer visibility exchanges. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, collaborate with an ethical clothing brand for cross-posts or joint competitions.

Micro-influencers in your niche also make valuable partners. Unlike big influencers, they are often open to collaborations based on product exchange rather than financial remuneration. Their audience, although smaller, is generally more engaged and qualified.

Community marketing

Create a community around your brand by running a Facebook group or actively participating in discussions on specialized forums. Bring real added value by sharing your expertise without trying to sell directly. This approach gradually builds your notoriety and establishes your credibility.

Host free online events like webinars, live Q&A sessions, or virtual workshops. These events strengthen the connection with your community while generating reusable content for your other communication channels.

Optimizing digital word-of-mouth

Encourage your satisfied customers to share their experience. A simple referral program, offering a discount on the next purchase to both the sponsor and the referral, can significantly boost your sales without an initial investment. Make it easy to share customer reviews on your site and social networks, and systematically interact with feedback, whether positive or negative.

Create shareable moments in the customer experience: original packaging as an integral part of your marketing strategy delivery, a personalized thank you card or a small surprise gift naturally encourages your customers to share their experience on social networks, thus generating valuable organic visibility.

How to launch your online store on a small budget

The budget should no longer be a barrier to embarking on the adventure of ecommerce. As we have seen throughout this article, creating a professional online store for less than €100 is now perfectly feasible.

Our Squarespace solution allows you to get started with peace of mind with a controlled initial investment. By combining our basic ecommerce package, which includes hosting and domain name, with the free marketing strategies presented, you can quickly bring your online sales project to life.

The key to success is a gradual and thoughtful approach. Start small with the essential tools, then reinvest your initial profits into growing your store. The important thing is to maintain a professional and smooth shopping experience from the start, even on a limited budget.

Don't wait any longer to make your ecommerce project a reality. Launch your online store today and focus on what matters: offering quality products and providing a memorable customer experience.