How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Website Developer in Kenya
So you’ve decided to launch your online shop — but now you need someone to build it.
The question is:
“How do I choose the right ecommerce website developer in Kenya?”
With the rising demand for online stores, the number of developers and agencies offering ecommerce services has exploded. But not all of them are created equal.
Here’s a practical guide to help you make the right decision — and avoid wasting money on a site that doesn’t sell.
1. Look for Proven Ecommerce Experience
Not all web developers understand ecommerce.
You need someone who can:
- Build product catalogs
- Integrate secure payments (like M-Pesa, cards, PayPal)
- Set up shipping options
- Create a mobile-first, responsive design
- Optimize for checkout conversions
Ask to see past ecommerce projects, especially ones built for Kenyan businesses.
✅ Explore our Tera Creations Portfolio for ecommerce samples that convert.
2. Clarify What Platform They Use
There are multiple ecommerce platforms:
- WooCommerce (WordPress-based)
- Shopify
- Magento
- Custom PHP/React platforms
For most Kenyan SMEs, WooCommerce is ideal due to:
- Local payment integration support
- Flexibility
- Cost-effectiveness
If your developer insists on a platform you don’t understand — ask why. The platform should match your business model, not just their preference.
3. Ask About Payment Gateway Integration
In Kenya, your store must allow:
- M-Pesa payments
- Debit/credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard)
- PayPal (optional for global buyers)
Make sure your developer can integrate:
- Pesapal
- Paystack
- Flutterwave
- Or custom M-Pesa APIs
Need help?
Read: How to Integrate M-Pesa into Your Website in Kenya
4. Consider SEO and Marketing Support
An ecommerce site with no traffic is a digital ghost town.
Ask your developer:
- Do you optimize the site for SEO?
- Will you submit it to Google?
- Can you create product descriptions that rank?
Or better yet — choose a developer who works with a digital marketing team.
💡 Learn about our full Digital Marketing Services to grow your online store.
5. Review Their Process & Support System
A professional ecommerce developer should offer:
- Clear project timelines
- Regular updates and testing links
- Training on how to manage the store
- Support for the first 30–90 days after launch
And if your site breaks or crashes — how fast can they fix it?
That’s where choosing a structured agency like Tera Creations adds long-term value.
6. Ask About Hosting & Maintenance
You’ll need a fast, secure, and scalable host.
We recommend:
- ✅ Hostinger – excellent for ecommerce
- ✅ HostPinnacle – affordable local option (use with care)
Also ask:
- Will backups be included?
- Is SSL installed?
- Will they handle plugin updates?
Explore our Website Management Services if you want long-term tech peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ecommerce website developer in Kenya is not just about who can code — it’s about who understands your market, tools, and business goals.
The best developer is one who builds a store that’s not only beautiful — but also functional, mobile-friendly, and ready to convert.
👉 Need help building an ecommerce site that sells?
Talk to Tera Creations — we create online stores that work as hard as you do.