Ultimate Guide to Launching Online Businesses

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Online Store in Iran?
Launching an e-commerce website in Iran doesn’t require a massive budget. At ITUNIFY , we’ve structured a cost-effective solution for entrepreneurs and SMEs, ensuring high performance, security, and scalability. Below is a breakdown of mandatory and optional costs for setting up a professional online store, tailored for Iranian markets.
Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown (IRR to USD Conversion)
Item | Cost (IRR) | Cost (USD Approx.) | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
Shared Hosting (1GB) | 3,680,000/year | $85/year | For small to mid-sized stores with moderate traffic. |
Domain (.ir or .com) | 174,400/year | $4/year | Brand identity and local/global reach. |
SSL Certificate (Paid) | 2,800,000/year | $65/year | Secure transactions and e-Namad compliance. |
Initial Setup & Theme Design | 2,800,000 (one-time)** | $650 | Custom-built, non-template designs for brand uniqueness. |
ZarinPal Payment Gateway | 150,000 (setup)** | $3.50 | Essential for local Iranian payments. |
User Panel Design | 3,500,000 (one-time)** | $800 | Personalized dashboard for customer accounts and order tracking. |
Total Estimated Cost : Under 7,500,000 IRR (~$1,700) for a fully functional, secure, and scalable online store.
Why ITUNIFY Recommends Custom Design Over Ready-Made Themes
While some agencies use pirated or template-based designs to cut costs, this often leads to:
- Security risks (unpatched plugins, outdated code).
- Poor SEO performance (bloated code, slow load times).
- Limited customization (rigid layouts, no brand alignment).
At ITUNIFY, we build custom themes from scratch, ensuring:
- Lifetime bug fixes (we guarantee support as long as you need it).
- Mobile-first design (70% of users browse via smartphones).
- SEO-optimized code (clean HTML/CSS/PHP for Google rankings).
Critical Features for a High-Converting Store
User Registration & Retention
- Allow users to register once and reuse saved addresses/payment details.
- Fact: 80% of users return if their experience is seamless.
Product Education & Trust Signals
- Add videos, infographics, or FAQs to explain product usage (e.g., “How to Spot Fake Brake Pads” ).
- Display e-Namad certification and ZarinPal trust badges to reassure buyers.
Simplified Checkout Process
- Aim for a 3-minute checkout (from cart to payment).
- Reduce fields in order forms (name, phone, address only).
Live Chat & FAQ Section
- Use Telegram bots or Tawk.to for instant support.
- Example: Address common questions like “When will my order arrive?” or “How do I track my package?” .
Speed & Security Optimization
- Compress images (TinyPNG) and enable caching (WP Super Cache).
- Cloudflare integration (optional) for global speed and security.
Strategic Value of a Well-Built Store
Feature | Business Impact |
---|---|
Custom Theme | Builds brand authority and avoids template-based competition. |
ZarinPal Integration | Trusted payment gateway for 80% of Iranian online shoppers. |
SSL Certificate | Boosts Google rankings and user trust. |
User Panel | Enhances retention with saved preferences and order history. |
SEO Optimization | Drives organic traffic for keywords like“buy brake pads Iran”. |
Example Workflow: Automotive Parts Store in Sabzevar
Scenario : A brake pad seller wants to launch an online store.
Solution :
- Buy carpartsiran.ir (domain + SSL + shared hosting: ~$150/year ).
- Install WooCommerce with ZarinPal plugin (free setup).
- Add a custom user panel for saved addresses and order tracking.
- Publish blogs like “How to Replace Brake Pads for Peugeot 206” to rank on Google.
- Use SMS notifications for order updates (“Your order has shipped!” ).
Result :
- 40% increase in organic traffic within 3 months.
- 25% higher repeat purchases via user panel convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Pirated Themes :
- Risks: Security vulnerabilities, poor updates, and low conversion rates.
- Fix: Invest in original WordPress themes ($59–$149) or custom builds.
Neglecting SSL :
- 90% of users avoid unsecured sites. Always display e-Namad compliance for Iranian trust.
Overloading with Plugins :
- Too many extensions slow down your site. Prioritize speed and security.
Ignoring Mobile Users :
- 70% of Iranians browse via smartphones—ensure responsive design.
Why ITUNIFY Stands Out in E-Commerce Development
With 5 years of experience and 400+ successful projects , ITUNIFY ensures your store:
- Ranks highly on Google with keyword-rich content and schema markup.
- Converts visitors into customers via A/B tested CTAs and fast checkout.
- Builds brand authority through testimonials, case studies, and influencer collaborations.
Get Started with ITUNIFY Today
Ready to launch an online store with minimal upfront investment?
✅ Request a free consultation
✅ Explore our portfolio
✅ Get a custom quote
Contact Us :
📧 info@itunify.ir
📱 WhatsApp: +98 912 4905798
📍 Asman Building, 2nd Floor, Mottahari St., Sabzevar, Iran