How to Set Up an E-Commerce Website: A Step-by-Step Guide for Filipino MSMEs (2025)
In today’s digital-first economy, learning how to set up an e-commerce website is one of the smartest moves any Filipino entrepreneur can make. Whether you’re running a sari-sari store, a local clothing brand, or a food business, having your own online store gives you control, visibility, and a 24/7 storefront that reaches customers nationwide.
For MSMEs in the Philippines, the challenge isn’t just getting online — it’s managing everything efficiently. That’s where Bentamo Hub (BNTM HUB) comes in: an all-in-one business suite developed by BNTM Technologies Inc., a Cagayan de Oro–based tech company. Bentamo Hub simplifies how MSMEs create and manage their e-commerce operations by integrating Inventory, Finance, Payments, CRM, and HR into one digital platform.
If you’re ready to take your business online, here’s a full, easy-to-follow guide to setting up your e-commerce website the smart way.
Step 1: Choose What to Sell and Who to Sell To
Before building your website, start with clarity.
- What products or services will you offer?
- Who is your target audience — students, working professionals, or families?
- What makes your brand different from others online?
Example:
If you sell local skincare, highlight your use of Filipino ingredients and sustainable packaging. The more specific your niche, the better your chances of standing out.
Step 2: Register Your Business Legally in the Philippines
To operate an e-commerce business properly, you’ll need:
- DTI registration for your business name
- BIR certificate for tax filing and receipts
- Barangay and city permits if you have a physical office or warehouse
Bentamo Hub’s Finance Management Module can help you track your business expenses, taxes, and revenue automatically — keeping your operations compliant and organized.
Step 3: Pick the Right E-Commerce Platform
This step determines how flexible and scalable your store will be. There are two main routes:
- Marketplace platforms like Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop — easy to start but limited in branding control.
- Dedicated website platforms — more professional and customizable.
For MSMEs, the smarter choice is a modular system like Bentamo Hub.
Its E-Commerce Module lets you:
- Create your own branded online store
- Sync your products from Inventory automatically
- Accept online payments directly
- Track orders, deliveries, and customer data — all in one dashboard
With Bentamo Hub, you can start small, scale later, and keep everything connected under one system.
👉 Learn more about Bentamo’s innovation at Who We Are | Bentamo.
Step 4: Choose a Domain Name and Hosting
Your website address (e.g., mystoreph.com) is your brand’s online identity.
Tips for choosing a domain name:
- Keep it short and memorable.
- Avoid numbers or special characters.
- Include your brand name or product type.
Some platforms include hosting automatically, but if you’re managing your own domain, go for trusted local providers like GoDaddy PH, Namecheap, or .PH domains.
Step 5: Design Your Online Store for Conversion
When it comes to e-commerce website design, simplicity and clarity win. Filipino shoppers want convenience and trust.
Here are must-have sections:
- Home page with product highlights
- Clear product listings with photos and prices
- Shopping cart and checkout system
- Contact page and FAQ
- Mobile-friendly layout
Bentamo Hub’s E-Commerce Module offers ready-made templates optimized for MSMEs — making it easy to launch without web design experience. You can upload products, adjust layouts, and connect your payment systems in minutes.
Step 6: Add Secure Online Payment Options
Philippine consumers are increasingly using cashless payments through GCash, Maya, or debit/credit cards. Make sure your site supports these options.
Bentamo Hub’s Online Payment & Invoicing Module enables businesses to:
- Accept multiple online payment methods
- Send digital invoices instantly
- Automatically record payments into the Finance Module
This not only speeds up transactions but also keeps your accounting accurate and stress-free.
👉 Contact Bentamo Hub to explore payment integration options for your MSME.
Step 7: Organize Your Inventory and Logistics
Efficient stock management prevents costly errors like overstocking or product shortages.
Bentamo Hub’s Inventory Management Module ensures real-time updates for your products across both physical and online sales channels. Every purchase automatically reflects in your finance and stock records — saving hours of manual tracking.
For logistics, partner with local couriers like LBC, J&T, or Ninja Van. Many MSMEs now connect these directly into Bentamo’s system for faster processing.
Step 8: Market Your E-Commerce Website
A beautiful website means nothing if no one visits it. Use digital marketing to attract customers.
Here’s how:
- Run Facebook and TikTok ads targeting local buyers.
- Use SEO (search engine optimization) to rank for terms like “best handmade bags PH.”
- Offer promotions or bundles for first-time buyers.
- Use email or SMS campaigns for retention.
Bentamo Hub’s CRM Module helps MSMEs manage leads, automate follow-ups, and track customer engagement — ensuring marketing efforts turn into real sales.
Step 9: Maintain and Scale Your Website
Once your e-commerce site is live, your focus shifts to optimization.
Regularly check:
- Which products sell best
- Which pages get the most traffic
- Which marketing channels bring the highest conversions
Bentamo Hub’s centralized dashboard compiles all this data automatically. You’ll see how sales, finance, and customer behavior connect — giving you a full picture of your MSME’s performance.
How Bentamo Hub Simplifies E-Commerce Setup for MSMEs
| Feature | How Bentamo Hub Helps |
|---|---|
| E-Commerce Module | Build and manage your online store easily |
| Inventory Management | Tracks stocks and updates in real time |
| Finance Management | Monitors income, expenses, and reports |
| Online Payments | Accepts digital and card payments |
| CRM | Manages customer loyalty and engagement |
| POS Integration | Connects physical store sales to your online dashboard |
| HR & Payroll | Manages employees and operational costs |
Bentamo Hub unites everything your MSME needs to run online — no need to juggle multiple apps or software.
Local Success Stories
- Mindanao-based Handicraft Seller: Used Bentamo Hub to launch their first online store and integrate payments through GCash. Sales tripled in three months.
- Cebu Food Brand: Centralized inventory and finance, reducing overstock waste by 25%.
- Metro Manila Boutique: Used Bentamo’s CRM to launch loyalty programs that boosted repeat sales.
These examples prove that with the right system, Filipino MSMEs can thrive online — even without a big team or budget.
FAQs About Setting Up an E-Commerce Website
1. How much does it cost to set up an e-commerce website in the Philippines?
Basic setups can start at ₱5,000–₱10,000. Bentamo Hub offers modular pricing so you pay only for what you use.
2. Do I need technical skills to create an online store?
No. Bentamo Hub provides pre-built templates and drag-and-drop tools that make setup easy.
3. Can I sell both online and in-store with the same system?
Yes. Bentamo Hub’s POS Module syncs both sales channels into one dashboard.
4. How can I track my income and expenses?
The Finance Module automatically records all transactions from your online sales and payments.
5. Is Bentamo Hub suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely. It was built specifically for Filipino MSMEs — scalable, affordable, and accessible on any device.
The Digital Future Starts with Smart Integration
Setting up an e-commerce website is no longer just a tech project — it’s a growth strategy. For Filipino MSMEs, success means having a centralized, automated system that manages every part of your business smoothly.
With Bentamo Hub, you don’t just create an online store — you create a digital ecosystem for your entire operation. From inventory and finance to payments and customer management, Bentamo Hub bridges the gap between traditional business and the future of commerce.
👉 Ready to build your online store?
Simplify your e-commerce journey with Bentamo Hub — contact the team today.