Australian based website development for local small business retailers

For a local specialty retailer, stepping into eCommerce or updating an existing digital presence can feel daunting.

There are web developers out there who bedazzle with jargon and charge plenty to deliver little. Too often, they deliver a website that only they can maintain for you, for a fee of course.

Online success requires a website that works in harmony with your physical store operations and its tech platform, for efficiency, accuracy and success.

At Tower Systems, based in Hawthorn, Victoria, we have spent years delivering exactly that.

We provide expert, Shopify websites integrated with Point of Sale (POS) software. Our service is designed specifically for the specialty retailers we support every day, including jewellers, garden centres, newsagencies, bike shops, and toy stores.

Here’s our Tower Systems approach to web development for local small business retailers.

We are a POS software company at our core. This means we understand the daily realities of retail, from managing inventory to maintaining margin control. We build websites with a retail-first perspective.

Our web development is handled entirely in-house by our team in Melbourne. We do not outsource this work. By keeping our developers local, we ensure clear communication and a genuine understanding of the Australian retail landscape. While this may not be the cheapest option compared to offshore providers, it guarantees a higher quality and more commercially effective result. You work directly with a team invested in your success.

A fixed-price, transparent process.

We believe in transparency. Our process begins with a consultation to understand your specific needs. If we are a good fit for your business, we provide a fixed-price contract.

We price our web development services on a break-even basis. Our goal is to empower our small business POS software customers with a powerful, integrated online store rather than profiting from the build itself. It is an investment in the long-term viability of your business.

Our standard Shopify development service includes:

1. Comprehensive consultation: A detailed review to scope your requirements.
2. Asset checklist: A clear guide to help you provide the necessary text and images.
3. Visual theme: We include a theme from the official Shopify store.
4. Full POS integration: We connect your Tower Systems POS software to Shopify for seamless data transfer.
5. Personal handover: A two-hour, one-on-one remote training session.
6. Post-launch support: Three months of phone-based support to help you settle in.
7. Handover guide: Documentation covering training and next steps.

Now, some experience-based, practical advice for your eCommerce journey.

Regardless of who builds your site, we want to see your business thrive. Here are a few tips for a successful launch:

1. Define your goal: Are you looking for new customers or serving existing ones? Your primary goal should dictate your design.
2. Keep shipping simple: Start with flat-rate shipping. You can add complexity once you understand your customers’ buying habits.
3. Prioritise original content: Search engines reward unique descriptions. Avoid generic supplier text.
4. Curate your range: You do not need to list every item. Start with a curated selection of best-sellers.
5. Commit to the project: A website requires active support through social media and email marketing to drive traffic.

If you are ready to connect your physical store to a professional online presence, we are here to help. You can reach us on 1300 662 957 to start an obligation-free conversation.

Now, a website is a hungry beast. It needs to be fed. Launching is only the beginning. No matter, we have practical advice to help you there too, based on your own years of experience.