Prompt templates for building an online store with AI

Which prompts do you need to build an online store with AI?

To build an online store with AI you need a sequence of 8 prompt templates sent in order, not one message that tries to describe everything. The first builds the structure; each one after adds a layer: products, payments, shipping, admin, invoices, growth, then testing. This order cuts errors because each feature is built on a stable base.

If you are still weighing ready-made store platforms against your own store, read Salla, Zid or your own app first. If you decide to build, these templates shorten the road.

Template 1: the store's core structure

This is the most important prompt in the sequence. Fill in the square brackets with your store's details and delete what does not apply. Leave discounts and campaigns out; they come later.

Template 2: products and Arabic search

Product pages are where customers decide. Describing options and stock precisely prevents the most annoying problem: selling a size you do not have.

1. 1
   Options and stock

   'Each product has [size/color/volume] options, each with its own price and stock. When an option sells out, show it as unavailable with a notify-me button.'

2. 2
   Photos and details

   'Up to 6 photos per product with zoom, a short and long description, specs in a table, and reviews only from verified buyers.'

3. 3
   Arabic search

   'Search ignores differences between ا, أ and إ, between ة and ه, and between ى and ي, tolerates small typos, and works in Arabic and English.'

4. 4
   Filters

   'Category filters by price, size, color and availability, with sorting by newest, lowest price and best selling.'

Arabic search is the step most people miss. A customer who types عبايه instead of عباية and finds nothing may not come back. For product images, see file uploads and product images.

Templates 3 and 4: payments and shipping

Ask for payments and shipping in separate messages; each has its own rules. Name the methods customers in your country expect.

1. Payments: 'Add online payment with mada, Visa, Mastercard and Apple Pay, installments via Tabby and Tamara for orders above [amount], and cash on delivery in [cities] only with a [amount] fee. After payment show a thank-you page with the order number and send a receipt.'
2. Shipping: 'Shipping zones: [city] at [amount], other cities at [amount], free above [amount]. The address includes district, street, building number and postal code (National Address), plus a map pin. Shipment statuses: preparing, shipped with tracking number, delivered.'

In the UAE, swap the National Address for a standard address with an optional Makani number in Dubai, and prices in AED. For payment options in depth, read how to accept mada and Apple Pay or see Fanann payments.

Templates 5 and 6: orders dashboard and tax invoices

1. Orders dashboard: 'An admin dashboard for the manager and staff: order list filtered by status and date, order details, status changes, shipping label printing, and cancellation with refund. Staff see orders and change status only; the manager sees sales and edits products and prices. WhatsApp alert to the manager for each new order.'
2. Invoices: 'Issue a tax invoice for every paid order with the store name and VAT number, a serial number, date, line items, VAT [15% in Saudi Arabia/5% in the UAE] shown clearly, and a QR code. Customers download it from My orders.'

More in ZATCA e-invoicing phases explained and build an admin dashboard.

Template 7: discounts, abandoned carts and seasons

Once the store is live and taking orders, add growth tools one at a time:

• 'Discount coupons by percentage or fixed amount, with expiry, a minimum order and a per-customer usage limit.'
• 'An abandoned-cart reminder after [2 hours] on WhatsApp, only for customers who opted in to messages.'
• 'A campaign page for [Ramadan/National Day/White Friday] with a countdown, selected products, and a home banner that appears and disappears on the start and end dates.'
• 'A fast-loading landing page for Snapchat and TikTok ads for a single product, with a direct buy button.'

Start with what fits your next season. For a full recovery strategy, read abandoned cart recovery in the Gulf.

Template 8: the pre-launch test

Before posting the link on your accounts, ask the agent for a full review, then check yourself:

'Test the whole store: guest and registered checkout, every payment method in test mode, an expired coupon, an out-of-stock product, an address outside shipping zones, cancellation and refund, staff permissions, and every page on mobile in Arabic and English. Give me a list of issues ranked by severity before changing anything.'

• An About page with the seller's identity and contact details, as the e-commerce law requires.
• Clear return, exchange and shipping policies shown before payment.
• A privacy policy explaining what data you collect and why.
• Store verification on the Business Platform (formerly Maroof) if you sell in Saudi Arabia.
• A working custom domain and SSL certificate.

Legal details in what your website must show under Saudi e-commerce law.

Common mistakes when building a store with prompts

A good store is built layer by layer, and each layer is tested before the next.

Frequently asked questions

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