Revamping an eCommerce Shop for Genetic Testing - A Modern, Personalized Experience

Introduction
We undertook the task of revamping an eCommerce shop for genetic testing services, originally built on WordPress/WooCommerce, to transition it to a modern, fast, and SEO-optimized platform. The goal was to create an efficient and personalized experience for users seeking genetic testing and related services. In addition to the core offering of genetic testing, we worked closely with different departments to develop a personalized supplements subscription, where the ingredients were tailored based on the customers' genetic results. The backend calculations for these personalized plans were handled seamlessly by our system.

The Challenge
The primary challenge was to migrate from an older WordPress/WooCommerce setup to a new platform that was not only faster but also more customizable, with a focus on SEO and user experience. The platform needed to accommodate multiple languages, integrate various external vendors, manage user accounts, and provide analytics for business insights. Additionally, automation was key—we needed to streamline the collection of genetic data, its processing, and the communication of results to customers.

Building the Solution
The revamped platform was built using Next.js and hosted on Vercel, with Firebase serving as the backend. We leveraged Stripe for seamless payment processing. The new site featured fast, visually appealing landing pages optimized for search engines, multi-language support, and user accounts for easy management of customer information. The integrated back office allowed administrators to manage orders and coordinate with external vendors efficiently. We also automated several crucial steps, including the uploading of genetic data, dividing it into individual samples, calculating results, and delivering them directly to customers. This automation significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced manual intervention.

Outcome
The revamped eCommerce shop provided a faster, more efficient, and highly personalized experience for customers. By automating key processes, we significantly reduced the workload for internal teams while improving the consistency and speed of the services provided. The personalized supplements subscription became a standout feature, allowing customers to receive tailored supplement recommendations based on their genetic profiles. The collaborative approach with marketing, sales, and R&D teams ensured that the platform aligned with business goals and customer expectations. The MVP was launched in just three months, with an additional three months dedicated to feature enhancements and maintenance, supported by two on-site workshops to refine the user experience.

Conclusion
Revamping the genetic testing eCommerce shop showcased the power of modern web development tools and automation in transforming user experience and operational efficiency. By leveraging Next.js, Firebase, and Stripe, we created a fast, SEO-optimized platform that seamlessly integrated genetic testing and personalized supplement services. The project highlights the importance of cross-department collaboration in delivering a solution that meets both business and customer needs.

Technologies Used

• Next.js
• Firebase
• Stripe for payment processing
• Vercel for hosting

Key Takeaway
A modern approach to web development can transform legacy platforms into efficient, user-friendly, and highly personalized experiences. Our work on the genetic testing eCommerce shop emphasized automation, performance, and collaboration to deliver a solution that stands out in the health and wellness industry.