How to Start an Online Store

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There’s nothing like having a product that you are excited to share with the world. When you have a product that you are ready to sell, it’s easy to want to jump right in. However, without the right platform, it can be difficult to be successful with your online store. The key is having the right platform for the right product, so you can start selling as soon as your product is ready. 

Setting up an online store doesn’t have to be difficult, in fact it can be done in a few easy steps. If you’re looking to start an online business , use this as a simple guide. 

Decide on an e-commerce platform.

There are so many different types of e-commerce platforms available. You can choose from a platform that provides all of the features you want, or you can hire someone to create a website for you. There are some very specific features that you’ll want to make sure your platform supports. Those may include: 

• An integrated blog (useful for SEO purposes). 
• Email marketing integration (to send those abandoned cart messages)
• Multiple payment options 
• Easy to use checkout
• Content management tools
• And more! 

Although you want something easy to set up, make sure you select an e-commerce platform that has features that will allow your business to grow. 

Design your store

This is where you get to have fun! Your store is an expression of your brand and will represent your products. Make it your own, personalize it, and create your brand’s identity. Of course, even while using an e-commerce platform website template , you are able to get an expert’s assistance if you need help customizing your store to your liking. 

Upload your products

When setting up your products on your e-commerce platform be sure to take your time and include all pertinent information. Ensuring that you have lots of detail can help give your buyers confidence. 

Good photos are key

Ensuring that you have quality photos is important to selling your product. When selecting photos for your product images ensure that you have a photo of each color variation, multiple angles, and consistency between your photos. Don’t forget that uploading high quality photos is most essential. If necessary, don’t shy away from hiring someone to take photos of your product for you. This can help ensure that you have quality photos of your products as well as lighten your workload. 

Use detailed and concrete descriptions

Your product descriptions should be accurate and detailed. Include measurements, materials, and the product benefits. Customers need to know why they should buy your product. Use natural language to tell your products story. Finally, write for your target audience. 

While uploading your products, remember to keep SEO in mind. Your customers are searching for specific products. Instead of naming them something like “Emulsifying Epidermal Luminosity Serum” try “Glow Moisturizing Facial Cream.” Keywords are going to be key, and should be used when naming your products and highlighting the key features. While we need to keep SEO in mind while creating product descriptions, also remember that we are writing for people, not bots. 

Set up your backend processes

Your preferred e-commerce platform’s backend is the backbone of your ecommerce site. Without solid backend processes your ecommerce site will collapse. You’ll want to set up your backend processes before going live with your website. Ensure you have multiple payment gateways set up so that your customers can use a variety of payments. Many e-commerce platforms will also offer location-based currency, meaning that your customers will be able to see your product offerings in their local currency (based upon their IP address). Also crucial to a strong e-commerce store is shipping features. Being able to offer your customers shipping quotes based on their location will help convert your site visitors. Automating as much of your site as possible will help streamline your sales and reduce your workload. Adding ratings and reviews to your site will also help your customers shop with confidence. 

Marketing 

The final step to setting up your online store is launching your online marketing campaign. To effectively do this you want to use a combination of four different processes. 

SEO

SEO should be your first consideration when marketing. To effectively optimize your site for search engines you should start on day one. As previously mentioned, even product descriptions should be optimized for SEO by using keywords and responsible product labeling. The beautiful thing about SEO is that it doesn’t have to cost you anything. 

Social Media 

Facebook (as well as other platforms) play a crucial role in online business these days. It’s a way to connect and engage with your customers, notify them of sales, and show them the heart of your business. Social Media is a valuable tool, when used correctly, because it allows you to engage current customers without having to pay for advertising. 

Paid Ads

When using Google or Facebook you have the option to use paid ads. It’s wise to have a budget set aside for these, as the ads bring new customers into your business. They are great for attracting attention to what is going on with your business. Use the targeting feature to put your ads in front of your target customer base. Use Google ads to put your company on the first page of Googles results. 

Partners and Affiliates

Another place that you’ll want to set aside a budget for is for product partners and affiliates. This is an excellent way to advertise for your business because you don’t actually have to pay your affiliates unless they make a sale. Your preferred e-commerce platform should have processes in place in order to help automize your affiliate program and make it successful. 

Start Here 

Congratulations on finding a product you love, a product that you feel passionate enough about to bring it to the masses. With a few simple steps you’ll have your e-commerce site up and running. A business that you’ve envisioned, created, and put into action. While it’s not always an easy path, there’s nothing like the freedom that comes from being able to work for yourself. If you need to design your online store, contact DreamWeaver Studio today.