Everyone sells something online at some point; sites like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon Marketplace make it easy for everyone to sell their unwanted items or their crafts for a tidy profit. Some people might even find they have a high demand for their own products, or they’re just very good at sourcing items to sell for a profit. If you think you have what it takes to run your own eCommerce business - either full time or as a hobby - then here are a few simple steps to follow to ensure your success.
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Choose a product
Unless you’ve invented something entirely new, you’re not going to be selling anything original in your online store, which means you’re bound to have a little competition from the online communities. Much like with any other online startup, the key to setting yourself apart from your competitors is to establish yourself as an expert in your industry. If you’re selling clothes, you need to make your customers believe you’re something of a trendsetter in the fashion industry by stocking stylish, yet affordable clothing. If books are your passion, you can catch someone’s attention with rare finds, limited additions, or amazing discounts for students. Alternatively, you can start building your brand by selling your own designs, or your own book.
Have a website
Now that you’re moving beyond eBay and Etsy, you need a website to advertise your products. You don’t need to be an expert in web design to choose a platform that works for you, whether that’s Squarespace, Drupal, or Wordpress. Choose a system that’s popular, well-supported, and looks absolutely stunning. This will be the online storefront of your eCommerce business.
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Make it secure
If you’re selling something online, enabling mobile payments such as PayPal can increase your sales by allowing more impulsive purchases. You’ll also receive prompt payments rather than dealing with a billing or invoicing system. A good credit card processing co can sort you out with an online payment system for your eCommerce store. But more importantly, they can help you set up secure payments. The minute your customers enter their card details into your system, they are vulnerable to cyber attacks. You need excellent encryption software and top of the line credit card security to keep these details safe from cyber thieves. No one will use your store again if they’re worried about their details being stolen.
Find your customers
Knowing your target audience is the foundation for everything, from your products and web design, to your marketing strategy. Promoting your business on social media is all well and good, but you won’t have much success if your target audience can’t see your ads or find your page. Deal sites can help you find some online customers, but you might have to do some promoting in person to get your business launched. You can try hosting a booth at a trade show to get the word out to your target audience. The internet can only host your business; you have to launch it yourself.
