How to set up an e-commerce business Success has a new definition now, and it’s pretty obvious that it’s to be financially free with a hint of popularity. Wouldn’t it be so much fun to be your own boss and in charge of your future? This is a dream come true for so many of us, but equally difficult. Starting your own small business is a steady road to this.
However, we know how soon the digital marketplace is taking over the once-dominant brick-and-mortar stores. As an entrepreneur, this opportunity opens new pathways for rapid growth. Though setting up an e-commerce business may not be a very easy task, it is an achievable one.
Setting up an e-commerce business and launching a website
To set up an e-commerce business, there is so much to know. Starting from creating a plan of action, researching the products that are in demand and sourcing them, to getting to know your competitors before developing your e-commerce business plan, launching a successful e-commerce business is a hard work.
E-commerce business essentials
To start your e-commerce business, you need:
- An interactive and user-friendly website
- Friendly customer service
- High quality product photography
- Unique selling schemes
All of these factors are very important and vital for your e-commerce business because you have to retain your customers so that they continue buying your products or services in order to be a successful e-commerce business owner.
Register your e-commerce business and brand
Choose a business name and register your company so it’s legally protected and gets tax benefits. Now, your website’s name and the legal name of your business in the papers doesn’t have to be identical but keeping them consistent has its benefits.
However, make sure whatever you choose fits your niche and not something that doesn’t make sense at all. Also, don’t forget to:
- Get business licenses
- Get employer identification number
- Apply for business licenses and permits
Find vendors
To get and stay ahead of your customers, you need to give the best quality and offer the best prices for the services and products you are selling. Find the best and most reliable vendor that you can do long-term business with.
Get a unique logo
Create a logo that is original, creative, fun, and easy to remember.
Launch an interactive online store
Register your domain name and any redirect URLs that might be relevant. A successful e-commerce business needs an interactive, useful, and trustworthy website so that the customers can easily browse through the pages and not be worried about data security and enter their personal and sensitive details like credit card information when paying through their cards.
Customer Research
Talk to as many people as you can about your ideas as it can be absolutely invaluable to help you avoid costly mistakes. If you’re not sure where to start with gathering feedback, you can reach out online to your customers and talk to as many as you can. Most people do not spend enough time on this stage, but this is how you also gather audience and bring traffic to your online store.
Set up a payment method
Some small companies do their business over Facebook or Instagram and the available payment options are through bank transfers since PayPal and other means take some percentage. You can go for cash on delivery once you start getting a steady income. Some options that you have to start on a marketplace are Etsy, Amazon or eBay, etc.
Product Marketing
Since your business is new and not many people other than people close to you know about it, make sure your brand is advertised and your products are marketed properly – reaching as many customer bases as possible. An SEO specialist can help you with reaching the right or targeted audience.
Are you unsure where to start marketing your brand? Are you looking for a digital marketing agency in London to help you build a great social media marketing strategy? Whether you are starting fresh or revamping your strategy, FBS Digital has you covered. Call FBS Digital at 0204 526 5195 or e-mail at hello@finchleybusiness.co.uk today!
