Starting an online store is an exciting step, one that can be incredibly rewarding if you manage to get it right. The digital age has made it easier than ever to shift toward e-commerce and remote transactions, which means it’s easier than ever to launch your own retail operation online. It’s important to know that “easy” doesn’t necessarily mean “simple,” and “accessible” doesn’t mean automatic online success either. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur with a new product idea or a
small business looking to expand your digital presence, here’s what you need to know to succeed in starting your own online store.
Prioritize the Customer Experience
Regardless of how great you think your product is, poor customer service can kill your business. From the way that you handle business inquiries to how you manage your shipments, every step should be carefully thought out with the customer’s best interests in mind. The way that you handle interactions with customers not only affects your reputation but also impacts your sales.
Satisfied customers are likely to recommend you to their friends and family, helping to get the word out about your products and services. Remember, people don’t just buy products and
services—they buy experiences. So make sure you’re able to deliver a positive one.
Marketing Is a Must
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a business owner is assuming that if you make it, people will automatically find it. The “build it and they will come” mentality is incredibly dangerous. Launching your store is only the beginning of your journey. You need to effectively market your business so that people know about it, how it can help them, and—perhaps most importantly—why they should choose you over the competition.
Posting once in a while isn’t enough to cut it either. You’ll need to actively market your business, from posting on social media to creating an email list. Make your business discoverable and buzzworthy, and the momentum will start to build.
Be Patient
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Amazon.com. It’s going to take time and patience to build your store. You’ll face all kinds of hurdles, from technical problems to marketing flops to inventory drama. You need to prepare yourself for these setbacks and stay patient. The more adaptable you are, the more resilient your store will be.
Choose the Right Platform
The platform you choose for your store will make or break your business. Not all platforms are created equally, so your choice of website will play a major role in your overall success. If you don’t have much experience running a website or handling inventory, then you should consider a platform like Shopify. Shopify offers the best all-in-one solution out there if you’re starting from scratch.
