If you have a few friends who have managed to break free from the 9-5 grind by launching their very own shopping cart website and you would like to follow them, it isn’t that difficult. Obviously, your product line needs to be in high demand, with very competitive prices, and if you’ve already discovered the right product lines, the following information will be really helpful.
- Web Design – Of course, your e-commerce platform needs to look inviting, the product images must be professional and very good product description, but that isn’t enough, as your website needs to load fast and be easy to navigate. If you don’t happen to be a web designer, then outsource the web design to a professional, who, with your input, can design and build an impressive platform from which to sell your products.
- Product Suppliers – It is critical that you do your research before making any commitments with a wholesaler, as you need to know that they are a) reliable and b) they have the resources to supply high volumes.
- Logistics – A vital component to a successful e-commerce business, your logistics partner should be an established third-party logistics (3PL) company, who would stock both your products and packaging at their warehouse, and when you email orders, the 3PL specialist picks, packs and delivers the products on your behalf. It is essential that you can offer very fast delivery times and the only way to do that is hook up with a leading 3PL company.
- Digital Marketing – Do not make the mistake of thinking that digital marketing is an optional extra, because it is necessary, if you want potential customers to find you. Talk to an SEO specialist like the UK leader, Move Ahead Media, who can put together an aggressive digital marketing campaign that will put you on the map, so to speak. Once you see your site hits increase, you can’t stop the marketing services, they have to be ongoing, as the Internet is a fluid entity that changes by the hour.
- Online Reviews – This is one area that you cannot afford to overlook, as online consumers always read customer reviews before they make a purchase, and if you join an independent reviewing organisation, the reviews are genuine and this adds weight to making a purchase. The online consumer is looking for three things, quality products, attractive prices and fast delivery, and if you can tick these 3 boxes, then the future looks rosy.
- Site Security – As the consumer will be using your payment gateways, you must have what is known as a secure site, which means adding an SSL certificate and that is signified by a small padlock at the start of the URL address.
- Payment Gateways – It is important to give the customer a wide choice when it comes to payment methods; with PayPal, credit cards, direct bank transfer and even Bitcoin.
If you do your research and put together a solid business plan, there’s no reason why your e-commerce website can’t support you and your family, and over the years, it could grow into a substantial business empire.