Starting any business can be challenging, given all of the decisions you have to make. In addition to writing a formal business plan, an e-commerce business requires you to create an online presence that makes it easy for customers to navigate your website and buy your products. Use these tips to design your e-commerce business, and to find the right tools to get your company off the ground.
As you consider the types of services you need for your business, start with the end in mind. One critical service that is often taken for granted is an effective payment gateway service, which allows the customer to easily pay for a purchase online. E-commerce companies strive to avoid checkout abandonment, due to an unclear or overly complicated payment system.
Find a payment gateway system that accepts major credit cards, debit cards, Paypal, and eWallet options, such as Apple Pay. If you provide an effective payment method to customers, you reduce the risk of losing a sale at the end of the selling process.
Every business plan should address these key factors:
Addressing these factors is the first step to determine if your business idea is viable. Once you confirm the viability of your new venture, you can evaluate the services you need to get your business up and running.
Assume, for example, that you manufacture a unique line of durable clothing for serious hikers and mountain climbers, and that you sell your clothing exclusively online. To attract customers, you’ll need a website publishing tool to create your site. You may create the website yourself by selecting a template or pay a designer to set up the site for you. Your goal is to attract visitors to your site and encourage them to browse your line of clothing.
To keep your website visitors engaged, you can offer them content, such as blog posts and articles on hiking and climbing topics. If your content helps to educate the reader and solve a problem, visitors are more likely to stay on your site and consider buying your products.
Select a website publishing tool that makes it easy to incorporate blog posts. You can use opt-in incentives to offer readers more detailed content, such as an ebook, in exchange for providing their email address. Find software tools that can help you send periodic emails to readers who opt-in to content on your site.
Offering content can help you build a relationship with your audience, and convert prospects into customers.
With proper planning and the right tools, you can gradually build a base of customers for your e-commerce business. Invest the time to write a formal business plan, and do research to find the right tools you need to launch your venture.