Have you ever imagined living a life without cars which means trekking long distances, without tractors and the likes which means tilling the soil with hoes, without basically the things that’ll make living easier and enjoyable but all thanks to technology and its inventions we have everything at our finger tips. And yes this has widened our horizon and everyone thinks it’s amazing owning a business cause once technology is involved, it can be swift and interesting.
We have various kind of businesses that have thrived and survived but our focus here is E-commerce and what is entailed setting up such. Its true there are many benefits that come with owning a business like being called a C.E.O or M.D, having that big catchy brand name, great siting of business premises with its frivolities, flamboyance and of course the most sought after which is the ‘steady profit and income’. But many a times, focus is lost as to the issues and difficulties encountered alongside the startup, let’s have a quick overview of e-commerce.
What Is E-commerce?
Have you at one point in time purchased shoes or clothes via the internet, sold your phone or gadget using your laptops or even had one or two bank transactions using the online method? If yes, you’ve taken part in e-commerce, if no then stay tuned as it’s served you now. E-commerce is an abbreviation of electronic commerce which can be defined as a platform, method or business model established for sellers and buyers for the sole purpose of carrying out business transactions of buying and selling through electronic medium. And stores that function by selling their products online are referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce) stores and we have them around us. This platform allows customers to successfully exchange goods and services without the time or distance barrier coming between the parties involved and this has helped bring about good customer base and fostered unity across the globe.
Starting-up Your Successful E-commerce Business.
Starting up a successful e-commerce has a lot entailed as there are many things to look out for while starting up, you need to get started in the right direction so there won’t be mistakes that could sabotage your idea and pursuits; Let’s have a run through.
a. Have Your Idea Ironed Out and Processed
For you to think of starting out your business you have an idea of what exactly you’re bringing to the world aside the funds or capital to start. Do you intend going into clothes, gadgets, automobiles or what precisely? When this is thought out and processed successfully then you’re on your way to having a successful business.
b. There Are Various Types Of E-commerce
When starting up, you have to understand that there are various types of e-commerce businesses in the world today so this would determine what type your idea falls into. Note the very common types below;
B2B: The b2b model is called the business to business model and this is when a business is selling to other businesses across the globe thus the prices are low and given out at wholesale prices to help the purchasing business encounter some profit too.
B2C: The b2c model is called the business to customer model and this is when businesses open for the sole aim of selling to customers. So if you find yourself opening or starting up your e-commerce or online store then it’s most likely this category it falls into.
C2C: The c2c model is called the consumer to consumer model and this is when consumers are selling to other consumers. This is better known as when average people sell products they own be it second hand or used, whatever way it is it’s a consumer to consumer interaction and thus has its uniqueness as the above mentioned types. Once this is settled and you know the type you intend running or starting up then you have to do what’s next.
c. The Right Domain Name and Web Designer Is Vital
Purchasing a domain name is very important as this is the web address people input to find your website, and finding a good hosting would help promote your business to the level you anticipate it to get to. More so, a good designer who has special experience in e-commerce website building is vital so as to have both a touch of professionalism and good customer interaction arena. Never make the mistake of creating one yourself because this is just the beginning of failure, so never be cheap. Invest and sit while it works wonders.
d. Stay Legit
There is nothing as good as legitimacy when it comes to business startup as this would help avoid many issues that could arise in the future to crumble the business you would say you spent a long time building. Remember the type of legal business entity you’ve settled for would determine the kind of legal involvements and taxes associated and even the insurance that would help yours thrive and survive amongst many that may start up alongside yours. Thus, getting a good attorney does the trick as he helps you with the legal backing and if you have vendors involved in your business, you definitely would need a vendors license from your local state agency. Secure the business in advance and sit back while the initial struggle pays off in the long run.
e. The Best Theme Works
For every good business to flourish online, there has to be a good theme that would get the attention of your visitors and customers which would make them come back again and again. Make them come back? Yes, make them come back and stay. Thus the best theme and layout should work the magic. You don’t know how to go about getting that? Check for good websites that can aid your theme purchase and acquisition as this saves time, money and is stress free. Go for the best.
f. Have Your Customers At Heart
One of the reasons why businesses fail is because there is a wrong focus which is on the profit rather than on the target audience; the customers. Create a good platform for customers to interact on the product of desire before it is purchased. Use quality images to showcase your products with correct details to sell it to them. Patience and understanding I would say is the key to having your customers and keeping them on your site.
g. Never Forget The Payment Access and Input
This is very important as I’m certain you aren’t giving out your services for free. There has to be a secure payment service be it through Pay-pal or any other method of payment but what’s important is that it is secure and working adequately. This may take a while to process as it deals with Privacy Policy, Return Policy and all that determines your shipping and delivery functionalism so be patient so you wouldn’t have to run at loss be it now or later. Nobody wants futile efforts.
h. A Tip Of The Ice Berg Doesn’t Hurt
While at the setup process and all, why not give your visitors and future customers a tip of the ice-berg? A tip or two wouldn’t hurt. Use themes like coming and other related terms to publicize your soon to be e-commerce platform. This helps create awareness in the mind of users and enables them go through what the intended offer would include as this keeps them talking and anticipating the big drop.
i. Go Over The Launch Process Again and Again
Although it is said humans are not perfect but we aim at perfectionism to bring about the best thus testing, testing and testing is very important. It would be disastrous to launch a website and the user interface is non-functional. Go through the site yourself presuming you’re the customer and see how it goes, this would help know the kind of impression your customers would have about the site in progress. We don’t want to stress our customers or frustrate them, therefore test, test and test again.
j. Make Use Of The Right Social Platform
Using the right social platform aids in the successful run of your business as this helps to promote your goods and services aside the use of your website. When these social accounts are properly set up and handled, you’re on the go to giving the best. Therefore never rule out the importance of social media because it helps the world know about you and connections around the world and among individuals is realized.
k. Tracking Is A Necessity
Never forget that helping your customers track their goods is essential because you would be dealing with people outside your locality and even across the globe. These method helps to ensure their goods arrive safe and secure, never forget it’s a necessity.
l. Be Focused And Stay Positive
Having a positive mindset is essential to having a successful business. Stay focused and know their you’re your greatest competitor. Competition and competitors would sprout but never lose focus as you’d excel more than you can imagine. Remember the sky is your starting point and you never rushed up your set up so you’re in for the best. Go commercial already, get started!
Conclusion
The only person who can stop you from actualizing your dreams and maximizing your potentials is you. Never stop believing in your self and the things you can accomplish, trust me it’s never too late to start and you’re never a failure if you fail but you become one if and only if you stop trying. It’s never too late to become that independent person you’ve always wanted to be. Believe in yourself, you can do it.