Starting an e-commerce business is incredibly exciting. To give your e-commerce business the best chance at becoming successful, there is a wide range of factors to consider and lots of hard decisions to make. In this blog, we share our top tips for launching a successful e-commerce business.
Choose Suppliers Wisely
Choosing the right suppliers can make or break an e-commerce business. Suppliers are an integral part of any business model, regardless of whether you are starting a B2B model (business to business) or a B2C model.
Even if you are creating/manufacturing your own products to sell to customers/businesses, you will still need to source materials from trusted suppliers.
When choosing suppliers, be sure to vet them comprehensively. For example, ensure they offer secure payment options and seamless delivery/shipping options. Opt for a reputable supplier that has verified customer reviews and testimonials as this demonstrates trust.
Also, ensure they have a fair returns policy and/or buying terms. You should also look out for accurate contact details and customer service signals in case you need to contact them regarding an order.
If you are purchasing goods that need shipping, for example, from Chinese suppliers, you will need to organise international shipping. Where possible, opt for a freight shipping company that offers a door-to-door service.
Shippo, for example, picks your goods up from the supplier in China, transports them to the Chinese port, transports them to a UK port and then delivers them directly to your door.
Decide On Selling Channels
The selling channels you opt for will depend on your product type. Popular selling channels include:
- Your own online website/store built using an e-commerce platform such as Shopify, Squarespace or WooCommerce
- Etsy
- Amazon
- eBay
- Social media sites, such as TikTok Shop, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram or Pinterest.
If you are starting small, you may prefer to sell through existing online channels (such as Etsy or eBay) before creating your own online store.
Research Your Competition
Unless you are creating a brand-new product, you will have competition. To get off to the best start, it is important to have an understanding of what your competitors are offering. Basic competitive research includes paying attention to their products and services, price ranges, marketing tactics and customer engagement/reviews.
Invest In Your Brand
Having a consistent and unique brand is crucial when building a successful e-commerce business. To create a brand identity, you need to think about:
- Logo
- Brand colours and fonts
- A slogan or tagline
- Brand story – why are you doing what you’re doing? What makes your business stand out?
- Brand purpose and mission statement
- USP – What is your business’s unique selling point?
Your brand should be obvious to new and returning customers. It should be clearly visible and consistent on your website, online selling platform, social media platforms and any packaging.
Create An Online Presence
The internet is an incredibly huge place. If you want potential customers to find your products online, you need to invest in building a solid online presence.
Establishing yourself online takes time but it will help your target audience find your products. Consider investing in help from digital marketing professionals who can advise you on how best to create and maintain a positive online presence that achieves sales.
This may include Pay-Per-Click Ads, search engine optimisation, social media marketing, email marketing, brand partnerships, influencer marketing and more.
Even if you are selling on an existing platform, such as Etsy or Amazon, you should still have a social media presence to market your products to your target audience.
Prioritise Trust Signals
Due to the prevalence of online scammers, customers are becoming far more wary of shopping online. With a new e-commerce business, it’s important to prioritise trust signals to assure new customers that you are a trusted business.
To do this, you should offer various secure payment options, such as PayPal and secure card payments. You should also encourage positive customer reviews and display them for others to see. Customer engagement is also important for trust signals.
Responding to customer queries quickly and engaging with customers on social media channels will demonstrate that you are a legitimate business that can be trusted.