Getting Started In Ecommerce.

While ecommerce is a relatively new way of doing business, there’s no doubt that it absolutely dominates global markets today. According to Statista, almost 80% of internet users in Great Britain have spent their hard-earned money through an online retailer. This mind-boggling number really shows how commonplace it has become. Love it or hate it, ecommerce is definitely here to stay.

Here’s our quick guide to getting started in ecommerce in 2018.

1. Choose Your Product

Before you plough ahead, think about what products or services you want to provide. This is going to be the core of your business; spend some time evaluating the strength of your chosen product and think about the type of business you want to start.

Examples of business types you may want to consider:

• Wholesale
• Retail
• Business to business (B2B)
• Business to consumer (B2C)

2. Research Your Market

When we say research, we mean really research your market. Look at buying trends. Look at other businesses in your chosen market. Look at what has made them a success or a failure. This part of the process should get you thinking critically about what sets your product apart from your competition, and will give you a good idea of what you’re up against.

3. Write Your Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan should help you solidify your ideas in the wider context of your business. It should set out achievable short and long term goals by roadmapping your business’s trajectory and helping you to focus your efforts. Now is also a good time to think about the performance indicators you are going to use to track your progress.

4. Set Up & Build Your Online Shop

Your new business will need a name and logo – this is part of the branding process; it helps set you apart in your chosen market and should capture what your business is all about. Another must-have when setting up an online shop is, of course, a website which delivers a winning customer experience.

5. Prepare For Launch…

So you have a name and logo, your new website is top notch and full of quality content, and your product is ready to go. Before you launch, make sure you have everything you need to fulfill orders and returns and respond to queries. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have accounted for any overhead costs and have a clear plan for making sure payments are made on time.

6. …And Liftoff!

Congratulations, your new business is now online and ready to trade! With some meaningful marketing, you should have your first customers in no time at all.

Contact Radical Web Design

Web design for ecommerce is our speciality – we’ve worked on some truly exciting projects over the years and have more than risen to the challenges set by our customers.

Whether you are taking your brick-and-mortar business to the next level with your first website, are looking for a fresh new site for your established brand, or are starting out with a completely clean slate, Radical have the skills and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

For more information on who we are and what we do, give us a call on +44 (0) 161 818 6861.