How many times would you admit the usefulness of eCommerce websites for your personal needs? I think I might admit to the point of going so far by saying “Sometimes eCommerce websites save my life.” With coronavirus outbreak cases being more serious than ever, I’m thankful that I can still buy my personal needs online. Well, that’s for me to say as a customer. However, as a business owner, this is a whole different story. As a person who works with Melbourne web development team, I get asked a lot about tips and tricks on eCommerce website that work. My main answer is always the same and simple; it starts from your mindset. Many people in the business world have been looking to create eCommerce website and provide personal needs for everyone who needs them. However, most of them have set their own idealism where money always comes first. If you are looking for the right answer, I will give you one in this article. Keep reading to learn more!
Treat your passion as a business, and treat your business as a passion
I’m sure you have heard a lot of sayings that say “If you do what you love and love what you do, you will never have a problem with Monday.” That sentence hit me hard, actually. And it is true. The most common mistake every business owner makes is that they only focus on profits. Well, instead of focusing on money, why don’t you start with an idea of solving problems using your products? A business exists not only because of competition and getting more income, but it is more about solving people’s problems. People have problems and you provide solutions through your products or services. It’s as simple as that. And it requires a great deal of passion to keep the business running.
Plan, plan, plan!
Every business begins with a plan. That’s how it works. However, when it comes to eCommerce websites, you need to start with these steps:
- Developing a business plan for growth. When you have a plan in place, you can work on achieving it.
- Getting funding for your new business venture. Speak to investors, or visit the bank for a loan. To launch your hobby into a business, you’ll need capital.
- Create a marketing plan. Every business, big or small, has a marketing plan. Start marketing your product or services today. It’s the first step to business growth.
Choose a good eCommerce platform
You may not be a web developer, but as a business owner, an in-depth vision to identify any potential issues before they arise is important for you. For that reason, you can’t just leave everything to the web developer you are hiring without being involved with the progress. Learn to evaluate different types of eCommerce platforms for an online business because it will be the basis for your whole operation. When you are going to choose software, you need to consider scalability, security concerns, marketing tools and usability. However, here are some other things to consider:
- Pricing and payment
- Integrations
- SEO and mobile friendliness
- Customer service
Make it easier for your website visitors to find and understand your products
The biggest mistake an eCommerce company has ever made is that they are too focused on creating good looking websites without thinking about the functionality, resulting in people not being able to find what they are looking for. Most people that come browsing an eCommerce website usually know what they are looking for, I mean, the specific one, sometimes they just need to know whether you are selling the products or not. However, when they are trying to search for the name of the products in the search box on your website, they can’t find it but you are actually selling it. I once came across an eCommerce website that sells skincare and makeup products. The business has got big name reputations, but when I was trying to search for a specific brand in the search box, while the results showed the brand I was looking for, it was so messy and even got mixed up with the other brands. That was when I realized that they didn’t categorize the products. Please, whatever you sell, make it easier for your customers to find and buy it. Here are what you can do:
- Categorize your products based on brand names and functions
- Make the checkout process easier
- Use search filters based on price high to low, low to high, newest to oldest, and oldest to newest to make it easier for your visitors to narrow down the search results
- Make clear navigation menu
Running a lucrative eCommerce business is possible when you employ the right tools and tactics to grow your business. All it takes is some hard work and strategy to make it grow. Remember this; be passionate and love what you do. That’s the key in maintaining a strong business.