How to Set Up an E-commerce Platform

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More and more people are looking at ways to become self-employed and the Internet offers many ways in which one can do just that. Setting up a shopping cart website, for example, is one way to generate an income, and if you are looking to sell products online, here are a few tips.

  • Choosing Products – Perhaps the most important decision of all, deciding on what to sell is a critical thing and a lot of market research needs to be carried out. Your products must be in high demand and ideally, you would be offering something that your rivals are not, either a very low price or a level of service or support that is second to none.
  • Web Design & Hosting – There are several platforms that are suitable for shopping cart websites – Magento is very popular – and after some discussion with a competent web designer, your website would take shape. Professional product images and copy will ensure that your products are presented in a professional manner, and you are advised to outsource site management to your web developer.
  • Digital Marketing – Whether you are looking for blogger outreach in Australia, or SEO services in New Zealand, Google will help put you in touch with a local SEO company, and together you can compile a digital marketing plan that is designed to reach your target groups. Digital marketing is not an option, rather you should consider this as an essential business tool, one that must be employed continuously.
  • Logistics – Outsource all of your order fulfilment to a third-party logistics provider, as they have the know-how and resources to ensure that all your customers receive their goods promptly. All you need to do is deliver your products and packaging to the 3PL warehouse and they will do the rest. This will allow you to focus on improving the customer experience, which is one of the most important objectives, and when you get those seasonal surges, it is comforting to know that your order fulfilment is covered.

Of course, a lot of planning, research and hard work needs to be done in order to set everything up, and you are advised to start with your business plan, which will be your Bible. When you think your business plan is finished, hand it to a business guru and let them pick a few holes in it, and with a few amendments, your plan is your blueprint for a successful business.

 

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