Things consider before starting an E-commerce Website?
An e-commerce website is a beast of a different colour. To start and run a successful e-commerce website there are certain necessities that will make your journey much easier.
Firstly, let’s look at the 4 P’s of marketing.
1. Place:
We know we will sell products online. Your online shop will sit on a domain. Choose a domain name that will compliment your products, but also keep in mind that the domain name is an important Search engine optimisation aspect. Your domain name ideally needs to describe your core business, but it is not always possible to do that in a short as possible manner.
2. Product:
Is there a demand for your product? How will you get the sold product to your customer? Do you need a shipping plugin to automate shipping price calculations and collection from your shipping provider or courier company.
3. Promotion:
How will you promote your online store? There are multiple ways to do this: Google Ads Facebook Twitter Instagram A mix of the above will most likely get the best results.
4. Price:
Is your pricing competitive? Can you still make a profit with your current pricing strategy?
Once you have the 4 Ps of marketing in place, other common requirements for an e-commerce website will include
User-friendly design: The website should have a clear and easy-to-navigate interface that allows users to find what they are looking for quickly.
Secure payment gateway: The website must have a secure payment gateway to ensure the safety of customer’s financial information.
Product catalog: The website should display all the products or services the business offers with detailed descriptions and pricing information.
Shopping cart: The website must have a shopping cart feature that allows customers to add items to their cart and proceed to checkout.
Customer registration and login: The website should offer customers the ability to register an account and log in to access features such as order history, saved items, and wishlists.
Order tracking: The website must allow customers to track their orders and provide them with regular updates on the status of their purchase.
Search functionality: The website should have a search feature that allows customers to quickly find what they are looking for.
Responsive design: The website should be optimized for mobile devices, as an increasing number of customers are shopping on their smartphones.
SEO optimization: The website should be optimized for search engines to attract more traffic and potential customers.
Customer support: The website should offer a customer support system, such as a chatbot or email support, to assist customers with any questions or issues they may have.
Building an online store is an exciting journey, but it’s important to carefully consider each step to ensure long-term success. From choosing the right platform to perfecting the user experience and ensuring secure transactions, every detail counts. Take the time to plan, and your online store can become a thriving business.
If you’re ready to take the next step and need expert guidance, feel free to reach out. Let’s bring your vision to life!