There has never been a better time to launch an online e-commerce business
With the high street stores struggling due to so much competition from internet-based stores, there has never been a better time to launch an online e-commerce business. More and more people are selling their stuff online, so it makes sense that business-minded people would take the bull by the horns and go one step further and become a business.
But what should you do before launching? Here are some points you should consider before you open your online e-commerce business up to online customers.
Is Your Online Presence Up to Scratch?
If you’re going to do well in such a crowded marketplace, you need to have a website that functions perfectly, so people can actually buy things easily and looks great. If a website is hard to navigate or is aesthetically lacking, people are going to head back to Google and search elsewhere. Take the extra time and money and invest in a superb e-commerce website.
You should also have a Facebook page and Instagram account. The reason for this is that they are the two biggest social networks, are great for sharing pictures of your products, and they are owned by the same company, so everything will link up brilliantly. Make sure that you update your social media channels regularly, and always respond in a smart, professional manner to any feedback and reviews you get.
Find Out Who Your Competitors Are
Whether they’re local, national or international, chances are you’re going to have some competitors who are selling the same kind of products as you. Always look to find out who they are and use market research tactics to note what they are doing well and what they are doing badly. You can learn a lot from your competitors, so always be on the lookout to see what they’re up to. If they are selling more products than you but you are doing everything you can to make your e-commerce business run smoothly and look great, there’s not a lot else you can do. Be professional and passionate, and that will shine through any rough patches you may have.
Don’t Promise What You Can’t Deliver
Ever heard of the ‘30 Minutes or Less’ pizza promise? It’s a superb marketing trick, as long as you can keep to it. Fail to hit that 30- minute mark and you’re in trouble. Your business might not be in pizza, but the analogy applies. Don’t promise what you can’t deliver. If your site says next day delivery, you have to achieve that, or the customer is not going to be happy and is likely to leave you a negative review online. It’s a headache you can do without, so work out what you can achieve consistency and promise that instead.
Are You Up to Speed on the Law?
Unfortunately, you can’t just start an e-commerce business online and start selling. You need to consider the laws and regulations that go hand in hand with starting a business and ensure that you are operating within the law. Some of the points you need to cover include:
- Copyright Laws
- Consumer Rights
- GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice)
- Business Registration
- Tax Laws
Once you have ticked all of these boxes, you will be ready to go. Just be careful you don’t infringe any social rules either. It is easy to forget yourself when somebody has written a bad review and give them both barrels. This is a dangerous reaction, as many business owners have discovered over the years. Take a breath and be professional, and you won’t have a problem keeping out of trouble.
