How to build a successful eCommerce store

​You can buy literally anything online these days, and we see new eCommerce store popping up all the time. Advances in web technology has made it accessible for anyone to build an online shop and list their products. But what does it take to make that shop a success?

All too often we see people attempting to build their own fashion empire or digital goods emporium using free online store builders like Wix or Squarespace, and are left baffled when their business fails due to lack of sales. Here are our top tips to avoid the usual pitfalls of new online businesses.

Get the experts in

Although you might think you’re saving money by building a store yourself, you have to ask yourself the following questions: ‘Have I ever built a website before?’ and ‘Do I know how to make it a success?’ if the answers to both of those questions are a resounding NO then you need to re-evaluate your plan. Here at Premier Web Consultancy we have built thousands of websites, so we know how to do it, and how to make it a success.

Choose your niche

If you don’t already have a product or range of products in mind, you need to find a previously untapped niche. There’s no point entering a saturated market like the fashion industry unless your have a very exciting USP, or trying to build the next AO.com if you don’t have a unique offering, you’ll just get chewed up by the big boys.

Take great pictures

So you’ve got a fabulous website, and have lined up the perfect products, the most important step is to professionally photograph them. Ideally on a white background in a well lit studio. If you have a creative streak you can give it a try yourself, Fred Aldous in Manchester city centre provides full studio and equipment hire for just £20 per hour. Images sell the products, and can make or break your online business.

Find your customers

With the best will in the world, customers won’t come to you if they don’t know about you, your products or your website, so you have to find your audience. Luckily the world of internet marketing is here to help. You can reach out on various social media platforms, approach the press if you have something particularly impressive, and even try our SEO services in Manchester.

Reward loyalty and retain customers

Once you have your audience and you’re making sales, it’s important to recognise your customers. Keep them up to date with special offers via mail shots, send them discount codes, offer them free postage, whatever it takes to encourage them to come back and spend again.

Cross sell your products

A well built eCommerce store will allow you to link relevant products together, presenting the customer with more buying opportunities.

Rinse and repeat

Once you have a winning formula, there’s nothing stopping you from replicating your success. Learn the lessons that your first venture has taught you, and do it all over again, perhaps in a different sector, a little diversification never hurt anyone!

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