Post COVID-19, everything has changed.

There is not a single business that the pandemic has spared.

The majority of the economy suffered, resulting in enormous numbers of individuals losing their jobs and life disruptions that nobody could have anticipated.

However, these challenges may turn out to be the same drivers that propel you to succeed in the online business endeavor you’ve always wished you could launch.

But is now the best time to do so? Well, absolutely.

• There is plenty of good talent.
• Services are relatively cheaper.
• Interest rates are immensely low.
• And most importantly, it’s anyone’s game.

Back in the day, establishing an online business was not easy. However, this has changed over the last few years, and starting an online business from scratch has never been simpler.

Are you eager to get started but confused about where you should begin? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. From performing market research to opening social channels and dealing with annoying laws, we’ll walk you through every phase of starting an online business.

Or, if you are already prepared to launch your very own website, we can assist you with completing the essential steps of the process in less than two minutes.

Keen to get your venture going? Before we get into the specifics of starting an online business that actually grows, let’s take a moment to reflect on the surprising history of the e-commerce industry.

The Fascinating History of the E-Commerce Industry

From being a nearly non-existent business model to becoming a potential threat to the traditional brick and mortar, e-commerce has a remarkable history.

In 1979, Michael Aldrich, an English inventor, innovator, and entrepreneur from London, established online shopping, which allowed for the processing of online transactions between customers and businesses, or between one company and another—a technology that became known as e-commerce later. In simple words, Aldrich’s technology became the foundation for modern ecommerce. However, it started with a guy selling a Sting “Ten Summoner’s Tales” CD to a buddy in Philadelphia over the Internet (More on this later).

CompuServe, the first e-commerce company, was established in the United States in 1969—the world’s first online marketplace for electronic commerce.

Later, when the rest of us were only starting to appreciate cable television’s supremacy in the 1980s, two tech-savvy individuals, Alexander Randall and Cameron Hall, launched the Boston Computer Exchange, a bulletin board system-based online marketplace designed with a mission to ease the sale or exchange of secondhand computers devices.

Surprisingly, the husband and wife started the business on the dining room table and worked together steadily for the next 10 years, allowing them to pioneer a wholly automated online auction and marketplace for general commercial transactions.

After a whopping 10 years, Charles Stack founded Book Stacks Unlimited—the first online bookstore in the world. The company initially used a dial-up bulletin board to communicate with its customers.

Nevertheless, in 1994, it switched to the Internet and started running under the Books.com domain name (which it has retained to date). However, history had different plans for Charles since Books.com was eclipsed by another marketplace that began as an online bookstore: Amazon.com.

In 1994, after its launch, Amazon popularized the sharing of user reviews, which was first seen as an e-commerce suicide; however, the total opposite happened. Amazon became one of the most influential organizations almost overnight, thanks to its review policy of allowing customers to share honest feedback openly, both positive and negative.

After almost a year, following a Labor Day weekend spent at home creating code on his computer, Pierre Omidyar founded AuctionWeb, a site committed to bringing buyers and sellers together in an honest and open marketplace. A damaged laser pointer was Pierre’s first item on the site purchased by a Canadian retiree, Mark Fraser.

In 1997, the company formally changed its service name from AuctionWeb to eBay, which was inspired by the name of Omidyar’s consulting company, Echo Bay Technology Group. Since a gold mining firm had already obtained the domain name echobay.com, Omidyar changed it to eBay.com to save on costs and time. (Learn more about Domain Name in the upcoming section).

Before digital wallets, internet buying could only be accomplished via credit cards. However, with the launch of PayPal’s digital wallet in 1998, consumers could send and receive payments via the Internet, paving the way for the modern era of online payments. Since people started to do business online, there has been a growing need for secure communication and transaction methods.

In 2004, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI) established security criteria to create, improve, store, distribute, and apply security standards for securing customer data.

Back in 1995, during a trip to the USA, Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, first came across the Internet, and his first web search was ‘Beer.’ He was astonished to see that there were no Chinese beers listed among the top search results. At this point, he decided to establish an internet firm in China.

However, despite the failure of his first two ventures, four years later, Jack Ma invited a group of 17 of his friends to the apartment where he persuaded them to put their money into him, and his concept for an online marketplace “Alibaba,” and the rest is history.

The history of e-commerce doesn’t end here. Over the years, many businesses launched and failed; however, Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba earned their position among the top e-commerce stores globally. Fast forward to 18 years, a significant shift has occurred in the worldwide e-commerce business. As a result of severe lockdowns and mobility limitations, many experts believe that customers have become used to purchasing things from the comfort of their own homes.

First-Ever Online Sale

After the success of the e-commerce industry, it’s difficult to recall when food, apparel, or someone to build your Ikea furniture wasn’t only a click away. However, internet shopping is still relatively new, at least in some countries worldwide. Despite just a few decades, many contenders for being the first to conduct an e-commerce transaction exist.

Shopify made a video highlighting the story of the smashed deal between students at MIT and Stanford University between 1971 and 1972 to purchase weed over the ARPANET, credited as the precursor to the world of online shopping.

This transaction did not meet all of the requirements for e-commerce since it was unlawful, and money was not exchanged electronically. However, the event is still remembered as the first transaction made possible via the Internet.

Jane Snowball, 72, used a gadget known as a Videotex to purchase eggs, margarine, and cornflakes from her local grocery shop through phone lines in 1984. The British grandma paid with cash and collected the food brought by hand. However, this method didn’t qualify as the first online sale due to the absence of electronic money transactions. For similar reasons, a talking computer that assisted Donald Sherman in calling a pizza to place his order in 1974 missed the chance too.

As discussed in the beginning, Dan Kohn created a website called NetMarket in August 1994, which is widely considered the world’s first REAL online transaction. Sting’s Ten Summoner’s Tales CD was sold by Dan Kohn to a buddy in Philadelphia over the Internet who paid $12.48 plus delivery charges using data encryption software.

Twenty years ago, if someone had told you that there was a method to do business online – that is, using the Internet – you would have most likely shut down the idea. This shift in consumer behavior has moved the e-commerce business way ahead since its inception—it has come a long way and is here to stay. However, in the future, e-commerce will face trends that differ from past ones.

Where to Find Trending Products to Sell Online

No matter where you are in your e-commerce journey, you undoubtedly know that selecting the right products is important in determining your success level. It’s true; tapping into a trending product category can be a goldmine for any online business owner.

Considering that there is no shortage of e-commerce stores or marketplaces – there are now more of them than ever before – if you want consumers who buy online to pick your website, you need to have exactly what they’re looking for.

And one of the most effective strategies for drawing clients to your online shop and persuading them to make a purchase is to sell things that are currently popular. But what precisely are trendy things, and how can you locate the best ones for you to sell?

• Trend Hunter
• Google Trends
• Reddit Threads
• Amazon Suggest
• Pinterest Suggest
• Influencer Activity
• Trend Report Sites
• Facebook Ad Library
• Social Media Networks
• Etsy – Popular Right Now
• E-Commerce Marketplaces
• YouTube Unboxing Videos
• Twitter Trending Hashtags
• Amazon Movers and Shakers

Additional Tools

After you have identified potential items to sell, you may utilize the following websites to confirm your ideas for trending products further:

A Better Lemonade Stand: The immediate product assessment tool provided by A Better Lemonade Stand provides information on your own business and product catalog. You will get a score that will allow you to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of your product.

Viral Launch: Although this premium tool is mainly designed for sellers on Amazon, it applies to any online company and may be of great help. Utilize the tool known as Market Intelligence to get feedback on your product concept, calculate potential revenues, and monitor trends in the market.

Profitable Business Ideas – Perfect Products to Sell Online

Just like yourself, every business owner needs three elements to be successful in e-commerce:

• High-demand products to sell.
• The skills required to sell them.
• The ambition to achieve the goal.

By following the above elements, you may be able to achieve your dream of lounging on the beach. You will, however, need a viable business concept instead of a “churn and burn” one before you can begin developing a reputable online store from the ground up.

Since each individual has unique interests and capabilities, there is no one optimal concept, and the same goes for the products or services you might sell. It is vital to begin by investigating various business ideas, becoming familiar with various structures, and selecting a market segment.

On the other hand, you don’t need to have a certain product in mind since you may add them afterward (just like Amazon did). The three most important steps are verifying your idea, finding a way to make the method profitable, and moving forward.

Below you’ll discover the perfect products to sell online in 2022, categorized by niche. However, before making a decision, set aside sufficient time to reflect on which potential options pique your interest. Remember, the goal is to settle on an idea most suitable for YOU.

• Gadget and Accessories
• Animal and Pet Products
• Fashion and Clothing Items
• Baby and Childcare Products
• Home and Outdoor Products
• Health and Wellness Products
• Comfort Accessories and Items
• Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets

Gadget and Accessories

Mobile phones are among the electronic devices that are utilized all over the globe the most. In 2027, it is anticipated that there will be 7.690 billion individuals using smartphones.

Consequently, supplementary devices such as phone straps, portable power banks, and wireless chargers have emerged as popular choices. In 2020, the market for smartphone accessories was valued at $254.5 billion, and it is expected to increase by $413.2 billion in 2030. Therefore, opening an online business selling phone accessories is lucrative and future-proof.

Phone Straps

Power Banks

Phone Holders

Wireless Chargers

Wireless Headphones and Earbuds

Animal and Pet Products

Pet owners are eager to safeguard the well-being and happiness of their animal companions. The market for pet care products was estimated to be worth $232.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at an annual rate of 6.1%. When it comes to pet food, the United States has a commanding lead over the rest of the globe, even though the industry is expanding in many world regions.

Pet Food

Dog Harness

Cat Beds

Pet Carriers

Fashion and Clothing Items

By the year 2026, it is anticipated that the annual revenue of the global clothing industry will reach about $2 trillion. Even though many traditional brick-and-mortar fashion businesses are starting to reopen their doors, online shopping is expected to continue to gain popularity. Clothing designed specifically for “getting out” is becoming more popular as more people participate in social and outdoor activities, dominated by sensual, vivid, and quirky styles.

Athleisure

Wide-Leg Pants

Corsets

Shapewear

Baby and Childcare Products

In 2020, the value of the infant care products market was estimated to be $67.35 billion, and it is expected to expand by $88.72 billion in 2026. There are still a lot of parents who work from home, which allows them to spend more time with their kids. Consequently, objects that may assist people in striking a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives have grown more popular.

Baby Carriers

Baby Swings

Baby Monitors

Home and Outdoor Products

The market for household products is expected to expand from $362.9 billion in 2021 to $455.4 billion in 2025. To improve one’s standard of living, they need to buy various items for the house. Due to the pandemic, many individuals started buying home appliances online, elevating these goods to the status of trendy products. It is only natural for such items to continue to rise, especially now that social and outdoor life has been completely reembraced globally.

Cooler Box

RGB Lights

Portable Power Stations

Outdoor Rocking Chair

Smart Speakers

Health and Wellness Products

The worldwide health and fitness sector was estimated to be worth $3,294 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $4,277 billion by 2027. Even post-COVID-19, it is anticipated that individuals will continue to devote heightened attention to health and fitness. One study shows that sixty-two percent of people in the United States consider health a higher priority than before the outbreak.

A growing number of people are becoming aware of the importance of intellectual and mental well-being, physical fitness, and immune system health. This product category is expected to maintain its profitability over the next several years due to the proliferation of options to satisfy various requirements related to health and wellness.

Ashwagandha Supplements

Matcha

Air Purifiers

Yoga Mats

Comfort Accessories and Items

According to industry analysts, trendy goods in the home design market include pieces of furniture that prioritize comfort. People are showing a growing interest since there is the possibility of purchasing different-sized products online, whether plush furniture for lounging or smaller pieces to accent the existing design, online retailers such as e-commerce marketplaces are your best bet to sell.

Sofa Beds

Wedge Pillow

Seat Cushions

Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets

The market for kitchen appliances was valued at $159.29 billion in 2017, and analysts anticipate that this number will increase to $210.80 billion by 2027. When the pandemic was at its height in the United States, fewer individuals dined out, and more people prepared their meals at home.

This pattern is continued since around seven out of ten customers have indicated that they want to keep cooking at home even after the epidemic. A rise in non-traditional home appliances, such as air fryers and portable blenders, coincides with the popularity of more traditional home appliances, such as blenders and microwaves.

Air Fryers

Portable Blender

With pandemics speeding up the transition of merchants and enterprises to a digital-first environment, e-commerce businesses have seen steady growth. It is no longer a choice but rather a must to thrive in this challenging economic environment. Since online shops are being swamped by enormous demand, it is also the right time to reap these benefits to the maximum.

Online Business Laws and Regulations

What do an unplugged hair dryer, a hoverboard fire, and children’s audio voice recordings have in common? These three things are the reason why Amazon was sued a few years back. In its infancy, the online retail sector resembled, to some extent, the lawless frontier. It was an unexplored ground, and everyone was doing all they could to capitalize on the mania moving around.

Nevertheless, the Amazon team deftly managed these difficulties—thanks to their extensive knowledge of corporate law. In the same way that Amazon does, all online merchants should prioritize being informed of the rules and regulations governing online commerce to comply with them. Your online activities are probably governed by several regulations, including those of corporations, copyright, and contracts, amongst others.

R&R applies in all areas, whether running a small firm or a fast-developing mid-market organization. There is no pressing need to get a legal education. However, you should prioritize being knowledgeable about the potential legal challenges that your online store may encounter.

E-Commerce Business Laws

Starting an e-commerce business is exciting, but navigating the complex legal framework can be nerve-wracking. The industry is extensively controlled to safeguard consumers and avoid misleading marketing practices—with laws in place to prevent customers from being taken advantage of. These legal norms are in flux, meaning they are always changing and developing in response to new dangers and technological advances.

Be aware that rules governing your company’s interaction online might differ significantly from state to state. Depending on your business region, you may also be required to comply with national and international regulations. To err on the side of caution, it is prudent to devote some of your time to becoming familiar with the regulations that apply to the following areas:

• Taxation
• Refund Policy
• Age Restrictions
• Data Privacy Laws
• Business Insurance
• Licenses And Permits
• Logistical Regulations
• Inventory Management
• Mandatory Restrictions
• PCI and FTC Compliance
• Online Payment Gateways
• Intellectual Property Rights

In conclusion, these are the essential commercial statutes and rules that proprietors of online shops should be aware of. Most of these guidelines are simple and shouldn’t strain your finances. To better understand the legal requirements and issues about compliance, we strongly advise you to discuss them with a tax specialist, an attorney, or any other kind of adviser.

Permits and Licenses Your Online Business Needs

The authorization granted by a government body to own or engage in a certain activity, often in return for a fee, is referred to as a license. Another term for a license is a permit. Compared to licenses, permits often have a more limited scope since they only apply to a single endeavor or occasion. Permits for elevators, special events, and food services are examples of these licenses.

The good news is that e-commerce businesses don’t need extensive permits or licenses, and the ones they require are quite simple to get. Below you will find a checklist of necessary permits and licenses for your online business needs; however, remember that licensing requirements differ from country to country. If you reside in the United States, we’ve got you covered. If not, please verify with your licensing boards to ensure your business is legally secured.

Business Operation License (BOL)

A Business Operation License is a locally issued state permit that provides legal authority to do business in a city, county, or state, depending on the jurisdiction. Since each jurisdiction has its own laws, you may need to submit separate applications at the state and municipal levels. The laws governing these licenses and the procedures for applying differ from region to region, so check with your local City Hall or the Secretary of State’s website to apply.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that identifies your company as a separate tax entity. Technically not a license, an EIN assures that your business manages payroll tax and is in compliance, making it the best option to prevent business tax-related headaches down the road. Getting an EIN is simple and can be done online. Simply visit the IRS website to apply for one.

Doing Business as (DBA) License

The ability to run an e-commerce company under a name other than your own is granted to you by obtaining a Doing Business as (DBA) license. For example, you may desire to operate your business as “Protein Paradise” rather than “Sarah Parker.” Although a DBA is not mandated, it is highly recommended because it meets certain criteria for forming a company bank account and enforcing critical contracts. Contact a state agency/government office to register for a DBA license.

Seller’s Permit

A Seller’s Permit (sometimes known as a Seller’s License) is necessary to market things online legally and is almost universal, although the standards, taxes, and other specifics differ from state to state. Check with your State’s Department of Revenue or Licensing Office to ensure you have obtained the necessary permits and licenses. Remember that getting a Seller’s Permit is still required even if you sell digital or other intangible items or services.

Sales Tax License

E-commerce businesses that offer taxable goods and services are lawfully mandated to collect and pay sales tax, which calls for a Sales Tax License. It’s crucial to remember that sales tax regulations vary from State to State; therefore, you’ll need to check with the state where you do business to comply with their requirements. In addition to obtaining a Sales Tax License, you should investigate if any additional tax licenses are necessary by the state to avoid any future penalties.

Home Occupation Permit

Many entrepreneurs who run e-commerce businesses do it from the comfort of their homes. This helps them avoid commercial premises’ licensing and permitting requirements; however, it’s not free from ALL. When you apply for a Home Occupation Permit, you ensure that your home is designated for business activity—that is, your operation is not causing any unnecessary traffic or noise.

Occupational License

An Occupational License is unnecessary for every online company; however, contact the National Occupational Licensing Database to be clear and avoid penalties. They may assist you in determining whether or not you need an Occupational License. Suppose your business requires specialized training, education, or certification to function lawfully. In that case, you’ll need proper occupational permissions from the appropriate authority.

In addition, some other licenses and permissions may be required for your ecommerce company, such as Environmental Permits and Public Health Permits. To avoid paying excessive penalties, always double-check with your state and local governments to ensure that you have every legal document required to run an e-commerce business.

Competitor Analysis: What Makes You Different in a Crowded Market

You name a product, and someone else is probably already selling it. That’s both good and bad news because competition is a reliable indicator of customer demand. Wherever there is a need, there is the possibility for expansion as well as ongoing profit. If things were even slightly different, we wouldn’t be having the discussion about Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi.

Now, the catch is that you and your competitor will have to compete for the same clients and share the same playing field (marketing tools, sales, channels, etc.). This presents a challenge. What makes you different from others? How can you influence consumers’ choices without seeming to be very different? To summarize, a well-executed competitor analysis is a multi-step procedure that aims to investigate the following areas:

• What kinds of advantages do certain competitors have?
• Who are the most influential people in the industry right now?
• What are the weaknesses in the capabilities of the competitors?
• How do they make the most of those assets to differentiate themselves?
• Which resources do you already possess (or will need to acquire) to fill those gaps?
• What are internal and external factors at play in the landscape of competitiveness?

Step-By-Step Guide to Competitor Analysis

A well-thought analysis of your competitors should provide you with essential data that may help guide your product development and marketing practices. Proceed through the following nine stages to unearth those “hidden in plain sight” gems of information.

1. Identify your competitors.
2. Perform a competitor SWOT analysis.
3. Examine your competitors’ websites.
4. Determine their market positioning.
5. Look at pricing and current offers.
6. Learn about the technology they use.
7. Analyze shipment route and pricing.
8. Review social media performance.
9. Invest in competitor analysis tools.

Without the basic knowledge of your competition, you probably won’t be able to grow your business and boost revenue strategically. However, remember that competitor analysis is a continual and frequent procedure. This is absolutely not something that will take place in a single day. Moreover, you can also keep track of their growth by using SEMrush and Google Analytics.

How to Create, Setup, and Launch a Profitable Online Store

When it comes to creating, setting, and launching a successful and profitable online store, numerous aspects of the process need careful consideration. Many moving parts are involved in running a successful online business, from selecting the appropriate e-commerce platform to stocking the site with the best products. Confused? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

This section will take you through each and every step. So, whether you are just getting started with your online shop or have been operating it for some time and are searching for methods for expansion, continue reading for some pointers to take your business to the next level.

Getting Started

Whether you’re planning to start an e-commerce website as a side hustle to bring in a little more bucks here and there or as part of an extensive plan to expand your existing company, the question is, where to start? Surprisingly, creating a successful online store doesn’t require much money, effort, or technical skills. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.

Step 1: Select an E-Commerce Platform

An e-commerce platform is a tool that enables companies to create, host, and administer their online stores—a must-have to enable seamless integration of the front-end and backend operations. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for, and e-commerce platforms are no exception to this rule. Many companies provide a variety of e-commerce platforms and packages at affordable prices tailored to every business’ unique needs.

To put it simply, e-commerce platforms serve as the backbone of any online store, enabling the front-end and backend to function efficiently to maximize profits. Apart from serving as a Content Management System (CMS), they take charge and act as a growth facilitator, allowing businesses to increase their e-commerce offerings and deliver a smooth customer experience.

It all boils down to the money you’re willing to spend and how much you genuinely require. For example, bells and whistles aren’t always necessary, so why spend the money on them? The good news is that the various e-commerce platforms provide free trial periods, offering plenty of opportunities to experiment with different options. Below are some popular e-commerce platforms.

• Shopify— Best for Customized Store
• BigCommerce— Best for Multichannel Selling
• Weebly— Best Affordable for Small Businesses
• Squarespace— Highest Quality Website Templates
• Wix eCommerce— Best Website Builder for Beginners
• Square Online— Best for Brick-And-Mortar Integration

Step 2: Purchase a Domain Name

Try to picture what the Internet would be like without domain names. Imagine you need to change your status on social media, check your email, or engage in one of the many other routine online tasks. In that instance, you would be required to enter a sequence of numbers analogous to dialing a phone number rather than putting in the web URL. For example, to access Gmail or Instagram, you would have to enter 22.564.343.897 or 56.888.794.45.

By developing the Domain Name System in 1983, Paul Mockapetris contributed to expanding the Internet beyond its literary beginnings and into the general public sphere. Browsing the Internet has become much simpler, and users can now access a website simply by inputting a domain name that is easy to keep in their heads rather than a long string of numbers. The question is, how can one get one of these? Domain Name Registrar.

Finding the cheapest option is not the only factor to consider while selecting the ideal registrar. Even while cost is an important factor, many registrars who offer inexpensive fees do not include privacy protection. This means that your personal information will be made publicly accessible in the global ICANN register, where anybody may read it. The following is a list of the most reputable domain name registrars provided for your convenience.

• com — Best Domain Package
• Hostinger — Best for Free Domain Name
• Porkbun — Best Renewal Pricing on the Market
• NameSilo — Best for Buying Dozens of Domains
• NameCheap — Best Domain Names for $1 or Less
• Google Domains — Best Free Privacy and Security Features
• Network Solutions — Best for Long-Term Domain Registration

Things to Remember

Avoid Creative Terms or Jargon: A domain name doesn’t need to be able to pass a spelling check; after all, the term Google wasn’t even a word until the firm was founded. Because you want consumers to keep it in their minds, you should ensure that it is easy to remember. It is in the best interest of consumers to steer clear of utilizing hyphens and digits in the site URL since doing so makes it more difficult to share with others.

Avoid Generic Names: Using a completely generic domain name may seem to be the most secure option; however, this is not the case. People will either forget the name or go to a website belonging to a competitor with a name similar to yours but with a better search engine optimization (SEO) rating and SERP rank. Therefore, make sure your domain name is one of a kind, not too long, and simple to remember.

The Shorter, The Better: Try to keep the number of characters in your domain name between 6 and 14 since this will make it much simpler for your customers to keep in mind.

Even if people learn about your company via a search engine, selecting a shorter name for your website will bring in a larger audience since it will be simpler to use in advertising and promotional materials all over social media.

Step 3: Pick a Visionary Theme

Imagine shopping at a traditional brick-and-mortar. Everything from the furniture to the lighting to the presenting platform as a whole is designed specifically with YOU in mind. Soon as you enter, the salesman convinces you to buy a product by outlining the reasons why you should make the purchase and emphasizing the great value proposition.

So there you have it. Everything that the salesperson does in the few minutes you spend in his store should be accomplished by your website’s homepage in the first few seconds when a new visitor arrives. It must provide sufficient reasons for the visitor to continue their stay; else, all will be lost. Solution? The layout or theme of a website.

Templates are pre-built web pages that may be adjusted to meet your company’s aesthetic. This allows you to make your website seem professional even if you do not have web design or coding skills. Templates are sometimes referred to as themes. When deciding on a template, the following factors are important to bear in mind:

Customer Navigation: Providing a user-friendly experience is essential to a company’s success, and this can be achieved with proper customer navigation. If customers can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll hit the “back” button on their browser and hunt for something else. Because people tend to read from left to right, a navigation bar on the left side of the page is preferable. To put it simply, go with a user-friendly approach.

The Look of the Homepage: Is the template’s default home page a good match for your company’s image? Does it contain places where you may upload pictures, slide presentations, or videos that describe your products or services the best? Does the website include a place for users to share their experiences? Your consumers should be able to tell right away what sort of business you are by the template’s design.

Options for Personalization: Does your brand have a distinct typography and color scheme? Is there a way to change the way things are displayed? Is it possible to incorporate social media icons? It’s important to remember that many online store builders depend on third-party platforms to provide additional functionality that isn’t included in the design. If you think your template is incomplete, go for a custom option.

Step 4: Add Your Products

Did you know that the success or failure of an online business is determined by the product pages shown on the website? They either succeed in converting a visitor into a client or fail to do so. There is no between ground. The question is, if a well-designed and functional product page is essential to the success of an online store, why are there so many poor examples available online?

Each visitor who successfully navigates their way to a product page reflects the hard work and financial investment that got them there. Therefore, throwing away all your hard work on the website’s product or service pages is important. Focus on developing a user experience that gives visitors all they need to become customers.

As a result of the fact that this definition will vary from one location to another and from one industry to another, it is up to you to do some research and find the combination of factors that will be most advantageous for your online business.

Things to Remember

Once you’ve uploaded all the products, wait for customers to be where you want them to be: on the product page of your website. How do you determine if you’ve done your job right? If the customer clicks “checkout,” makes the payment, and completes the transaction, know that you’re halfway there. What actions do you need to do to make it a reality? The following are some qualities that we’ve found across unique sites, both in terms of ranking user usability/preference:

• Shipping information.
• Information on prices.
• Details about the product.
• Visible product variations.
• A direct invitation to act (call-to-action).
• Highly-quality images of the product.
• Customer feedback and social proof.

Step 5: Decide on Payment Method

Even though it is possible to overlook the fees associated with payment processing, the sums may quickly accumulate. The costs vary based on the payment methods you want to accept at checkouts (such as PayPal or credit cards), the type of currency, and the operational countries in your shop. There are costs associated with each payment gateway that you desire to make accessible, which you must pay. Here’s a rundown to help you make a wise, budget-friendly decision.

• Stripe (2.9% plus $0.30 for each transaction).
• PayPal (2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction – above $10).
• net (2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction – $25/mo. fee).

Any costs your banking institution may impose are not included in this calculation. If you’re looking for the most competitive rates on overall payment processing costs, WooCommerce and BigCommerce are the two companies to choose from. They provide some of the most customizable payment processing solutions, making them ideal for e-commerce businesses.

Step 6: Preview and Launch Your Online Store

Your website must function properly in every respect for the launch to be considered a success. Users can leave your site due to time delays, if a link does not function properly, if payments are not processed, or if the site does not appear friendly on mobile devices. Make sure that everything has been tested before you click the publish button.

So, there you have everything you need to know to create, set up, and launch a profitable online store from scratch. At first, it may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and resources, you can be on your way to starting a successful online business.

Proven Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Online Store

Online sales are growing across the board, resulting in a spurt of new e-commerce businesses. However, the question is, how do you keep on top of the competition and position your company for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market? One of the most crucial things you will need to concentrate on is increasing the number of visitors to your online business.

As is the case with any project involving preparation, some tasks need substantial forethought. To assist you in climbing the ladder, we have created a list of straightforward tactics that you may use to increase the number of visits to your website significantly. On the other hand, some of these may be accomplished with little to no work and on the spur of the moment.

Firstly, Optimize Your Site for Sales

Before you try to figure out how to increase the traffic that comes to your site, ensure that your website is prepared to turn those potential visits into customers. It makes no difference whether you’ve just recently launched your company or have been in operation for some time; everyone is looking for ways to enhance e-commerce traffic and draw more customers. Each potential visitor is unique, and several strategic ways exist to convert them.

• Make it very clear what you have to offer.
• Make your point to a specific target audience.
• Organize your website with a clear structure and CTA.
• Remember that content is king, and photography is queen.
• Allow an expert to carry out quality assurance procedures.

So there you have it—simple strategies that you may apply to improve your website’s visitors drastically. So, are you ready to boost the number of visitors to your website and turn that traffic into more purchases? Read through this section carefully.

Drive Visitors without Spending a Dime

Although it is still in its early stages, e-commerce already accounts for 14.1 percent of retail sales worldwide. This is an indication of a high degree of competitiveness. Nevertheless, even if you do not have the same amount of money to spend on marketing as your competitors, this does not mean you cannot acquire a competitive edge in the ever-growing market.

In reality, you can attract visitors to your website without paying for advertisements. Don’t get us wrong: advertisements are a fantastic method to increase visitors. But if you’re tight on budget, there are other ways too. Before we go on to sponsored traffic tactics, let’s start by looking at some more cost-effective methods that may be used to drive traffic.

Pinterest Marketing

Pinterest, which operates more similarly to a search engine than a social networking platform, serves as a source of information for those with a lot of extra money. Most people who use Pinterest have annual incomes of at least $75,000. This is a good platform for promoting your merchandise and utilizing pins to bring traffic back to your website since Pinterest users tend to come from rich backgrounds.

Make sure you join discussion groups relevant to your field as a first step. Group boards contain several contributors who may each add a pin to them, which means you can use other users’ following and traffic sources to increase the number of eyes drawn to your own pins.

Before joining a board, ensure you have done all of your research beforehand. For instance, you must submit a certain amount of pins each week to be eligible for some boards. You may also create your boards. Each should have at least ten pins, but it is essential to pin them often on each board to keep traffic moving.

Instagram Marketing

E-commerce businesses may achieve great success via Instagram with the launch of the Shopping tab that was added to the site a year ago, enabling users to make direct purchases via the platform. Therefore, if increasing the number of people who visit your company is your major purpose, the following are some suggestions for making the most of the website:

To begin, your profile serves as the central contact point for site visitors interested in acquiring further information. Note that users with less than 10K followers cannot access multiple link options. Therefore, if you represent a new business, you can only post a single link on your profile. For a profile to be considered optimal, it must include the following characteristics:

• Relevant target keywords.
• A sufficient number of emojis.
• Just one link and one call to action.

Once you have an optimized profile, you should begin posting regularly. There is no shortcut for this stage—great content is the only way to get organic visitors.

Content Marketing

Did you know that forty percent of marketers believe content marketing is important to their overall marketing strategy? The field of content marketing is quite broad; however, the following information is essential for anybody interested.

Content marketing generates high-quality content to create credibility, increase brand awareness, and position your brand as an expert on the subject matter. The idea is simple: if you integrate the functions of educator and retailer on your website, you will be able to attract a greater number of visitors, turning into future customers.

Many clients are searching for more than just a product; they are looking for assistance and information to assist them in resolving a problem they are experiencing. If you handle the first stage of your customer’s problem by giving them access to high-quality information, they will be more likely to choose your product as the solution.

Write blog posts or articles centered on targeted keywords associated with your products or services and promote those blogs on social media platforms; however, congratulations if you’ve already finished this step while researching how to use Pinterest effectively.

Pay to Play – Driving Traffic Using Paid Methods

Now that we’ve examined some of the most effective strategies to increase traffic without spending a dime, the question is, what should you do if you have money to spend on ads? If you’ve previously completed the procedures outlined above, you’ll have a wealth of information to work with to make your paid traffic initiatives more profitable. Still confused? Don’t worry; just read along.

• Google Ads
• Data Retargeting
• Affiliate Marketing
• Display Advertising
• Influencer Marketing
• Google Map Advertising
• Social Media Advertising

Time to Grow: Things to Consider When Scaling Your Online Business

Many factors come into play while running a normal shop, such as rent, goods, utility bills, storage, and transportation. However, with the advent of technology, more business owners are shifting their operations to an online format. When it comes to establishing an online business, most of these issues are already addressed since overhead isn’t necessary.

But what if you already have a brick-and-mortar storefront? Using various technological instruments, you may still turn your business into an internet business. At the absolute least, adopt some of these methods to migrate a piece of your business on the Internet.

Scaling Tactics for Your Online Business

Sounds like a good concept to build up your internet company, right? But what precisely does it mean? To put it another way, scaling your online business entails increasing it while retaining the same operating expenditures. This cost may be assessed for your time since time is money. To properly scale your organization, you will most likely need to monitor that expansion, although the aim is to acquire a lot larger return than what you put in.

For instance, if you are now making $1,000 per month from your firm and investing 20 hours per week, your scaling aim may be to produce $2,000 per month while contributing 25 hours per week. Most scaling tactics need you to commit a significant amount of time to grow, which is ideal but not necessarily realistic for most of us. Instead, you need to concentrate on strategies that may boost your revenue without consuming up all of your spare time.

Specify Your Niche and Develop a Unique Brand

Finding your particular market niche makes the difference between success and failure. If this specialty or micro-niche can be narrowed down, your business will be better off even more. As soon as you have determined your specialty market, effectively penetrate this sector and expand your business by catering to the requirements of your clientele.

If you are familiar with your target audience, you will be more equipped to design organized and specific plans and strategies for expanding your company. Having a distinct brand is also beneficial in this regard. However, for your one-of-a-kind brand to succeed in your specialized industry, you will need to guarantee sufficient demand.

A well-defined goal, a value proposition, and the ability to develop novel solutions are required for an online business to succeed and stand out from the competition. It is crucial to differentiate yourself from the competition; nevertheless, if there is no true niche you are marketing to, your company may suffer a setback once the early excitement has subsided.

Your business won’t have a robust online presence until all of these conditions are satisfied, but once done, it will thrive like never before.

Know Your Audience Well

In the world of e-commerce, business owners go to considerable heights to understand the habits and preferences of their customers. However, even basic market research may tell you quite a bit about the kind of people you will be catering to your products or services.

When you have a deeper understanding of your target demographic, you will be more equipped to meet their needs, encouraging them to patronize your company more often. This, in turn, will assist you in developing a powerful digital strategy and increasing the number of sales you make over the Internet. This information may further be used to create a buyer persona, which will give you a crystal clear picture of the individuals your online company aims to attract.

As a result, you will better understand their likes and dislikes, allowing you to devise new and original methods for expanding your online business. Charting customer journeys will expose you to obvious patterns that can be utilized to construct an effective digital strategy to grow your market demand and get people interested in your company.

Monitor Your Analytics

Monitoring your company’s success provides you with immediate insight into the rate at which your business is scaling. When you are trying to grow your business, the success of your sales team should be the first measure you analyze. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Take a look at the current patterns; are they healthy?
• How quickly are your sales picking up steam?
• To what do you credit the success of such growth?

Because it represents the overall health of your online business, excellent sales performance is a vital sign of your potential to scale as your business grows. You can be confident that growth is in your business’s future if the indicators are positive and on the rise. Additional relevant growth measures include the following:

Conversion Rates in E-Commerce: Do most customers purchase online or in-store? Where exactly are they putting their money to use?

Product Performance: Which of your goods have been the most successful to date? Is there a possibility of extending the range of products you offer?

LTV: CAC (Lifetime Value: Cost per Acquisition): Recognize your marketing potential. Is the price you pay to bring in new consumers worthwhile?

Take Advantage of the Affiliate Marketing Program

Affiliates, in a nutshell, are individuals that advertise online products or services on your behalf in exchange for a commission on any sales they generate. Many people are put off by the concept of paying commission to affiliates, but the fact of the matter is that the vast majority of the sales you make via affiliates are sales that you otherwise wouldn’t have made.

Reaching audiences who are somewhat different from the audience that you have cultivated yourself is the aim, and doing so will allow you to achieve two things at once:

• Make sales to those demographics.
• Those audiences will now follow you.

If you successfully sell to another person’s audience, you may get a new following and a customer for life. One further advantage of establishing an affiliate network is that, in time, it will seem as if your products are selling themselves. After you have launched, you can turn the task of bringing in customers if you have a committed team of affiliates working for you.

Establish Partnerships via Joint Venture

Creating a joint venture collaboration with another company is one strategy to reach a new audience. In a nutshell, joint ventures are formed when a person from one industry teams up with another from the same sector to organize and run an event, such as a webinar. Participants are required to sign up by providing their email addresses. Now, selecting this alternative will require more work on your part, but the increased number of people who see it will make it worthwhile.

After the event, you and your partner will both have access to the email list produced as a result of the event, and you will both go home having amassed a larger audience. The most important thing to do at this stage is to maintain contact with the new clientele list. We discussed sales funnels previously, and if you have one in place, you can begin making sales to them immediately without investing additional time or effort in the process.

Use Paid Media to Increase Your Reach

Paid media, such as advertisements on Instagram and Facebook, target your appropriate audience and help you expand without requiring further effort. If you want people to consider investing in your business, your advertisement must be attention-grabbing and high quality.

Therefore, if you plan to spend money on paid media marketing, concentrate on the type of material and content. Nevertheless, regardless of everything else, the one thing that paid media accomplishes is just spreading the message. The greater the number of people aware of your online business, the higher the growth rate of your business will be.

Summary

The evolution of e-commerce has been rapid, transforming at an almost mind-boggling pace. From a guy selling a Sting “Ten Summoner’s Tales” CD to a friend to Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba earning their position among top e-commerce stores globally—the industry has come a long way.

While the coronavirus pandemic disrupted many businesses worldwide, it created a unique environment for e-commerce fanatics to test their ideas in a market full of opportunities. However, before building a legitimate e-commerce store from scratch, every entrepreneur needs a sustainable business idea rather than a “churn and burn” one—to name a few: multi-vendor marketplace, e-learning, online rental, and food and grocery delivery service.

Not to forget, even though an online business doesn’t have a physical presence, it is still necessary to have some legal paperwork, including permits and licenses (Business Operation License, Employer Identification Number, DBA, Seller’s Permit, Sales Tax License, Home Occupation Permit, and Occupational License).

We also learned that competition is the backbone that serves as a foundation for e-commerce success by assisting in differentiating goods, services, and marketing from the competition. Moreover, starting an e-commerce business from scratch is no rocket science if you have proper knowledge of E-Commerce Platforms, Domain Name System (DNS), Hosting Provider, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate, Payment Processing, Add-Ons, and Extensions.

Thanks to an ever-expanding market, it is possible to establish and build your own e-commerce business at any age. However, it is important to remember that results take time. No one can guarantee that your e-commerce company will succeed someday; it will require time, effort, and hard work. Remember that no one wants to see you fail, and following the pointers outlined above should provide a solid foundation to climb the ladder of e-commerce success.

Finally, we unpacked how to find the perfect products to sell online, online business laws and regulations: an e-commerce guide, competitor analysis: how to know what makes you different in a crowded e-commerce market, choosing the right e-commerce platform for your business, how to create, setup, and launch a profitable online store, proven ways to drive traffic to your online store, things to consider when scaling your online business.

This brings us to the end of this extensive guide; now, it’s time to hear from you. Any questions? Or maybe there’s something we missed? Either way, feel free to leave a comment below.