Want to start your own online business but don't know how to go about it? We are here to help! Nowadays, opening a well-functioning sales platform is not difficult at all. The bigger challenge may be choosing the industry you want to operate in and selecting the right products. Finding a niche is undoubtedly the key to success. How to create a webshop ? Let's find out!
Step 1: Refining the idea and analysing the market
Before we move on to action and find out what the setting up an online shop In the first instance, you need to think carefully about your idea. What seems great to us is not necessarily reflected in the real needs of consumers. Standing out from the crowd is not an easy task, but it can be done. All it takes is a very close look at the competition and an analysis of the market. We need to take into account various factors, e.g. the prices of the products, the appearance of the shop, the way the goods are presented, the forms of advertising or the strategy for persuading buyers. It is definitely worth spending time on the analysis, which will allow you to avoid many mistakes after the opening of the sales platform, which can be associated with considerable financial losses.
Step 2: preparation of a practical strategy
Once we have the right idea and an understanding of the competition, it is time to develop a precise strategy, or business plan. First and foremost, it should include objectives - these may relate directly to sales or brand promotion. An important component of the strategy is also the target group. Who are the products aimed at? How can they help consumers in their daily lives? Do they solve their specific problem? These are the questions we need to find answers to.
Setting up an online shop will require the selection of the right marketing tools - proper planning of the forms and places of conducting a promotional campaign will allow to succeed and quickly gain the first customers. We should consider, among others, activities such as: building brand image in social media, use of blogs, SEO marketing, use of sponsored links, Google Ads campaigns, banners on websites, mailing, pop-up messages, etc. There are indeed many ways to advertise online - the important thing is to choose ones that suit your target audience. 
Step 3: choice of name and domain
Setting up an online shop requires choosing a name and a domain name - it is a choice for years, so you need to think about it very carefully. Above all, don't go for fancy terms that consumers won't be able to remember. The name should be short, catchy, easy to pronounce and evoke positive associations.
Step 4: Choosing the right software and layout
Can open a free online shop ? It all depends on the choice of sales platform - there are some that are actually free or partially paid. Such systems are usually based on an open source licence. However, before you decide on such a solution, you need to determine whether it is something suitable for you. Other options for purchasing software include:
- SaaS - a solution that requires the payment of a subscription;
- Dedicated model, where an online shop is created from scratch taking all your requirements into account.
Step 5: completion of the necessary formalities
Signing contracts is an indispensable part of any business. It is no different in the case of running an online shop . When setting it up, you will need to complete the necessary formalities, such as reporting your business base to GIODO. If you plan to introduce courier services or card payments, you will need to sign the relevant documents.
Step 6: introduction of products
Without the entry of goods, sales cannot begin. However, simply adding items to your online shop should not stop there - the way you present them is crucial. Do you want a high conversion rate and to attract new buyers? Then go for unique, concise and interesting descriptions, using benefit language. Prepare high-quality images that no one will be able to miss.
Step 7: carry out tests before opening an online shop
Before a sales platform is made available to customers, it is a good idea to first test whether everything is functioning properly. For example, you can check for technical errors, blank pages, etc. It is also worth seeing whether the service displays correctly on mobile devices and whether there are any problems with the order process.
Hook 8: marketing in advertising
Once an online shop has been set up, it remains to implement the previously developed marketing strategy. It is a good idea to continuously check which solutions work best and which do not. Then you can continuously optimise your activities in order to achieve the desired result. Remember that an online shop is only a tool - without effective advertising, Internet users will not find out about your products.
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