• eCommerce

Setting up an online store: key tools to rock at it

Ecommerce is an industry that’s continuing to grow. In fact, some of the world’s largest companies (Amazon, eBay, etc.) are ecommerce companies! Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to set up an online store, but with the competition out there, you can face a lot of challenges on the path to success.

The expectations of ecommerce have changed significantly in the last five years and the recent global Covid pandemic has sped things along, with online shopping sales rising by more than 30% during this period. But as people move away from retail stores to online sellers, ecommerce needs to provide an experience, and a reason for customers to develop crucial brand loyalty. There are numerous challenges for online sellers to consider today when creating and managing an ecommerce website, but fortunately there are different platforms to make this happen, helping you to succeed in the fast-paced world of ecommerce.

If you’ve successfully passed the first stage of setting up an online store and want to go further in this adventure, keep reading to learn more about some of the key business areas you should focus on.

Ecommerce: more than just sales

The key thing to note about ecommerce is that it’s no longer just about the transaction itself. There is a lot of competition out there, and if you can’t meet the demands of a savvy customer base, they’re simply going to buy elsewhere. Some of the key considerations when creating an ecommerce website today include:

- Business strategy

To ensure success for your business, it is essential to rely on an effective plan. Ecommerce strategies need to focus on how sales will be generated, what the goals are for the coming years and more. This can provide a direction for the business, making it much more than just sales.

- Marketing

A firm marketing strategy is another must when setting up an online store. The rise of digital marketing makes it easier for businesses to target audiences, but it must be done in the right way. From taking the most out of the algorithms that control the information customers see to creating content and building campaigns that grab attention to help you edge out your competition, there are many areas to control for an effective marketing plan.

- Distribution

Given the amount of competition within the industry, a suitable shipping solution is a crucial consideration for your business. In the age where people expect next and even same-day delivery at an affordable price, you need a partner you can trust to make it work. Centralizing all your shipping activities and connecting your brand with the best couriers will not only help you streamline your day-to-day processes but also offer your clients an optimal experience.

- Customer experience

For many people, online shopping has replaced going to the high street or retail parks. But while it can be a convenient solution, it also needs to provide a worthwhile experience for customers. Shopping needs to be simple, informative and enjoyable. So the more you can do to improve your customer experience when setting up your online store, the better your chance of securing your clients’ loyalty, which will help you ensure long-term success.

- Learning and improving

The ecommerce world is constantly evolving, meaning you can’t be complacent. It’s important to keep an eye on changing developments and focus on improving your services to ensure you stay relevant for your customers.

Finding the right solutions to help ensure ecommerce success

While there are a lot of considerations for online business managers, there are many ecommerce softwares and other tools available to give you the proper support in your journey and ensure your success. Take a look at our infographic to get an overview of some of the tools at your disposal.

Setting up an online store - Infographic

With a wide range of tools available to help your ecommerce business succeed, you’ve got everything you need to rock online selling! And more specifically, if you need support to manage your shipments, follow the link to find out more about Packlink’s comprehensive shipping services and how we can help you drive your business forward.