Opening an online store is one of the most important steps for micro, small and medium-sized companies, because it is through the digital world where more people can meet them and have a better shopping experience, but how do you start to have a portal? optimum?
When selling online you can choose various channels such as marketplaceone of the most used, especially for small brands that are just starting out and do not have much infrastructure or their resources are limited, but if your company is stronger and you want to have a formal presentation where your be in control of everything then the web page is the best option, although you can mix it with the marketplace.
“The investment will be strong at the beginning compared to the expenses in a marketplacee, but over time, instead of having a fixed cost with fees, each sale means a gain and recovery investment”, indicates the ebook Sell and send, guide for a complete e-commerce.
According to the document prepared by Wortev and Estafeta, having their own platform requires another type of management from design, positioning, mechanics and logistics, one of the greatest challenges for SMEs.
However, the most difficult thing is the beginning and not knowing how to operate, but once having the proper guide and starting the work, the process will be easier.
To help in this process, the guide indicates which are the 10 basics what to have to start your store on-line.
1. Product catalog
Make sure to include the photos and videos of each product or service, with its detailed description and with the possibility of implementing action buttons, for example, with which you can share the links on social networks or have the purchase at that moment.
2. Shopping cart
It must be simple, with the possibility of editing orders, payment options and providing the most relevant information about the purchase.
“The success of the sale always depends on its functionality. The easier it is for the user, the greater their satisfaction and will motivate them to continue buying”.
3. Means of payment
Be sure to include various modes of payment from credit and debit cards, to deposits, transfers (if you think it is appropriate), pay with digital grocery vouchers, fortnightly payments, PayPal, cash on delivery, among others.
“Offering multiple options makes it easier for your customers to buy.”
4. Shipping methods
It offers attractive solutions with affordable shipping costs, since one of the problems that prevents a sale from being made is the high cost of logistics, which can sometimes be higher than the product purchased.
There are three options that can be implemented: shipping by weight, at a fixed price or free depending on a purchase amount.
5. Contact page
“Place this contact page in the main navigation menu and also as a footer in your e-commerce”, as this way people will be able to have direct communication with the brand and solve their doubts or possible complaints.
6. Purchase Policies
Establishes the conditions and rules of purchase, especially in the part of return or changes.
“To write this document, it is important that you make clear the products for which it applies, how and when the return will be applicable, and the new shipping costs that arise from a change and/or return.”
7. Privacy Notice
With this you will openly inform how the data is used of buyers and how to take care of them. This restart responds to the Federal Law on the protection of personal data held by individuals and must be in a visible place from the moment you enter the portal.
8. SSL or security certificate
With this, you can securely transfer (through encryption) important information shared between two parties, providing customers with confidence and security. This way hackers will not be able to access your brand information.
9. Product Finder
Place it in a visible place so that the client can quickly access what they are looking for and they are not lost in the sections of your brand.
10. Shield your store
Unfortunately as of the first quarter of 2022, there were reported 80 billion attempts of cyberattacks, according to Fortinet, so it is vital that your online space has the necessary protection measures.
For this, make sure you have protection to avoid viruses, attacks, false identities, among other risks that put the business at risk. It is best to approach cybersecurity professionals to have the best protection.
