Running an ecommerce site is a little different to running a brick and mortar store. Here we discuss how to best serve your small-biz customers and win their business again and again. What startup steps might you be skipping? What concepts and strategies are you missing? This e-commerce client success checklist will help you.
Determine the ideal customer
It’s important to identify the customer niche. Some new businesses are tempted to cast a wide net and try to attract a wide range of customers, but if you’re aiming for everyone, you might appeal to no one. As a new business, it’s important to choose a specific, ideal customer. It makes it easier to launch targeted marketing efforts and speak with a clear brand voice that stands out in the cluttered e-commerce space.
Choose what to sell
If a new online shop has the freedom and flexibility to change its product lineup, it makes sense to closely follow consumer trends. Since the start of the pandemic, consumer shopping habits have shifted, and they’re likely to stick. According to a report by BigCommerce, health and wellness and health-management products are trending, along with home comfort items and personal entertainment. Luxury sales, on the other hand, are down, most notably among millennials.
Take care of the legal stuff
Some new businesses are tempted to gloss over important liability concerns. However, by consulting with a lawyer, startups can get trusted information about legal requirements, including business insurance, business name registration, tax rules, and licensing. This is an upfront investment worth making!
Plan the inventory model
Online shops can either purchase, hold, and fulfill inventory by themselves or use a dropship company. Both options have their benefits, but they are two drastically different approaches. Dropshipping doesn’t require capital for inventory or storage but, your client won’t have the same control over fulfillment or returns.
Pick the perfect domain name
Buying your domain name makes your business idea feel real. There are many top-level domains (TLDs) now available, so you can pair one with your brand name to create a memorable online home. Different TLDs will resonate with different niches and imply a different tone and purpose.
For example, the .SHOP domain extension is a great choice for e-commerce businesses and online shops because it’s clear, universally recognized, and contains an SEO keyword — shop — right in the domain name.
When selecting a business name, shop owners should also consider how it can work as a domain name. After all, your domain is your signpost online. Make sure that it’s:
- Short
- Easy to spell and read
- Memorable
- Reflective of the purpose of the shop
If you’re looking for some fresh and meaningful domain extensions, check out our full TLD lineup (add link to Buzz TLD price list).