What is an E-Commerce site and how can it benefit your business?
E-commerce has become a popular way for businesses to reach new markets and sell their products and services. There are many different platforms available for businesses to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
One option businesses have is to create a custom e-commerce store. A custom e-commerce store is a website that is designed specifically for the business, and can be customized to the business’s needs.
The advantages of a custom e-commerce store include the ability to tailor the store to the business’s specific needs, the ability to control the look and feel of the store, and the ability to add unique features that are not available on other platforms. Custom e-commerce stores also tend to be more secure than off-the-shelf solutions, as they can be built with security features specific to the business.
E-commerce is growing rapidly with the advancement of technology. This is because it is convenient for both the customer and the business. A custom e-commerce store can be beneficial for a business as it can be designed specifically to match the branding and meet the specific needs of the business. It can also be more beneficial for search engine optimization (SEO) as a custom site can be designed with keywords that relate to the business.
If you are interested in a new website design and wanting to learn more about E-Commerce contact Atomic Interactive at (937) 232-1155
These days, many of our customers are interested in setting up online shops to sell their goods. I say, great! Online shopping is easier than ever before. This means customers may be more likely to place orders from your site—and it also means that they’ll show up with plenty of expectations of what their shopping experiences should be like. You need to be ready to deliver.
Here are five questions I ask clients before they set up an online store:
• Have you defined your products in detail? Customers want to know exactly what they’re getting. That means taking great pictures—lots of them; writing good descriptions, including item sizes, colors, and features; creating SKU numbers; and clearly listing shipping options. The more detail, the better; this gives customers confidence in you—and your stuff.
• Is your product subject to sales tax? This varies from product to product and state to state. Typically, you are responsible for collecting tax for states you have a presence in. For example, if your headquarters are in Ohio, but you have a warehouse in Indiana, you’ll need to collect tax on orders shipped to both states. (Read more here.)
• How will you fulfill your orders? Depending on what (and how much) you’re selling, you may be able to pull inventory, pack boxes, and ship orders on your own. If that’s not an option, check into fulfillment services from companies like Amazon, or consider drop shipping from your suppliers, if they’re willing.
• Do you know how you’ll handle payments? This is more complicated than you might think. Accepting credit cards online requires an SSL certificate, plus a gateway and merchant account to process transactions and deposit money into your bank account. (I recommend Authorize.net.) If you don’t want your own SSL certificate, PayPal gets the job done.
• What happens when a customer has a problem? What will you do if customers receive defective products, or if they just change their minds? Do you have a set of terms and conditions customers should agree to before they buy? The cozy anonymity of the Web doesn’t mean you get to skimp on customer service. Lay out worst-case scenarios on paper beforehand to discover all the liabilities and service expectations your customers are sure to have.
If you can answer all of these questions confidently, you’re on the right track. The next step? Stock your inventory, set up shop, and watch your sales climb.
Think of building an online store of your own? Contact Atomic for more expert advice. While you’re at it, check out our swag for sale.
Selling products online seems simple: choose a shopping cart, price your merchandise, and watch the sales start rolling in.
In reality, there are a number of critical decisions you need to make before launching a successful e-commerce system. Here are 5 steps to get you there.
This article should give you a sense of the many questions that come into play when setting up a successful e-commerce system. Before jumping in feet first, find a developer who’s a true e-commerce expert and work through these questions together.
The time you spend up front choosing the right system and configuring it properly will pay off in ease of use and increased sales in the long run.
So… you want to make money online? Putting a few items on Ebay is one thing. But building a successful online store is another. Whether you’re selling products, services, or information, careful planning is essential for success.
Here are a few questions to consider before getting started:
Inventory
Software
Handling payment
Shipping
Marketing
Figuring out the best ecommerce system for your products and your customers may take some time. Remember that time you spend upfront in planning will save headache down the line — and that custom development, if it helps convert interest to sales, can be worth its weight in gold.
Creating great content for your new website is essential for attracting and retaining visitors. Quality content can also improve your website’s search engine rankings and establish your authority in your niche. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create exceptional content. Identify your target audience’s needs, interests, and pain points. Create detailed buyer personas to […]