Selling online can seem like a challenge, but with a clear strategy and some practical tips, you’ll be closer to success. Here you will find a list of ten tips to help you take your first steps on this exciting journey.
Before you start, ask yourself: What is it that you want to sell, and why should someone buy it from you? Identify what makes you stand out from the competition, be it quality, price, service or a unique approach, for example. Being clear about this will help you connect with your future customers.
There are several ways to start selling online, and the choice will depend on your needs and budget:
- E-commerce platforms: Tools like Shopify, WooCommerce or Wix help you to create an online shop without advanced technical knowledge.
- Marketplaces: If you are looking for something simple and quick, you can start on platforms such as Amazon, eBay or Etsy. They are a good showcase for specific products or crafts.
- Social networking: Instagram, Facebook and TikTok have direct selling options. Creating a shop within these platforms or sharing your payment links on them can be a great way to get started without technical complications.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in online sales, this is often very true. Take high-quality photos of your products, showing the most important details and using them in different contexts. Accompany the images with clear, persuasive descriptions that highlight the benefits of the product.
If you have a traditional shop, combining it with an online shop can be an excellent strategy. For example:
- Allow your customers to place orders online and pick them up at the store (click and collect model).
- Use your physical shop as a distribution point to reduce shipping costs.
- Use the online shop to expand your geographical reach and reach more people.
Shoppers value simplicity and speed when browsing an online shop. Be sure to:
- Have a clean and professional design.
- Offer several secure payment options.
- Include flexible shipping methods (standard shipping, express, in-store pick-up, etc.).
- Ensure that your website works well on both desktop and mobile devices (you should always consider responsivedesign).
Social media is not only a showcase, but also a powerful tool to generate sales. Here are some tips:
- Tell a story: Share the process behind your products or your brand values.
- Use the power of video: Videos are more eye-catching and generate more interaction. Show your products in action or create tutorials.
- Work together with local influencers: If your budget allows, work with small content creators who connect with your target audience.
Selling online does not mean neglecting the human touch. Respond quickly to queries, be transparent with delivery times (if applicable to your business) and resolve any issues in a professional manner. Good customer service builds trust and loyalty.
One of the great advantages of selling online is the amount of data you can obtain about your business:
- Analyse which products sell the most and which sell the least.
- Study user behaviour on your website: Do they leave without finishing their purchase? Which pages do they visit most?
- Adjust your marketing strategy according to the results.
Nobody will buy from your shop if they don’t know it exists. A couple of ideas to make yourself known:
- Launch special promotions for your first customers.
- Offer discounts for recommending your shop to people around you.
- If you can, reinvest part of your earnings in ads on social media or search engines to increase your visibility.
Selling online requires effort and time. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Learn from your mistakes, listen to your customers and adjust your strategies according to market needs.
Taking the leap into online commerce can open up a whole range of possibilities. With good planning, attention to detail and consistency, you will be closer to building a solid and successful digital business. Remember that the most important thing is to adapt as you learn from the process. Dare to take the first step!
