Having an online store makes your business grow exponentially. You can have customers from anywhere in the world if you want to launch yourself into the international market. Furthermore, compared to traditional stores, a virtual store is always open.
"The new normal made this form of business explode, which had been growing organically every year. In 2020, 23% of Spaniards started online shopping and in general it has grown by 52%. Mobile payments rose by 15% and are expected to rise by 12% this year. In the three types of best-selling products we have toiletries, video games and toys," he says. Sofia Martinez, web editor at REVIEWBOX.
Here are some tips for creating your online store:
Define your trading strategy and niche market
The first step to take is to find a market niche. You have to focus on one type of product and sell only that. Trying to cover several areas can be counterproductive because customers will not identify with your store and will stop buying in the long term. Before continuing with the next point, make sure you are clear about the price, target audience and the type of online positioning you plan to follow.
Study the market
- Check out other successful e-commerce portals that are selling items similar to what you have in mind, if possible try to buy something to see how they are managing their brand and what the experience they offer to the user is like.
- Research the demographics of your future market. You can carry out surveys, investigate forums or create a test store on websites like Shopify and make sales in a test form to find out the types of audiences willing to buy from you.
Choose the name, domain and hosting
Statistically, it is likely that the first name that comes to mind for your online store is already taken by other businesses. To clear up any doubts, it is best to go to domain and hosting sales websites where you can buy your “.com” web address or the national “.es” domain. The most popular are GoDaddy and Google Domains. Keep in mind that your audience will appreciate if your name is easy to pronounce and remember.
Choose the right platform
- We have the free ones or Open Source como OsCommerce, OpenCart y Woocommerce.
- Pre-designed cloud platforms like Shopify, although the commissions charged by the portal could make you think twice before jumping into this option.
- Custom developments from the hand of a professional in the field. It may involve a higher cost, but the end result is usually better.
Upload your products and consider the legal process
Before uploading your merchandise, take good photographs of the items, detail the price, characteristics, taxes, etc.
Don't forget that the European Union regulates virtual stores with legal issues to take into account. It is best to contact a lawyer about the following issues:
- General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union.
- European Union Cookie Law.
- Laws that regulate electronic commerce.
