Thinking About Selling Online?

Whether you're launching a new business, expanding an existing one, or simply looking for another way to reach customers, selling online can open up new opportunities.

But building an online store involves more than adding products to a website. Before you get started, it's worth thinking through how you'll sell, accept payments, fulfill orders, and manage your store over time.

Start With Your Products

Before choosing an online store solution, take a close look at what you're selling.

Consider how many products you'll offer, how often your inventory changes, whether products come in different sizes or variations, and whether you'll need to track inventory.

You'll also want good product photography, clear descriptions, pricing, and information about availability. The more prepared your product information is, the easier it will be to build and maintain your store.

How Will Customers Pay?

Your online store needs a reliable way to accept payments. Depending on your business, customers may expect to pay by credit or debit card, digital wallet, or another online payment method.

When choosing an online selling solution, look at which payment options are supported and what fees or requirements are involved.

How Will Orders Be Fulfilled?

Think through what happens after someone clicks "Place Order."

Will you ship products, offer local pickup, provide delivery, or use a combination of options? How will customers receive order confirmations and shipping updates? What happens if an item is unavailable or an order needs to be returned?

These details are just as important to the customer experience as the website itself.

Consider Your Store's Customer Experience

An online store should make it easy for customers to find products, understand their options, and complete a purchase.

Pay particular attention to:

• Easy-to-use navigation


• Clear product photos and descriptions


• Simple product search and filtering


• Transparent pricing and shipping information


• A straightforward checkout process


• Mobile-friendly design


• Easy-to-find contact and return information

Don't forget to test the entire shopping experience yourself. Try browsing products, adding something to your cart, completing checkout, and viewing the confirmation as a customer would.

Choose the Right Type of Online Store

There are many ways to sell products online. Some businesses use an all-in-one online store platform, while others incorporate shopping functionality into a larger website. A business with more specialized needs may require a highly customized solution.

There's no single approach that's right for every business.

When comparing options, consider:

• How many products you sell


• How much customization you need


• How you'll manage inventory


• Which payment methods you need


• How you'll handle shipping, pickup, or delivery


• What integrations your business requires


• How much ongoing management you're comfortable handling


• How easily the store can grow with your business

Don't Forget About Marketing

Building an online store is only the beginning. Customers still need to find it.

Your website can be supported by search engine optimization, social media, email marketing, advertising, printed materials, and other forms of promotion. Make sure your customers know where to find your store and give them a reason to come back.

Think About Your Store Long-Term

It's easy to focus on getting an online store launched and overlook what happens afterward.

Products will change. Prices will change. Inventory will change. You may add new products, introduce promotions, update your shipping options, or change how you communicate with customers.

Choose a solution that you can realistically maintain and that gives your business room to grow.

Ready to Start Selling Online?

There are plenty of options for businesses that want to sell products online. The best place to start is by understanding what you need your store to do — both today and as your business grows.

GoWeb1 can help you evaluate your options and create an online store that fits your business and your customers.

Contact GoWeb1 to talk about getting started.