Are you thinking of creating an online store? Do you know everything you need to know before, during, and after setting it up? What will you choose: WooCommerce, PrestaShop , Shopify…?
You might not be familiar with this, but when creating your eCommerce store, there are some aspects you should keep in mind to avoid mistakes and problems when launching it . Let us explain.
What you should assess before creating your online store
To create an online store, there are two essential things to get started. One of the first is a domain , that is, the address of a website that will be the name of your store.
For example, think that you are going to put your store "La despensa de Laura". You would have to go to a website that sells domains (Google, Name, or even through hosting companies that also offer domain sales) to:
- See if it's available.
- Buy it.
Our recommendation is that you always opt for the .com domain whenever possible . The .es domain isn't bad either, but it will focus solely on Spain and make it more difficult to gain international recognition. However, if you're only going to sell in Spain, it's not a bad idea.
Another important point here is to see if there is any website, store, user... that uses that name. Because sometimes it will confuse people. Whenever possible it is better to use something that is not already used (and if possible, register the name).
The second essential thing is hosting. That is, where each and every file that makes up your website will be stored. And before you ask, no, they can't be on your computer.
There are many different hosting providers, and you can choose both domestic and international ones. But since it's an online store, you need to make sure they're optimized for it (otherwise, you might run into problems). Also, some providers are specifically designed for different eCommerce platforms. For example, Raiola offers a special hosting plan for PrestaShop.
Why did we notify you? Because if you achieve a hosting focused on the platform you are going to work on, it will be more efficient than a more general one. And of course, that implies that the choice of hosting is related to the type of platform you use, since there are several.
For example, your website's speed will depend on your hosting provider, but so will your search engine ranking. You need to make sure you choose a quality hosting provider with a guarantee.
In other words, do not choose the cheapest or free ones if they do not offer you a minimum of quality.
Another option, if you do not want to pay for hosting, is to use online store services, where instead of worrying about this, they give you all the tools so that you only have to deal with selling.
Steps to create your eCommerce
Now that you have the hosting and the domain, the following steps may be more or less easy depending on your experience or whether you have professionals on the subject. In this case, our recommendation to create your eCommerce is:
Choose a dropshipper
In case you didn't know, a dropshipper is a type of distributor or wholesaler. That is, a "warehouse" where the products you sell are stored.
Actually, you could create two types of eCommerce: one where you have the products to sell (you will need a warehouse or a specific room); and another where you "contract" another company so that when you sell something, they send it.
The second option allows you to sell more products from different categories and not worry about shipping. In exchange, you have to share some benefits or pay a fee.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but the vast majority go for the dropshipper.
mount the web
The next step is perhaps the most complicated of all because it involves building your online store . And here you not only have to design the homepage, but also the pages for products, contact information, the checkout process, and so on. This can be quite a headache.
In general, you can use templates to save time, especially if you don't have the budget for a professional designer . Another option is to create it from scratch, but we only recommend this if you have a team behind you, as any small mistake could ruin your website.
dump the information
Now that you have the template and everything is installed, you need to create the text, both for the home page and for products, contacts, blog, etc.
This requires time and, above all, a lot of research. First, because you have to focus on SEO, that is, organic search engine optimization, to attract customers.
But also because you have to make it attractive enough for them to navigate all over it.
For example, a mistake that many make is to use what distributors or catalogs have for products. Do the test, copy a small text and pass it through Google, you will realize that many online stores have the same thing.
If you innovate with this you win. Let's say you sell a mattress. You can say all the features it has, which in reality, will be the same as any store. But, what if instead of giving them cold like that, you made a little story in which you tell how comfortable and roomy it is, how firm or soft, or if you get hot sleeping in it.
Payment methods
The next step you should take is to offer as many payment options as possible in your store. In other words, don't just limit yourself to card payments, but give customers more choices: bank transfer, Bizum, PayPal, cash on delivery… The more options you offer, the better, because it makes the purchase more accessible and appealing.
Beware of the legal situation
In case you don't know, it is not "legal" to sell products if you are not self-employed or a company. Therefore, to control the issue of civil liability, it is recommended that you create a limited company.
Our recommendation? Hire a consultancy to handle all your paperwork . Also, get insurance. And try to comply with all current laws to avoid getting a fine.
"Flying"
You have everything you need, so now you just have to get down to business with your online strategy : advertising, creating articles, managing social media…
Success will not come to you overnight. But yes, within 1 to 3 years. If you do it right, you can end up with a good site and good sales at the end of the month.