10 Things You Should Know When Planning & Setting Up Your First Online Store

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What is an online store?

An online store is a business that sells products (or services) through the internet. This means that customers can purchase items directly from the website, without ever having to visit a physical storefront.

There are many benefits to operating an online store, including lower overhead costs and increased flexibility in terms of hours and location. Online stores also have the advantage of being able to reach a wider range of consumers than would be possible at a brick-and-mortar location.


How does an online store operate?

The basic process involves creating content (including product descriptions, images, and pricing), setting up shop on proper web hosting platforms (such as Shopify or WordPress), and developing marketing plans tailored specifically for online retailing. There are also plenty of software tools available that make it easier to manage all aspects of running an online store from start to finish.


Types of online stores

There are a variety of different types of online stores, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some stores are better suited for certain types of buyers, while others cater to a wider range of customers.


The following is a brief overview of the three most popular store formats:

  • E-commerce platforms: These platforms allow businesses to sell products online without having any actual physical inventory or store space. They generally have low overhead costs, making them an attractive option for start-ups and small businesses that don't want to invest in additional infrastructure (like warehouses). eCommerce platforms also offer features like customer service, order tracking, and automatic delivery.
  • Mobile app stores: These stores allow customers to browse and purchase products from their mobile devices using apps developed by the platform owner or third-party developers. This format is especially popular among shoppers who use their phones as their main source of internet access. As mobile app stores grow more sophisticated, they are starting to offer features that rival those found on traditional eCommerce websites (like order fulfilment).
  • Traditional brick & mortar retailers: Many large retail chains now operate storefronts exclusively dedicated to selling digital products through digital channels (such as smartphone applications or website sales transactions). This model offers retailers many benefits over other formats - such as deeper discounts on digital products than can be found on competing websites, increased exposure for new brands/products via brick & mortar locations worldwide, and reduced shipping costs compared with buying items online directly from manufacturers' webpages.


How to start an online store?

Starting an online store can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy and planning, it is definitely possible. 


Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Choose a theme or design that you love. If you're not inspired by what's available on the market, there's a good chance no one else will be either.
  • Start by creating a basic website. This will serve as your home base for everything else you do in terms of marketing and sales. Make sure the site looks professional and easy to navigate, without any pesky ads or popups.
  • Research different eCommerce platforms and decide which one is best for your business with something that has all the features you need (such as customization options, payment processing capabilities, etc.) and that meets your budget constraints.' 
  • Design custom logos and graphics for your website and use them throughout both marketing materials (ads, social media posts)and on product pages themselves this will give your store a more premium look.' 
  • Think about ways to drive traffic to your site from Google AdWords to article writing to giveaways and more! There are plenty of strategies out there; try various methods until something clicks through.


The different steps in setting up an online store

There are a few different steps that need to be taken in order to set up an online store. First, you'll need to decide what type of store you want to create. There are several options available, including e-commerce stores, mobile apps, and brick-and-mortar stores.


Next, you'll need to choose a platform on which to build your store. Popular platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Once you've chosen a platform and determined the size of your project (small business or big business), it's time for the final step - design! Start by creating a basic layout using templates or building from scratch using drag-and-drop tools. Then add text transcriptions placeholder images into each category page template so that all information is ready when it's uploaded onto the website.


Remember: The more detailed the planning stages are before launch day, the smoother sailing will be during the development phases and eventual operation of your online store!


Choosing a platform and developing a business plan

There are a number of different platforms available to businesses today, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for them. It's important to choose the platform that will allow you to reach your goals most efficiently and effectively.


Once you have determined which platform is right for you, it's time to develop a business plan. This document should include:

  • An overview of your company and what makes it unique
  • Your overall strategy (including marketing plans)
  • How do you plan on reaching your target market
  • The financials (income and expenses) required to sustain operations over the long term


Tax implications when starting and running an online store

Starting and operating an online store can be a very profitable endeavour, but it is important to be aware of the tax implications.


When you start your own business, you are considered an entrepreneur and are therefore responsible for paying your own income taxes. However, don't worry - there are several ways to reduce or even avoid these taxes. 

One way is to set up your store as a sole proprietorship. This allows you to take advantage of certain deductions (such as depreciation) that aren't available when the business is owned by someone else. 


Another option is using an e-commerce platform like Shopify which offers built-in merchant account services and customizable billing systems. This will save you time and money in terms of processing transactions and maintaining customer relationships. 


Finally, make sure that all payments made through your online store go through a reputable payment gateway like PayPal or Stripe which will protect you from financial losses due to fraud or theft. By following these simple tips, you can ensure smooth sailing during this exciting new phase in your life!


Creating an attractive and user-friendly website

There is no doubt that a user-friendly website is a key to success for any business. Not only does it make the site more accessible and easy to use, but it also increases web traffic and leads conversion rates.


Fortunately, designing an online interface doesn't have to be difficult or expensive - in fact, there are many free and affordable tools available on the internet that can help you create a stunning website without spending a penny. 


Here are four of our favourite free websites that can help you get started:

  1. Canva - Canva is one of the most popular free graphic design platforms on the internet, with millions of users worldwide. It's perfect for creating attractive visuals for your website or blog, including diagrams, charts, photo albums, and much more.
  2. Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator - Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator are two of the most commonly used desktop graphics software tools in the world. They're both completely FREE to download and use (for personal use only), so why not give them a try when designing your online interface?
  3. WordPress - WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMSs) out there today. It's easy to set up, user-friendly and has tons of features that can be tailored specifically for your website or blog.
  4. Webflow -Webflow is another great platform for creating beautiful responsive designs. With Webflow, you can easily create custom websites/apps from scratch or adapt existing sites.


Selecting the right merchant account and payment gateway

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right merchant account and payment gateway for your online store. First, it's important to decide what type of business you're launching: e-commerce, subscription service, or affiliate program. Once you have an understanding of your target market, you can begin to narrow down your options. 


Next, think about how much data you'll need to process payments. Most merchant accounts require at least some level of credit card processing ability (and many also require bank account integration). This is because most payment gateways work with processors that accept Visa and Mastercard cards as well as electronic checks. After that, it's important to choose a provider that offers the features and support system that will best suit your needs. 


Some desirable features include 24/7 customer support; multiple payment methods supported; fraud prevention measures; rich customization capabilities; fast installation times; and low fees. Pay attention to these factors when choosing a provider, so you can be sure that your online store will be running smoothly from Day One!


Developing marketing plans and strategies

Creating marketing plans and strategies for your online store is an important step in achieving success. By understanding your goals, target market, and content strategy, you can develop a plan that will help you reach those objectives.


One of the most important aspects of any marketing plan is targeting your audience. Who are you selling to? What do they want? What are their needs? Once you have this information, it's easy to create valuable content that meets those needs. Additionally, effective marketing requires ongoing vigilance - keeping track of how customers are interacting with your site or product is essential for maximizing results.


Finally, remember that no one approach works universally; instead, find a mix of different tactics that work best for your specific business and situation. Experiment until you find what works best for you!


Maintaining your business

Store maintenance is one of the most important aspects of running an online business. It not only keeps your store running smoothly, but it can also help you keep up with new trends and competition. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your store:

  • Keep your pages clean and organized. Make sure all graphics, fonts, and HTML are in compliance with Google Webmaster Guidelines. Remove any unrelated or outdated content, and make sure all ads are properly categorized and compliant with AdWords policies.
  • Track traffic stats regularly to see which sections of your store are performing the best. Try different keywords or variations on keywords to see which ones work better for attracting traffic.
  • Regularly review pricing information to ensure that it is current and reflects prevailing market conditions. If necessary, modify prices as needed so that customers feel confident about buying products from your store.
  • Manage customer feedback carefully so that you can learn what works well (and doesn't work so well) on your website. Address complaints quickly while keeping a positive attitude .. empathize rather than retaliate. Respond thoughtfully rather than defensively。 Do everything possible to resolve customer issues without having them return again!

By following these helpful tips, you will be able to keep your online store running smoothly no matter how challenging the eCommerce landscape may become!


Bottom Line

Planning to start an online business is exciting but also a bit daunting. The right information can help you bring your dream store to life in the most efficient way possible. Keep reading this blog and learn how we helped thousands of clients become successful entrepreneurs by gathering all the relevant details about setting up your store in one place for free!


At Strategic Advisor Board, we are well-versed in industry trends such as eCommerce, taxes, shopping patterns, inventory management, and so on. Henceforth ensure that you use our step-by-step checklist before starting your new venture. Contact us now if you need any assistance!