Achieve business success with a simple guide to e-commerce

There was a time when e-commerce as a concept was only associated with the big online players like Amazon and eBay. But in today’s digitally connected world, any small business can head online and set up its e-commerce presence.

So what are the key things to consider for a business owner when setting up their new e-commerce store?

Whether you are just setting up your business or have already established one, it pays to make e-commerce an integral part of doing business.

A small business, without any prior digital experience, can find it a bit challenging to suddenly set up its online presence. But it can be easier than one might think. By following a few fundamental steps, any business can set up an online store. 

Start your digital journey right

When looking to set up your store website, make sure you secure your domain name. You can choose from a number of tools to help you check if the one you want is available. It helps to also keep your domain name short and simple. 

The next step is setting up your e-commerce platform. Many small business owners today prefer to use an out-of-the-box e-commerce platform such as Shopify or Squarespace. Such easy-to-use platforms can get your business up and running online in no time.

Another important thing to set up is your payment processing. Make sure your payments are set up to not only be secure but also offer a variety of convenient payment methods for your customers. This can include credit cards, payment wallets, buy-now-pay-later and even foreign currencies. It helps to know if there are any payment processing fees as this will be an addition to your operating costs. 

Make your website content easier to find online and improve your site’s search engine ranking through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Also build your presence on social media channels such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to make it easier for your customers to engage with your brand and purchase from you.

Put some thought into your shipping

A critical part of the customer experience is how their online orders are shipped to them. When the shipping service is built into an e-commerce platform, the delivery experience tends to be more seamless. Items can be delivered on time and in good condition. 

Using built-in shipping functions can also give you access to discounted shipping rates made available by the platform provider. 

However, if you’re shipping as few as ten packages a week, consider opening your own shipping account to avail of even better rates.

Opening your own account can also help you establish a direct relationship with a shipping provider. This can open you up to even better negotiated rates over a period of time. Offer a range of shipping options like express delivery, free shipping and via courier services. Also, work out a plan for managing returns to make it as easy and convenient for your shoppers as possible.

Key things to consider:

• Make sure your deliveries are being received by your shoppers in the condition you sent them.

• Choose a trusted shipping partner who can assure safe, timely and cost-effective deliveries.

• Work out the things you need to package and ship your products so they reach your customers in good condition.

• Make the most of loyalty programs like My FedEx Rewards to collect points for every time your business ships items.  

• Much like your own customers, enjoy your loyalty rewards by redeeming points with your shipping partners for a range of products or vouchers.

Venture forth and keep evolving

You can take advantage of a variety of digital marketing tools to promote your business – from display ads and search engine marketing to email marketing. Start small on one of the digital channels and keep testing and learning. In time, you can expand to other channels. 

Be prepared to keep learning, changing and growing. Your own website and product range could keep changing to reflect your evolving marketing strategy. And always make it easy for customers to give you feedback – the best business insights can come from customers. 

So, get ready to go online with your business. With a bit of preparation, you can give yourself a sound start to your e-commerce journey. And keep going to keep growing.

For more resources and guidance to empower your business, visit the FedEx Small Business Center today.