Want to Start an Ecommerce Business? Check Out These 6 FAQs

The internet has completely changed the way business is carried out. Everything from communication to product procurement and even to the shipping process. It has even expanded the market worldwide, making it possible for everyone with internet access to be a customer or business person. However, with that much saturation, supply and demand becomes much more inundated with data and more tremulous to understand.

It’s with this in mind that we created this list of frequently asked questions when it comes to starting an ecommerce business!

What is an Ecommerce Business?

An ecommerce business is a shop or storefront that isn’t found in a shopping mall or anywhere physically — it exists on the internet. You can buy and sell products from online vendors and they will ship it to the address of your choosing.

What Can Be Sold Online?

Typically, you will sell either a product or a service online. You should have an idea of what it is that you want to sell online before you can begin looking for a place to host your online business.

I Have My Product/Service, Where Do I Begin?

Once you know what you’re going to sell and have determined that it is a viable business option, you’ll need to decide if you’ll host your own domain or view the extensive selection of free ecommerce website builders, such as Shopify, that offer many prepackaged options. This just comes down to level of experience — if you are adept with technology and webmaster tools, host the domain yourself. If not, it’s recommended you simplify the problem for yourself and get an ecommerce website account instead.

How Should I Promote My Ecommerce Site?

This is where the spectrum of business “must-dos” becomes a little nebulous. There isn’t really one surefire way to promote any business that is going to guarantee success. You can spend thousands of dollars on a marketing agency and you still might not get the results you want, or you can try a full-time assault on social media and find great successes for almost no money. That’s where the strategy of marketing enters — you must find a plan that works for your business.

Whether it’s a small PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaign that nets you a wider audience or even a local radio advertisement. There are many ways that you can approach the promotion of your website.

How Do I Learn How to Sell Online?

To learn how to sell online, there are essentially two approaches:

• Trial & Error: This is the process of learning without a coach or expert. It’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants method and can come with many ups and downs.
• Training: You can hire a professional to help you understand the ins and outs of basic marketing and commerce. This may save you money in the long run, or be an unnecessary expenditure if you aren’t seeing results.

What Security Risks Come with Ecommerce?

Less than you might think. Especially if you are hosting your website with a trusted ecommerce page. You’ll get the full force of their security measures, instead of relying on your own knowledge of securing a website.

Opening up your own business is going to be a learning experience for you. Armed with the right knowledge, hopefully it will be profitable for both your bank account and your wealth of experience!