Creating
an online store is a fantastic way to start a business. However, many
people do not know how to start and have the impression that having
their own online business is something difficult to achieve.
When we think about creating an online store, questions such as: How do I choose a domain and where do I buy it? How do I add products to my store? What about shipping costs? How will customers pay?
When we think about creating an online store, questions such as: How do I choose a domain and where do I buy it? How do I add products to my store? What about shipping costs? How will customers pay?
The good news is that you don't need a lot of money, time or technical knowledge to create an online store. And as you will see in this article, most of these questions can be easily solved.
The objective of this guide is to teach you, step by step, how to create an online store in the easiest and simplest way possible.
However, you should keep in mind that, like many other profitable businesses , creating an online store requires time, investment, and dedication so that it becomes your main source of income.
So how to create an online store from scratch?
The fastest and easiest way to create an online store is to use one of the available platforms that allow you to build your eCommerce store with just a few clicks.Without needing to be an expert in web programming, you can create an online store with platforms like Shopify and Wix. Both are easy-to-use platforms, very interactive, and in a matter of minutes you can create your online store.
To begin with, you can sign up under the trial version mode, so you can see how the platform works for 14 days, try it, look at its features and check if it works for you or not. If you don't like it, you just cancel and you don't have to pay.
Now that you know the tools that we will use, it is time to start creating an online store.
1. Choose the platform to create your store:
Once
you have already solved the essential aspects of your business; such as
the name of the store, the products you are going to sell, who your
audience will be, among others, you must choose the platform.
As we already mentioned, you can choose Shopify , Wix or some other that you know.
These ecommerce platforms cost around $17 USD per month to use. This will depend on the plan you choose, since like any business, you will need to invest a little money.
When you start selling, this cost will seem pretty low to you. And more when you understand all the benefits that they offer you at the distance of a few clicks.
Some of the things you can do with Shopify and Wix are:
– Customize templates to build an online store to your style.
– Upload products and classify them into categories.
– Connect with different payment options, such as PayPal, credit cards and other means.
– Manage deliveries with shipping providers.
Previously you needed to invest large sums of money in programmers and web designers, now with a couple of clicks you can create an online store cheaply and easily, keep your site running and create a secure online business where your customers, around the world, buy your products. services and products.
Shopify is one of the best eCommerce platforms that you can use. This offers different services, which make it a comprehensive service, which covers you from a cost calculator to invoices and customer shipment management.
If you have more than 10 products and need a platform that fits your business, Shopify is a great option.
Wix is great for small businesses, and one of the easiest to use. This option is perfect for you if you have 10 or fewer products to sell.
We recommend choosing a plan or level that meets your needs. The more you pay, the more you get.
Make sure that if your store is small, you get what you need: your own domain and SSL certificate (to give your customers trust), versatile templates and essential sales features.
As we already mentioned, you can choose Shopify , Wix or some other that you know.
These ecommerce platforms cost around $17 USD per month to use. This will depend on the plan you choose, since like any business, you will need to invest a little money.
When you start selling, this cost will seem pretty low to you. And more when you understand all the benefits that they offer you at the distance of a few clicks.
Some of the things you can do with Shopify and Wix are:
– Customize templates to build an online store to your style.
– Upload products and classify them into categories.
– Connect with different payment options, such as PayPal, credit cards and other means.
– Manage deliveries with shipping providers.
Previously you needed to invest large sums of money in programmers and web designers, now with a couple of clicks you can create an online store cheaply and easily, keep your site running and create a secure online business where your customers, around the world, buy your products. services and products.
Differences between Shopify and Wix
Different store builders offer different features:Shopify is one of the best eCommerce platforms that you can use. This offers different services, which make it a comprehensive service, which covers you from a cost calculator to invoices and customer shipment management.
If you have more than 10 products and need a platform that fits your business, Shopify is a great option.
Wix is great for small businesses, and one of the easiest to use. This option is perfect for you if you have 10 or fewer products to sell.
We recommend choosing a plan or level that meets your needs. The more you pay, the more you get.
Make sure that if your store is small, you get what you need: your own domain and SSL certificate (to give your customers trust), versatile templates and essential sales features.
2. Define a name and domain for your online store
Once
you have defined the e-commerce platform that you are going to use, it
is time to define the name and domain. That is, that you give an
identity to your site.
Your domain will be your web address, and it is the way your customers will find you. In our case it is EmprendiendoHistorias.com.
This is your main name; it's what customers see in the address bar and Google searches. Imagine that your domain is the sign that would hang over a real store on the street.
In the case of Wix, within its free plans, you can have a free domain, but it is linked as a subdomain. In the hypothetical case of Emprendiendo Historias, it would be: emprendiendohistorias.wix.com
This is one of the main reasons why free plans are not suitable for businesses. The credibility of your store is at risk if it does not have its own name.
With this tool you can check if your domain is available
A good domain name is one of the key variables to create a successful online store .
Build trust with customers and help establish your brand. If possible choose a domain that ends in .com , avoid brand names, be unique with the name and add a keyword, a popular search term that will help people find your store.
Your domain will be your web address, and it is the way your customers will find you. In our case it is EmprendiendoHistorias.com.
This is your main name; it's what customers see in the address bar and Google searches. Imagine that your domain is the sign that would hang over a real store on the street.
In the case of Wix, within its free plans, you can have a free domain, but it is linked as a subdomain. In the hypothetical case of Emprendiendo Historias, it would be: emprendiendohistorias.wix.com
This is one of the main reasons why free plans are not suitable for businesses. The credibility of your store is at risk if it does not have its own name.
Where can you buy a domain?
The name of your store can be done through a premium plan from Shopify or Wix, or you can learn how to create a blog , and choose your free domain for one year if you purchase a hosting plan with Bluehost .With this tool you can check if your domain is available
A good domain name is one of the key variables to create a successful online store .
Build trust with customers and help establish your brand. If possible choose a domain that ends in .com , avoid brand names, be unique with the name and add a keyword, a popular search term that will help people find your store.
3. Give your online store a design:
When
creating an online store, design is essential to create a first
impression that makes an impact. At this point you have three options:
The first is to design your website from scratch, with a programmer and web designer. This alternative is the most complex, since you need to know programming and you basically have to create an entire site from scratch.
The second option is to buy a template, and adapt it to your tastes. In Themeforest, for example, you find thousands of designs that can be used for your store. There you can choose the one you like the most.
A third option is to use the ones you have available in Shopify and Wix.
All you have to do is select a template from the menu. Then head over to your store management tool and start customizing it.
Play around with the color scheme, font, and number of products in your theme. You can even add logos to your template.
To look more professional you can include maps, galleries, videos, attach your social networks and even talk about the brand story.
Here he highlights the importance of having a blog for your store, this will give more information to consumers about your brand and greater confidence when buying.
Blogging is a well-known and widespread marketing strategy. How to start a blog? Here is a guide to learn how to create a blog step by step in less than 10 minutes.
Think about the features your store needs and include them in the template. Template features are a key part of how to build an online store. They give your site the functionality it needs to be successful.
One of the reasons why online businesses fail is due to the mistrust generated by users, so customers who visit your online store should not have any doubts when they land on your home page.
Make sure navigation is simple and comfortable, it's the way customers will move through your store. And finally, don't overload the design, choose a background color that is harmless and make sure everything is legible.
The first is to design your website from scratch, with a programmer and web designer. This alternative is the most complex, since you need to know programming and you basically have to create an entire site from scratch.
The second option is to buy a template, and adapt it to your tastes. In Themeforest, for example, you find thousands of designs that can be used for your store. There you can choose the one you like the most.
A third option is to use the ones you have available in Shopify and Wix.
All you have to do is select a template from the menu. Then head over to your store management tool and start customizing it.
Play around with the color scheme, font, and number of products in your theme. You can even add logos to your template.
Why is the template important when creating an online store?
Your colors, style, formats, and design in general, reflect the values of your brand and the quality of your products. If you look professional and stylish, you will make more sales.To look more professional you can include maps, galleries, videos, attach your social networks and even talk about the brand story.
Here he highlights the importance of having a blog for your store, this will give more information to consumers about your brand and greater confidence when buying.
Blogging is a well-known and widespread marketing strategy. How to start a blog? Here is a guide to learn how to create a blog step by step in less than 10 minutes.
Think about the features your store needs and include them in the template. Template features are a key part of how to build an online store. They give your site the functionality it needs to be successful.
The home page:
It is important that you develop and design a good home page, as this is the first one your customers will see. In other words, this is like the window of your store.One of the reasons why online businesses fail is due to the mistrust generated by users, so customers who visit your online store should not have any doubts when they land on your home page.
Make sure navigation is simple and comfortable, it's the way customers will move through your store. And finally, don't overload the design, choose a background color that is harmless and make sure everything is legible.
4. Add the products of your online store:
This
step is one of the most important, since it is not only about uploading
images of your product with a price, but also implementing a good
organic positioning strategy for your products.
This means that you must choose and catalog products in such a way that your customers find you on Google.
The main things you need to add a product are: name, price, category, and weight. In the case of using platforms such as Shopify and Wix, you can set limits such as the number of products, the options you manage (for example, the size and color of a shirt) and other variables specific to the transaction.
Avoid complex language, clichés, and long sentences in your description. Enhance your benefits. In addition, include keywords so that customers find your store when they search through the browser for a product that you own.
As for the images, make sure that they are faithful to the product, are of high quality and have a uniform size. Add images with variants of your product (color, size) and provide multiple images with views from all angles.
This may require an investment of money, but a good image speaks more than a thousand words. So, with a good quality image you can generate more sales of your products.
Finally, classify your product in a category to facilitate its search and identification. Do not add unnecessary categories. It allows users to filter by price range and product function. Do not create more than 5 categories for the products.
The same is true for online products such as ebooks, online courses , and seminars via Skype or Google Hangouts.
This means that you must choose and catalog products in such a way that your customers find you on Google.
The main things you need to add a product are: name, price, category, and weight. In the case of using platforms such as Shopify and Wix, you can set limits such as the number of products, the options you manage (for example, the size and color of a shirt) and other variables specific to the transaction.
The description of your products:
A good description of your product must convince the customer. They must describe the product in a striking way but without exaggerating about it to avoid refunds.Avoid complex language, clichés, and long sentences in your description. Enhance your benefits. In addition, include keywords so that customers find your store when they search through the browser for a product that you own.
As for the images, make sure that they are faithful to the product, are of high quality and have a uniform size. Add images with variants of your product (color, size) and provide multiple images with views from all angles.
This may require an investment of money, but a good image speaks more than a thousand words. So, with a good quality image you can generate more sales of your products.
Finally, classify your product in a category to facilitate its search and identification. Do not add unnecessary categories. It allows users to filter by price range and product function. Do not create more than 5 categories for the products.
Services:
It is important to clarify that you can also offer services when creating an online store. There you can sell your consulting services, seminars, and any type of "intangible" good that you have in mind.The same is true for online products such as ebooks, online courses , and seminars via Skype or Google Hangouts.
5. Set up your online store:
This
last step is usually the most tedious in the process of creating an
online store, but once you're done, you'll be fully prepared to start
selling online without any problem.
To start selling you must configure the internal functioning of your page. This involves defining the time zone, currency or currency that you will receive, the address, emails, order and product settings, and contact information.
At this point you must configure the payment options, the shipment of products, the claim process and returns. Platforms like Shopify and Wix offer their users different payment methods such as PayPal, VISA, AMEX, and MasterCard.
Keep in mind that the more options you give your customers, the more chances you have of making a sale.
To start selling you must configure the internal functioning of your page. This involves defining the time zone, currency or currency that you will receive, the address, emails, order and product settings, and contact information.
At this point you must configure the payment options, the shipment of products, the claim process and returns. Platforms like Shopify and Wix offer their users different payment methods such as PayPal, VISA, AMEX, and MasterCard.
Keep in mind that the more options you give your customers, the more chances you have of making a sale.
Payment methods within an online store:
There are three popular ways to accept payments in online stores, these are:
This tool connects your store's shopping cart with the card processing network. For example, you have Stripe, Place to Pay, among others. These gateways usually include PayPal as a means of payment.
So, how do you know which of all these is the best payment option for your online store?
This will depend on the number of sales you plan to make and the type of audience to which you sell your products. The recommendation is that you analyze the competition and do not choose one at random. Adjust your payment method according to your public.
The SSL certificate, essential to create an online store:
Something necessary to make a sale is the SSL certificate granted by these platforms. At the moment of reading it, it may sound complex, but it basically gives your client the peace of mind that they are in a safe place.
This certificate is known as Secure Sockets Layer, and is identified by a green lock icon located to the left of your website's URL.
What does it consist of? This guarantees the security of the information provided by the client and allows the consumer to buy with more confidence.
Create a merchant account and use a payment gateway
This account is associated with a bank, and this is responsible for accepting payments, charging a commission and then consigning the money to your bank account.Payment gateway packages :
This consists of a software that includes all the payment service.This tool connects your store's shopping cart with the card processing network. For example, you have Stripe, Place to Pay, among others. These gateways usually include PayPal as a means of payment.
Simplified credit card payment processing :
This option uses a service that integrates with the payment and delivery of your online store. One example is Shopify 's own payment gateway , powered by Stripe. The buyer does not have to leave your site to complete a purchase.So, how do you know which of all these is the best payment option for your online store?
This will depend on the number of sales you plan to make and the type of audience to which you sell your products. The recommendation is that you analyze the competition and do not choose one at random. Adjust your payment method according to your public.
The SSL certificate, essential to create an online store:
Something necessary to make a sale is the SSL certificate granted by these platforms. At the moment of reading it, it may sound complex, but it basically gives your client the peace of mind that they are in a safe place.
This certificate is known as Secure Sockets Layer, and is identified by a green lock icon located to the left of your website's URL.
What does it consist of? This guarantees the security of the information provided by the client and allows the consumer to buy with more confidence.
The shipment of your products:
Finally, you must ensure that shipments are completely efficient. Shopify and Wix offer their users the ability to partner with shipping companies like FedEx or UPS.
Add a source address and the types of packets to send. It is important that you include the necessary fees to cover shipping and storage costs.
Once you have configured these details of your online store you can test it and make sure that everything works fine. Try on various web browsers, iPhone and Android. Do not forget that your store must constantly evolve.
It is normal that you should make changes in the immediate future. They are trial and error tests that will help you learn how to create an online store and understand how your store works correctly.
Finally, although there are a large number of services offered by these online store platforms, the recommendation is that you start with the most basic. Once you stabilize and start generating income, turn to some of the helpful tools they offer.
If you have any inconvenience, do not hesitate to contact technical support. They are helpful and timely, they will help you with any stumbling blocks that you may suffer in the process.
Add a source address and the types of packets to send. It is important that you include the necessary fees to cover shipping and storage costs.
Once you have configured these details of your online store you can test it and make sure that everything works fine. Try on various web browsers, iPhone and Android. Do not forget that your store must constantly evolve.
It is normal that you should make changes in the immediate future. They are trial and error tests that will help you learn how to create an online store and understand how your store works correctly.
Finally, although there are a large number of services offered by these online store platforms, the recommendation is that you start with the most basic. Once you stabilize and start generating income, turn to some of the helpful tools they offer.
If you have any inconvenience, do not hesitate to contact technical support. They are helpful and timely, they will help you with any stumbling blocks that you may suffer in the process.
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