Setting up an online business is one of the safest bets for the modern entrepreneur. The array of marketplace platforms has never been as wide and website templates are so easy to use even a kid could set up his own shop. Considering that 75% of small and medium businesses argue that online marketing is successful, it’s quite safe to say that the conditions are overall favourable.
However taking success for granted is the biggest mistake you can make and you will never be sure to become an online sensation unless you follow a basic set of rules. So read on if you’re looking for ways to open up shop and reach customers from all over the world - all of these tips will help your business succeed.
Be unique
Sure there is an infinite number of websites selling t-shirts out there, so how can you stand out? You think you can target a very specific audience that had been ignored by similar websites? Is the cotton you use more comfortable, lighter or cheaper than any other on the market? No matter how standardised the industry is, it always helps to be unique. Once you find your unique selling point, you’ll be able to make waves within your market.
Be profitable
It’s a basic rule of capitalism, but it becomes even more vital when you’re running an online shop. With the internet you should never stop trying to minimize investment as much as possible. Shipping a parcel to Australia, the US rather or South America has never been so affordable. The machines and raw materials you need for your handcrafted goods can be extremely cheap on eBay. You don’t need a sales agent to reach out to potential customers as some outreach programme and good research work will do the trick.
So be smart and look for ways that the internet could save your business some money. You will be able to grow your business’ potential even more.
Mind the gap
Look out for gaps in the market and bear in mind the technicalities of reaching out to potential customers. How much do you need to invest to be noticed on search engines and social media? How much can you achieve organically for influencers to notice your unique handmade goods? Learn more about tools such as Google Adwords, SEO and social media ads in order to gain online exposure. Online visibility is not free so you will want to look for the cheapest ways to get it. Google AdWords’ keyword planner tool is a pretty great place to start.
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