How to set up an online shop

 

The definitive one stop guide from the UK’s leading ecommerce provider - Steven Hickey.

Setting up an online shop (ecommerce) is no longer the expensive, daunting task it used to be. The advent of online based systems like ekmPowershop, with content management and technical support means that for a low monthly fee; you can quickly and easily set up and run your own online business.

If your business is based in retail, or sells a tangible product, then a text and image based website with a contact form is doing very little for your business - compared to an ecommerce website/online shop.

It is no secret that online retail is booming, despite the huge downturn on the high street. Online retailers are asking ‘what recession?’ whilst the bricks and mortar outlets find themselves facing closure in record numbers.

If you haven’t diversified into the online sector yet, there’s a chance that it’s down to the costs involved.

Many businesses which really could and should be offering the ability to buy online still do not. This is due to the perceived costs involved, predominantly caused by the web design sector. If you go to a web designer to build your online shop then you will be looking at a hefty price with no guarantee of performance or ROI.

The paradigm of website creation and development has shifted, moving toward the website owner being able to control content, add items/products/content themselves and generally having control of their own website with systems like ekmPowershop.

How do you do this with no technical knowledge? Easy - CMS (Content Management Systems). The market is now brimming with providers of Ecommerce Content Management Systems like ekmPowershop, which provide you with a fully hosted online shop, with a user friendly interface for you to build your ecommerce website. Businesses no longer need to wait for their web designer to make changes, update details, or add new content to their website. Businesses now have the right tools, like ekmPowershop available to control their own website; and ultimately put the time and effort required to make a success of their online business.

Step 1: Find an ecommerce provider
Do your homework: try the demos, speak to the provider. If the system does not have a demo or a free trial, then do not use it.

It is important that you can be confident in the usability of the interface which you will be using to build and manage your online shop. ekmPowershop for instance has a free online demo and a 30 day money back guarantee. Look out for this level of assurance when choosing your ecommerce provider.

Step 2: Choose a good design
Most packages offer templates for you to customise, add your own logos, choose colour schemes etc. Make sure you are happy with a particular template before you decide to use the system. How the website looks is an important factor in converting traffic into sales.

You may also want to consider a bespoke design, which most good providers like ekmPowershop should be able to provide at a reasonable cost.

Step 3: Choose a payment service provider
Another historical barrier for many businesses setting up effectively online has been the hassle, time and cost involved to set up a merchant bank account. This used to be the only way to process online credit and debit card transactions. Now, the evolution of systems like PayPal and other payment gateways have bypassed the merchant banking process, making it quick, easy and free (excepting processing fees) to process payments online.

When deciding which payment system to use, make sure they offer you a selection of compatible payment gateways – so you can shop around and find the best processing rates (usually anything from 2.5% - 5% of the transaction value).

Ecommerce providers like ekmPowershop work closely and directly with payment service providers like PayPal, SagePay and Barclaycard – and quite often they can negotiate exclusive rates on the processing fees for their merchants (you). The payment service providers do not communicate with all ecommerce providers, as there are so many. So make sure you choose a provider that has that line of communication for piece of mind.

Step 4: Marketing your website
Make sure the package you use to build your online shop has a search engine submission, so you know your website will be in the major search engines for people to find your products.

Most good systems like ekmPowershop should include free search engine and shopping directory submission, to generate traffic and sales to your website.

Step 5: Technical support and assistance
Of course there is always something to learn when a business embarks upon a new project. However, with the right provider, building your online shop should be easy; with the correct level of support. First of all make sure that support is included in the price – no nasty surprises or being left in the lurch. ekmPowershop offers unlimited support as part of the £19.99 + VAT monthly fee, and has even introduced a free tutorials service for new customers.

Finally, the most important tip would be to give it a go! Businesses are running their own online shops for in the region of £20 per month. So it won’t cost you the earth to try. And if you get it right, it might just make the difference where developing new channels are concerned in these challenging times. ●