We know that e-commerce is an excellent opportunity to expand your business or even start from scratch. However, it is necessary to take some care before getting headlong into this venture. The development of an online store needs to be planned in stages so that there are no surprises in the future.
The market is promising for those who have an online business. To get an idea, in 2016, e-commerce generated 718,000 new jobs. Thus, many people have been running after qualification in several related areas and seeking partnerships with specialized companies.
In this post, we will list seven key steps for the development of a successful online store. Read on and check it out!
1. choose your niche
If you have a company with a well-known name in the market, you are already one step ahead of those who are just arriving. However, if this is not your case, the choice of niche is decisive for your success. To do this, avoid highly competitive segments and explore areas that have demand and few companies operating.
2. Make a Market Research
After defining the niche in which you will operate, it is necessary to do some market research. There is a tool called Google Trends, which is ideal for finding out how the demand for certain products is during a certain period. Just type the word in the search field of the tool to have access to a complete graph about the popularity of the term.
Another appropriate resource for such research is the Keyword Planner. There, in addition to the search volume of the keyword, it is possible to see the level of competition.
3. Choose the Platform for Your E-Shop
This step is crucial for the longevity of your online business. If you make a mistake when choosing the platform for your online store, headaches will be constant. Choose a robust platform that can keep up with the growth of your e-commerce, such as VTEX. That way, you don't have to keep migrating all the time until you find one that meets your needs.
4. Go for a Customized Layout
The layout should reflect your company's personality and be in line with your other channels. If you have a well-known physical store, the visitor should be able to enter your online store and identify at a glance who it is. It is also important to pay attention to the navigability to deliver the best user experience. Confusing layouts, full of elements, can drive away potential customers.
5. Offer More Than One Payment Method
Gone are the days when consumers were afraid to shop online and have their data stolen. Most people now use credit cards for their purchases, so it is a good idea to accept more than one payment method in your e-commerce site. However, remember that some users prefer to pay by boleto, so offer this option as well.
6. Promote Your Business
After you put your e-commerce store online, you will need to invest in marketing campaigns. Google AdWords sponsored links are excellent to promote your business, reaching a qualified audience and increasing traffic to the site. An interesting alternative is to use social networks. Besides relying on sponsored ads, you can use this channel to help users and improve your relationship with them.
7. Have a Trusted Partner
Last but not least, it is essential to have a reliable partner to develop your e-commerce. By having qualified professionals in this area, you will have a site adapted to mobile devices, optimized for search engines, and frequent support.
Is it clear what steps are necessary for the development of a virtual store? From its conception to the finalization of the project, all details must be thought through to deliver the best experience to users and avoid drastic changes that would hinder the progress of your business.
Want to know more about our development process? Contact us! Our team is prepared to answer all your questions.
