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How to start selling online in 2020. Step by step guide

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Do you want to start selling online? We know that there are different aspects you have to look at while establishing and running an online store. Whether this is the first time you are establishing an online business or you have been in the game for a while, here we will give you a quick guide on how to start selling online.

A step-by-step guide to selling online

Here we have enlisted some crucial steps which you need to know before starting to sell online.

Create an online store

Have you dreamed of owning your own online store? Then this is the right time to get started as per the following instructions.

  • First, decide what kind of products or services you are going to offer in your online store. This will help you in selecting your niche.
  • Select any of the popular e-commerce platforms to start designing your online store. Select your hosting and domain name to set up your store.
  • Add SSL to ensure there’s a special security layer on your online store. This will help you to securely access sensitive information from users.
  • Select a theme and customize it as per your business needs.
  • Add multiple payment and shipping options for your users’ convenience.
  • Once you have set up your online store, selected a theme, and customized it as per your needs, you are all set to start adding your products and selling them online.

An alternative way to selling online without your own store is to sell on online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, OfferUp, Walmart, etc. We have a guide about selling on Amazon which is a must-read for entrepreneurs who consider this platform.

Accept online payments

Consumers are making more online payments in 2020, and mobile payments are particularly on the rise. In order to ensure a better and improved experience, accepting online payments is necessary. It is highly recommended to offer different payment options. Offering multiple payment options is not only effective for customer satisfaction but also meant to improve the overall user experience in the best possible way. Mobile payments, credit cards, debit cards, and online payment gateways are the most common payment options that are available to consumers. You can also integrate all of these methods to offer more convenience to your users.

Offering multiple payment options is not only effective for customer satisfaction but also meant to improve the overall user experience in the best possible way.

Manage orders effectively

Order management is one of the most important concerns when establishing an online store. Poor customer support experiences can frustrate your customers and cause dissatisfaction with them. But if you are doing it right, then you will certainly have loads of satisfied and happy, returning customers with ease. Have a look at the following tips to help you manage your orders more effectively:

First Come First Serve

When your orders pile up, you might lose track of your older orders and they might get lost. So, make sure to take care of your customers who ordered first and prefer the first come first serve strategy.

Keep an eye on your stock

Knowing what and how much you have in your inventory is another crucial factor for effective order management. Inventory is easier to lose track of when you are not focused. In such a case, the situation can be challenging. Therefore, it is always recommended to keep count of your merchandise.

Develop a proper shipping and delivery strategy

For the best delivery and shipping performance, it is always best to simplify and streamline your internal shipping process. Technology has made it easier to use advanced apps or systems to track your order deliveries. It is important when using these, to list current shipping aspects than can elongate the process so that your customers can clearly understand the time required to deliver their order. So that your customers can get to know the time required to deliver their orders clearly with reasons.

To make your shipping process successful, make sure to assemble effective teams, establish goals, and develop the right shipping strategy.

Final thoughts

Technology is evolving on a continuous basis and it brings great opportunities for your business. We have put together different things that are essential to establish an online selling business. Make sure to understand each step in order to run a successful business within no time.

Member since
Nikita Skitev is an expert in online payments and e-commerce. He is a public speaker in the commerce industry and the author of the "Payments Strategy, how to accept online payments" book.
Do you like Nikita Skitev's articles? Follow on social!

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