Starting an online store can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with web design and development. However, with the right tools and resources, it is possible to build your own eCommerce website and start selling online.

Step-by-step guide to help you Start Selling Online:

1. Choose a product or service to sell 

Before you start building your website, you need to decide on the products or services that you will be selling. Consider what you are passionate about and what market demand there is for your products. Research the demand for the product or service through market research, online surveys, and competitor analysis.Having a strong personal connection to the product or service can help you stay motivated and committed to your business.You should also consider factors such as competition, pricing, and profit margins. Consider the costs associated with production, marketing, and fulfillment, and make sure there is room for profit.Make sure you are legally allowed to sell the product or service, and that it is compliant with any relevant regulations.

2. Select a Domain name and Hosting Provider

A domain name is the address of your website, and a hosting provider is the company that stores and maintains your website on the internet. You should wisely choose your domain name as it helps establish credibility and professionalism for your business.Having a unique and relevant domain name can also improve your search engine ranking and make it easier for customers to find your website through search engines. This can lead to increased traffic and potential sales for your business. There are many options available for both domain names and hosting providers, and you should research and compare them to find the best fit for your business.

3. Set up a payment gateway

In order to sell online, you will need a way to accept payments from customers. A payment gateway is an essential component of an e-commerce website because it allows the website to process and accept online payments from customers. There are various payment gateway options available, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square. Each has its own fees and features, so it is important to research and compare them to find the best fit for your business. Read How to Choose Payment Gateway for your Online store here.

4. Choose an eCommerce platform

An eCommerce platform is the software that powers your online store. There are many options available, such as Shopify, ECwid, and MoreCustomersApp. Each platform has its own features, pricing, and ease of use, so it is important to research and compare them to find the best fit for your business. These platforms also provide customization to your website depending upon the need of your business. Many platforms like MoreCustomersApp also provide vendor management, multi store inventory management, Bulk product uploads and many such important features needed for small and medium eCommerce businesses. Choosing the right platform is very important because as you scale your business your platform should support it. Now a days subscription based services are available so initially it is light on your pocket.

5. Design your website

Now it’s time to start building your website. You can either hire a web designer or use a website builder tool to design your website. A website builder tool is a software that allows you to create and customize your website without the need for coding knowledge. There are many website builder options available, such as Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly. Some good eCommerce platforms like MoreCustomersApp already have good number of website themes to choose that are free and along with it they do provide Theme Editor, where you can design your own website. Always remember your website should be presentable to your customers as it is starting point of building trust between your business and them.

6. Add your products

Once you have designed your website, it’s time to add your products. You should include high-quality product photos, detailed descriptions, and pricing information. Read our Blog on  Top Ten Elements of eCommerce Product Page it will help you create the perfect eCommerce Product page. You should also consider offering various payment options, such as credit card, PayPal, and cash on delivery. Digital Payments are picking up, but COD and Manual payments are also needed to drive all kind of customer base to your Online Store. Always remember different payment gateways have different transaction charges so choose wisely.

7. Set up shipping and returns

In order to sell online, you need to have a system in place for shipping and handling returns. You should research and compare various shipping options, such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, to find the best fit for your business. You should also set up a returns policy and make sure it is clearly stated on your website. Business like selling groceries can also tie up with local courier service provider. Shipping Gateways like ShipRocket and Easy Ship allows you to choose multiple service provider on a single platform.

8. Promote your website

Here comes the last step. After you have successfully build your website, now you have to promote it. There are many ways to promote your website, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). There are many ways to promote an e-commerce website, and the best approach will depend on your target audience, budget, and goals.

Below are some tips to get you started:

• Search engine optimization (SEO): Make sure your website is optimized for search engines so that it appears as high as possible in search results when people search for relevant terms.
• Paid Marketing: Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is used to drive traffic to your website. You can use platforms such as Google AdWords to target specific keywords and demographics.
• Social media marketing: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to promote your products and engage with customers.
• Content marketing: Create valuable, informative content that your target audience will find helpful and shareable. You can include blog posts, youTube videos, podcasts, and more.
• Email marketing: Build an email list and send newsletters, special offers, and other promotional messages to your subscribers.
• Referral marketing: Encourage satisfied customers to share your website with their friends and family. Provide offer incentives like discounts or free products to help spread the word.

There are many other ways to promote an e-commerce website, and the best approach will depend on your specific business and goals.You should also consider participating in online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay, to reach a wider audience. 

Building an eCommerce website can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and resources, it is possible to create a successful online store. By following these steps and constantly learning and improving your website, you can start selling online and growing your business.