STARTUPS
Your 5-step guide for launching an online store in SA
by Warrick Kernes: CEO at Insaka eCommerce Academy.
Are you ready to dive into the world of online selling but don’t know where to begin?
The journey to building a successful ecommerce store can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Because in this article I’ll guide you through the essential first steps to launching your very own online store.
Plus, I’ll introduce you to an exciting 5 Day eCommerce Challenge where I’ll walk you through the process, click by click, to get your store up and running in just 30 minutes a day over 5 days.
Let’s get started!
1. Register your online store with an ecommerce platform
The first step in creating your online store is to choose and register with an ecommerce platform.
This will equip you with the tools you need to create, manage and grow your store.
However, please note that choosing the right platform is crucial because it will be the backbone of your online business.
And if you’re not sure where to start then fear not because in my upcoming 5 Day Challenge I’ll share the exact platform I used to grow my ecommerce business to over R1 million per month in online sales.
2. Add winning products to your website
Once your store is set up, the next step is to add products.
Start with products that you believe will sell well based on market research or your own insights.
And remember, the products you choose to sell will define your store and attract your customers.
So adding high-quality, in-demand products is essential to capturing the interest of your audience and driving sales.
Not sure what to sell?
Don’t stress because I’ve got an awesome product pack lined up for you when you join me for my free 5 Day Challenge.
I’ll even give you detailed descriptions and high-quality images that you can use to enhance the appeal of your website.
And yes, I’ll show you how to load these onto your online store step-by-step.
3. Set up a payment gateway
A payment gateway is a service that authorises credit card or direct payments processing for your online store.
Simply put… setting this up helps you get paid!
This step is crucial because when done right, a smooth and secure payment process builds trust with your customers.
And by offering multiple payment options, you cater to a wider audience and reduce cart abandonment rates.
There’s no way around it - this step is vital for the financial health of your online business because it directly impacts your cash flow which is precisely why I unpack this inside the 5 Day Challenge.
4. Design an attractive and user-friendly homepage
Your homepage is the first impression customers have of your online store.
It should be visually appealing, easy to navigate and effectively communicate what your store is about.
But many folks often stop dead in their tracks when it comes to this part because they don’t feel “tech-savvy” enough to get this done.
However, with all the amazing advancements in technology over the past few years, anyone can put a stunning homepage together with ZERO coding experience.
And inside the 5 Day Challenge I’ll show you exactly how to whip this up in just 30 minutes.
I’m talking… a clean layout, engaging images and clear calls to action to guide visitors through your site.
Because a well-designed homepage can significantly increase the time visitors spend on your site and increase the number of sales you get.
It’s not just about aesthetics - it's about creating a seamless shopping experience that encourages visitors to explore your products and make purchases.
5. Make your website live on the internet
The final step is to publish your website.
But before you go live, double-check that all the links are working, the product listings are accurate and that your payment gateway is functioning correctly.
Once you’re confident everything is in order, hit the publish button.
And by doing this, this is when your store officially opens its digital doors to the public and customers can start browsing and buying your products.
It’s an exciting milestone that I take you through on the final day of the 5 Day Challenge and marks the beginning of your online selling journey.
Join the 5 Day eCommerce Challenge
Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Don’t worry!
Join my free 5 Day eCommerce Challenge HERE where I’ll guide you through each of these steps in just 30 minutes a day over 5 days.
And by the end of the challenge, you’ll have a fully functional online store ready to switch on and begin making sales by the end of it.
Register today absolutely free and take the first step towards building your very own online business in South Africa!
And remember, starting an online store is a journey…
But with the right guidance and tools, it’s entirely achievable.
Let’s make your eCommerce dreams a reality together!
>> Click here to save your spot now for free.
I can’t wait to see you there!
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