Creating Your Online Store

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Creating Your

Online Store

Gtcc.edu/sbc GTCC Small Business Center

336.334.4822 - Greensboro 336.454.1126 – High Point

Mark Hagenbuch x 62003 [[email protected]]

DarLinda Finch x62001 [[email protected]]

Agenda• Phones on Silent or Vibrate

• Follow Me @LadyBizness

• Find this Presentation Online at

www.Slideshare.net/LadyBizness

Why YOU should NOT

open an online store?

Top 5 reasonsNot to OPEN

1. You want to make money quickly2. You do not want to invest time 3. You need a guaranteed income 4. You are not web savvy 5. You get discouraged easily

Why you Should open

an online store?

Top 5 reasonsTO Open

1. You have a great product/service2. 24 hour access 3. Additional product offerings4. Expand your customer base5. Increase income & brand recognition

Decisions To Make

Things to considerHosted vs. Non-Hosted• Cost per month• How many products you can list • Integration into social media• Integration into existing site • Type of site you want to have

Types of Sites• Stand Alone–Works Independently –Website Address (____.site.com) –Monthly Fee

• Embedded– Can be integrated into your site – Can be integrated into social media

• Plugins/Applications –Works in blogs as an add in

Site choicesShopify.comStorEnvy.comMiduu.comVolusion.comGoodsie.comWordpress.comInSelly.comSquare.com

Etsy.comArtfire.comRubyLane.comBigCartel.comEbay.com Amazon.com Zazzle.comCafePress.com

Digital productsFiles, Whitepapers, E-Books• Sellfy.com• Payloadz.com• E-Junkie.com• PulleyApp.com• home.bluesnap.com/ecommerce

Setup Steps• Choose a Store Name • Choose a theme • Upload logos/avatars• Create a catalog• Decide on shipping • Input Store policy

Your story Use your about page togive people detail aboutthe business, yourpersonal journey as anentrepreneur.

• 20-200 words• Links to outside media• Photos

Think Like a Customer• Create a Strong Brand• Logo • Maintain Colors • Header, Shop Icons, Sales – Fiverr.com– Etsy.com – Canva

Customer profile

• Demographics• Psychographics• Behaviors• Locations

Search Optimization• Use Keywords • Actually search for your business • Actually search for products • Check out the competition • Use hashtags where appropriate

Product DescriptionsDecide on the way youwant to craft your message!

Get Found1. What is it?2. What is it specifically? What type?3. Who is it for?4. What is the main material?5.  What is the main color?6. What method or technique did you use to make it?7. Where will the item be used?8. What size is it?9. What style is it?10. What imagery or motifs are on the item?11. Are there synonyms?12. What is the scent or flavor? 13. What era is it from?14. What occasion is it for?15. What is your Shop Name?

Store Policy1. All Sales NOT Final2. Prevent The Return3. Use Plain English4. Make It Easy To Find5. No Hidden Return Costs6. Time Frame Limitations7. Exchange, Credit, Cash?8. Knowledgeable Staff

Product Photos• Visual Impact • Use Natural Light • Create a Lightbox • Use versatile people • Use varied angles • Use all the available placement

Top product shots1. Professional Look 2. Macro (shows detail)3. Scale (size)4. Lifestyle

Marketing • National Holidays• Local, Regional Events • World Events • Re-naming products• Pop culture • Celebrity endorsements• Social Media Outlets• Newsletter• Coupons/Sales/Discounts