Okay, so now you’re convinced. You want to start your own eCommerce website. But there’s just one problem; you have no idea how to build an online store in Malaysia.
Don’t worry, cause we’re here to help you along the way. Starting an eCommerce business is really really easy, and with these tips, it’s going to make it even easier.
1. Come Up With A Name For Your Business.
Sounds simple right? But here’s the thing. When coming up with a name for your online store, you have to think about the catchiness, the memorability, the availability of said name, and most importantly, you have to think about how it works as a domain name.
2. Choosing Product(s) To Sell
Now we get to the hard part, choosing products to sell. With all the products that are out there in the world right now, how do you choose something to sell?
Well, our advice is to stick to your passion. If you like art, then sell art supplies. If you like sports, then sell sports supplies. Find a trusted vendor for the products you want to sell, and then start a conversation with them about your business plan.
3. Building Your Online Store
This is perhaps the most daunting part of running an ecommerce business. How to build your own website.
When building a website for your business, you need to ensure that the website is designed according to your own preference, but most importantly you need to ensure that the website is convenient and optimized for your customers.
This is why when it comes to website design, sometimes it’s better for you to employ professional help. It might cost more, but most of the time the end product is worth your investment.
Or, you can also go to websites like Shopify to build your store. Shopify offers a variety of packages according to your budget, and allows for an easier time in setting up your online store.
4. Preparing And Launching Your Online Store
So, now that you know how to build your online store, it is ready, your products are ready, it’s time for perhaps the most exciting part of your ecommerce journey, launching your website/online store.
But first, before you launch you still need to make preparations, such as shipping. Before launching your store, you need to make sure that everything is in working order. Everything should be perfect, before you even attempt to launch your website.
Make sure you get all your affairs sorted before launching your website so you won’t be losing out on potential income.
5. Gaining Your First Customer
Now that your shop is all set up and launched, you’re probably thinking that it’s time to watch the dough roll in right? Well, not exactly.
First, you have to find your first customer. There are a few ways that you can do this, but the easiest way is to capitalize on your personal relationships.
Ask your friends or family to make a purchase on your store’s website. It might not be as satisfying as having a stranger as your first customer, but this is an easy way to get the ball rolling, and to solicit feedback.
6. Marketing Your Online Store
Now that your store has been launched, it’s time for the most important step of all; marketing your store. After all, if you don’t market your shop, there’s no way anyone will be able to find you.
So that’s why it’s imperative for you to have a marketing strategy for your shop. Luckily, nowadays it’s very easy for any ecommerce business to set up a social media account, and start their marketing from there. Social media marketing is a very strong tool, provided you know how to utilize it.
Email marketing is also a very useful tool for starting businesses. Create an email list for your customers, so they can receive all the news and promotions your shop is having.
7. Just Knowing How To Build An Online Store Is Not Enough, You Have To Maintain It
Last but not least, maintaining your website/store. Although it might sound trivial, most ecommerce entrepreneurs forget that just like a normal physical store, your website store also needs proper maintenance.
Run checkups and diagnostics at least twice a month, ensure that every feature of your website is running exactly how you want them to, and ensure that your website loads quickly enough. A faulty and slow website is one of the easiest ways to lose a customer. A good website developer might be a little costly, but it’s well worth it.
Conclusion
Now you know how to build your own online store in Malaysia, be sure to check out our other articles to help you gain more customers. After all, what’s the use of an online store without customers right?
