How to Get Started with E-Commerce

Before online shopping, there were exclusively brick-and-mortar stores – businesses with a physical presence and a building. When the 80s and 90s rolled around, customers started making the first online purchases, and the e-commerce age began. 

Move to the present, and the e-commerce numbers are mind-blowing. As of 2019, 1.92 billion people made online purchases, and e-retail sales increased over $3.5 trillion. This number is expected to rise exponentially in a few years. The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop this growth as more businesses turn to e-commerce to stay afloat and thrive.

Either way, e-commerce is the future!                

Are you a business owner? Do you deal with swimming pools and spas? 

Here’s how you can become a part of the boom and get started with e-commerce.

1. Run a feasibility test 

It takes time and dedication to figure out all the details. This is important in the success of your new digital business. It will help you answer some critical questions such as who your target is and how to maximize profit. 

2. Set your goals 

The digital world is a bit different when compared to the old fashioned style of physical stores. What do you hope to achieve with this new strategy? Do you want to convert more leads to customers? Grow your client base? Build brand awareness? Figure this out and build systems that will help you achieve them. 

3. Register your business and build your brand 

One of the most significant issues people have with e-commerce is the fear of getting scammed. Ensure you have any relevant license(s) intact. Create a brand with pertinent information such as your name and contact details. Your brand identity should reflect your products and services. It’s all about making it easy for customers to identify you. 

4. Build a website 

There’s no e-commerce business without a website. To launch a successful website:

1. Outsource the task of building it to a qualified professional.
2. Ask that your pages be structured appropriately.
3. Create a blog for relevant posts and make sure it has a mobile-friendly interface.
4. Add customer convenience and support tools.
5. Connect your social media accounts.
6. Add visually appealing photos to show off your products.

5. Find your target audience 

This will help you further optimize the website. It’s easy to say you’ve optimized your pages, but to what end? Finding your target and studying them will help you validate this market and understand how to fit your business into it. The tools are there for your use. 

For instance, with Facebook, you can use the ‘Audience Insights’ tool to study your audience demographic and more. All of this information offers valuable information. Study the audience, identify their needs relevant to your business, and find a way to reach and satisfy them.  

6. Logistics 

Shipping, delivery, installation of pools/hot tubs – how do you intend to do all that? What about your team? Do you have an offline store or warehouse where you’ll keep your products? These are all essential questions you must ask and find answers to if your online business will grow. 

At first, it might seem like a lot of work, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. There’s help if you need it. With e-commerce, you’ll take your pool/hot tub business to the next level. Don’t sleep on this opportunity to grow your business.

For help to get started building your e-commerce store to satisfy your customers and increase sales, contact us today!

About Small Screen Producer

Small Screen Producer is dedicated to designing and creating your company’s total web and online presence. As the leading innovator of digital media in the pool and spa industry, we have the experience to capitalize on your unique strengths to help your business succeed. Our goal is to help you Position, Pursue, Promote, and Protect your business.

We offer a complete line of digital marketing solutions to custom pool builders and pool and spa retailers. These include website design, website development, Google Ad services, Facebook and Instagram Ad services, lead generation tools, email marketing, social media management, reputation management, content marketing, technical services, blog services, copywriting, and comprehensive monthly plans to take your online marketing and advertising off to the next level and off your to-do list.  

Contact us today to learn more about boosting your company’s revenue through our four pillars of success that will Position, Pursue, Promote, and Protect your business.