Choosing the right e-commerce tools and solutions for your small business can be a difficult process. There are so many different options that it is easy to get overwhelmed.
Here are my 6 strategies that will help you find the perfect solution. Follow these tips to make sure you choose the product that best fits your needs!
Tip #1 – own the customer
There’s PLENTY of options out there. Big Commerce, Shopify, WooCommerce…
The one thing those platforms all have in common is that it’s THEIR platform (not yours). Put your customers first and own their experience.
On one hand, you could setup a Facebook page, and promote your business that way. But what happens if Facebook changes their mind? Remember early 2021? Facebook wanted to flex its muscle with the Australian Government in regards to its media bargaining laws.
Was Facebook right to do this? Who cares! We’re talking about growing your business. Not what Facebook may or may not do…
Tip #2 – what are you selling?
This might sound odd, but you should consider what you sell and the volume of sales.
For example, you could be selling a high ticket (+ $1,000) consulting package such as a personal trainer, weight loss coach or consultant.
Or you could be selling craft items, hand made jewlery or toys for dogs.
- Wix – Best website builder for most. If you have nothing, start here
- Shopify – Best for anyone needing extra support
- Squarespace – Best for artists, photographers, and creatives
- Weebly – Best for small stores that want to stay small
- BigCommerce – Best for rapid scaling
- Shift4Shop – Best for limitless customization
Tip #3 – customer experience
This is an essential step and often overlooked! What does your customer need to do to purchase your product / service?
Far to often, business owners will focus on their experience, not the customer’s.
Here’s a challenge – literally count the clicks, count the mouse moves and the pages loaded. Take out your stopwatch and track how long it takes.
Then do the same on your competitor.
You might be surprised…
Tip #4 – customer feedback
Similar to Tip #3 is to ask for feedback. Becareful to only ask from customers! Don’t ask family or friends. Especially DON’T ask those who would never spend that sort of money.
Example – a few years ago, I was working on an online product and created some training & sales videos. This was for a services based business (average sale price was > $3,500).
I made the mistake of asking some friends what they thought. Their feedback was… interesting:
- you shouldn’t wear such a light coloured shirt
- the stairs in the background were a distraction
You see, they weren’t wrong… They just weren’t helpful.
Tip #5 – connect with other people in another industry
I don’t mean “copy the competition” Especially for services based businesses, the bar is so low.
What I mean is other verticles. You’re an accountant? Great! What do solicitors, financial advisers, engineers doing?
You’re a plumber? What are gardners, home handy-man, bricklayers doing?
Make sure you’re looking at others who’s customers spend the same way you do.
For example, an engineer might charge $50k, $100k or $500k per job. They might only do 1 or 2 jobs per year.
Compared to a solicitor who does wills, estates etc.
If you are a chiropractor, have a look at how physiotherapist promote. Don’t look at how an architect promotes themself.
Tip #6 – treat your e-commerce business as a small start up.
Keep it lean and mean, focusing on just the essentials. You don’t need to have everything from day one (or even at all). Focus on what you’re good at and get help with other things that are not your core competency.