How do you start an online store?
Many people think about starting a webshop! We can understand that. That's why we've created this guide, where we've compiled a list of things to consider.
What should your webshop be called?
You might as well start thinking about the name of your webshop. Before it can go online, it needs to have a domain name. A domain name is the name your potential customers type on their phone, computer or tablet when they want to visit your webshop. For example, it could be www.ilva.dk.
Webshop solution / platform
There are different solutions for running an online store. You can either start building your own webshop yourself if you have some experience in design and development. You can get started relatively easily using platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce.
Alternatively, you can get a web agency to design one for you, where you either pay a monthly fee or a larger lump sum and then own all the rights yourself. The webshop price depends a lot on the solution and platform you choose, so it's a good idea to research the market and not just take the first and best offer.
Payment solutions
Before your customers can pay for the items they add to their basket on your webshop, you need to have a payment agreement (acquiring agreement / payment gateway). It's kind of a must if you want to get money in the till 🙂 There are different providers, such as Nets and Stripe.
Suppliers
If you don't produce your own goods, then of course you need a supplier. You can find a supplier through trade fairs, a Google search, a supplier agent or perhaps through your network. The supplier is a really good idea to have in place before starting your webshop.
Freight
Of course, the goods your customers buy must be shipped to their homes. Since they shop online, you automatically have a geographically larger customer base and it will be impossible for most webshop owners to ship the goods themselves. There are various shipping companies such as GLS, DAO and Postnord. There are also some webshops that use dropshipping, which means that the goods are sent directly from the manufacturer. You won't have any stock, as customers only order through you - the goods are sent from your supplier.
Packaging
If you're shipping a physical item, it must be packed securely. Otherwise, you risk it breaking along the way. Depending on what you're selling, you can use cardboard boxes with styrofoam balls, cardboard or a webshop bag with bubble wrap. Try doing a Google search on packaging and you'll see that plenty of options pop up.
Marketing and marketing
Of course, there's also marketing. It's not enough to think about launching your webshop and expect customers to queue up. If your online store is not marketed, it's like opening a shop in a locked basement = no one knows it exists. There are many different types of marketing. At Inbound CPH, we help companies grow through SEO and Google Ads. Other advertising options include Facebook advertising and newsletters.
