If you are planning to launch an e-commerce platform, there is indeed much to consider. In the current economic climate, you do need to be reasonably sure that you have covered all the angles, so to speak, and with that in mind, here is our checklist for the digital entrepreneur who is soon to be launching a new venture.
- The Right Product/ Service – It is a given that there must be sufficient demand for what you are planning to offer, and if possible, try to find a niche, which might be a fully comprehensive service, or perhaps a lowest-price guarantee; something to attract potential buyers. You would have carried out thorough market research, plus identified your target groups within the population.
- Digital Marketing – You will need the services of a leading Australian digital marketing agency, such as Smart Traffic, as they would be able to put together an aggressive marketing campaign that will deliver results. If you want to carve out your share of a global market, overlooking digital marketing is simply not an option, and with their help, you will get the web traffic that you need.
- Adequate Funding – Many businesses falter in the first 6-9 months due to lack of funding, so you should crunch the numbers and make sure you have more than enough capital to launch and to keep the business afloat for the first 6 months. If you think you might be cutting it fine, take out a short-term business start-up loan, which you can pay off in the first year.
- Adequate Resources – Check that you have everything you will need, which would include business premises, equipment, vehicles and anything else that you might need.
- Web Design – Your e-commerce platform needs to be top-notch, plus you will need a web-host, both of which can be sourced from a web developer, and you can also ask the developer to manage the site, which would include cyber-security.
- Social Media Promotion – If you create accounts with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you can begin to create a strong social media presence by posting high-quality content that is both informative and engaging. If you would rather, you can ask your digital marketing partner to handle your social media accounts, which will ensure that your business is well represented.
Aside from all of the above, you will need a constant supply of determination and optimism, plus sourcing good staff is another aspect that you will have to arrange, and with everything in place, you are set to launch your new venture.