Here’s what business gurus will tell you about creating an online store and realizing your

entrepreneurial dreams.

We have seen founders get on Shark Tank with an excellent pitch and leave with deals, a

regular business person could only dream of. But getting there with a brand and a pitch that is so convincing takes abundant time and effort. So let us take several steps back and see what the first measure towards this commercial dream is.

There should be no suspense for the answer- the title elaborates on it. It is- creating an online store. That’s vague for now but we’ll get into the details.

How to start an online store:

Let us take a look at the different approaches and solutions available. Under the free market,

it’s only natural that there is no monopoly. The sellers are spoilt for choice when their concern is to launch a digital shop. Some of the most popular ones are:

E-Commerce Platforms

Imagine having a stress-free online business. For a monthly subscription fee on one of these

platforms, you get the whole package of online store solutions: set up your store without any

coding hassle, showcase your products, take orders, process payments, manage your

inventory, and even handle logistics. Plus, you'll have access to all sorts of reports to track

your sales and revenue. It's a pretty sweet deal. Some examples of e-commerce platforms

would be Shopify, OrderBooks, and BigCommerce.

Website Builders

Now, if you're just looking to create a simple website for your store, where you can showcase your products and make some basic sales, you might not need all the bells and whistles of a full e-commerce platform. In that case, website builders like Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly could be a great option for you. Much like the previously discussed e-commerce platforms, these require no coding knowledge from their users. Just follow some easy drag-and-drop steps, and you can build a website using their pre-designed templates.

To learn how to build your website to sell stuff, you can visit the linked article.

Custom Solutions

There's nothing quite like a bespoke fit. While e-commerce platforms and website builders

make it easy to launch a store, you might have to make some sacrifices along the way. Maybe there's a specific feature you want, but the platform just doesn't offer it. That's where hiring a web developer comes in. They'll create a custom online store from scratch, tailored to your exact e-commerce needs. It might take a bit more time and effort, but the result is worth it – just like a perfectly fitted, tailor-made garment.

Or you could learn how to code.

Them Apps

We often overlook the fact that we have everything we need to create an online store right at

our fingertips. Literally! With popular apps like Amazon, Flipkart, Facebook, and Instagram

already installed on our devices, getting started is easier than ever. Some of these platforms

require you to have a registered business, but others allow you to set up shop simply by

being a registered user. So, what are you waiting for?

FAQs

1. Q: What products should I sell online?

A: That requires you to select a niche in the market. Find out what aligns with your passion

and will be a hit among buyers.

2. Q: How do I conduct market research for my online store?

A: Use digital tools like Google Trends, social media, and surveys to gain an understanding of your target audience and their needs.

3. Q: What is the best e-commerce platform for my online store?

A: Popular options include Shopify, OrderBooks, and BigCommerce. Choose one that is most feasible for your needs and budget.