We all want success. What is more cool than making money from the internet? That has been my dream since I got my first computer when I was 12. You know, one of those large off white ugly plastic box computers? Yes, you know the one.
Gaining success from an online shop will not happen over night. It may not happen for the next 6 months to a year. Now, do not let that stop you. The ultimate idea is to be patient and work right, not hard.
Here are 5 steps to gaining a more successful online shop:
Step 1: Market Your Brand
Don't just let your shop sit there. Do something about your shop. Don't just expect to take some pictures and write a somewhat decent description and think that's the end of it. SEO - Search Engine Optimization - is very, very, very, and one more, VERY important. This is the KEY to getting your shop noticed. Everyone uses "hashtags" and "Google" these days so think about it…if you don't label your work, who will find it? When they do find it, what is their first impression of your shop? How well is your logo made? How professional are your pictures? They don't have to come from an expensive camera, your smart phone will work just fine. Just remember, lighting and simple backgrounds are important.
Step 2: Social Media Is Everything
Depending on your experience with social media depends on how important you know it is when it comes to getting your work out there to the public. Sharing your passion really does get others attention because guess what…they are LOOKING for passionate people with cool photos and awesome daily social media action. If you aren't a fan of social media then become one. Teach yourself and get to know it. You will be surprised at how some days you will get awesome people telling you just how awesome you are and that is a fricken' awesome feeling.
Step 3: Use More Than One Market Place
This is very, very simple. Add your work on more than just one market place. Use Etsy, Amazon, Ebay, the list goes on. Now, don't try and get your products on every single market place online. Start simple. Right now I use just two market places: Etsy and SquareSpace. One I pay a monthly fee, the other I don't pay unless I sell. That's the perfect combination to me. I don't put my shop on just one market place and expect it to do amazing. Don't just let your products sit in one location. Get it done and you will be amazed at yourself and your hard work.
Step 4: It's About The Experience
Don't just expect to wrap your product in bubble wrap and send it on it's way. Get crafty and think up of some cool packaging for your product that makes sense for your business. Just because they aren't shopping in a physical store doesn't mean they can't get the same experience and satisfaction. In your descriptions and policies show some personality. No one likes a rude sells person so don't be bitter online. Customers can still read and feel emotion through what you are trying to sell over the computer, tablet, or cell phone. It's ALL about the experience because word of mouth is the best advertising you will ever get.
Step 5: Work Everyday Even If You Don't Have To
Just because you don't have any orders today doesn't mean you don't have to work on your success. Open up a blog based around your shop, work on your SEO, get your pictures better looking, draw up some new product ideas, TRAIN YOUR BRAIN. Trust me, if you do by some luck get successful by NOT trying hard, then you will fail because you will not know how to handle the amount of sales you are getting. Christmas, Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day - these holidays could be a big factor in being found online. Don't over whelm yourself, just train yourself. You are your own boss, so act like a boss and get some action done even during slow days.
You don't have to be perfect, I don't know one shop that is. But if you get your mind set in the right direction for success rather than wait for tomorrow you will be very pleased at how well you and your shop does. Believe it or not, it's not only the products that make the sell.
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