Selling Products on a Website: A Helpful Startup Guide

People are increasingly moving away from the traditional retail model to shopping online. Even brick and mortar stores can benefit from selling products to online shoppers. Adding an online selling store helps expand your market and boost online sales, especially for customers who prefer the convenience of shopping from home. 

For those starting an online business, eCommerce offers a great way to save on upfront costs. First, building a website is far more affordable than renting space and hiring staff for a physical storefront.  

In addition, selling products online through an online marketplace is an easy, budget-friendly path to entrepreneurship. By selling products through online sellers, you can target a global audience and manage a profitable business without geographical limits. 

Essential components of an online store

If you want to increase sales and make your online business a successful business one, it takes more than just putting a product on a website and hoping to sell online. There’s essential groundwork you need to lay to give your store a strong foundation.

While having a great product is crucial, there are other key factors that can make effect your success in sales online, too. Let’s go over the most important ones that will set your online store up for a smooth launch.

Brand name 

Your brand name is the first thing people notice, and it can have a huge impact on how they perceive your business. 

No matter how amazing your product is, a boring or common name might get lost in the shuffle. But a catchy, interesting brand name can grab attention and draw customers to your site. 

Your brand name should tell the story of your business. It reflects what you stand for, your values, and what customers can expect from you. Over time, customers will associate your brand name with your products and how they make them feel. 

Some brand names, like Kleenex and Band-Aid, have become so iconic that people use them to describe any similar product. This shows the power a great brand name can have. 

Here are five tips for coming up with a memorable brand name: 

• Get the team together and brainstorm a list of ideas. 
• Keep it simple, clear, and easy to remember, aiming for a positive vibe. 
• Make sure your name stands out from competitors. 
• Avoid trendy words and go for something timeless. 
• Choose a name that looks and sounds great in logos, slogans, and your domain name. 

Website design 

Your website design should reflect your brand identity at every step of the shopping experience. This includes everything from the homepage to the checkout, just like your brand name, the visual design of your site will shape how customers see your business. In fact, your website’s look is often the first thing they notice, so it’s important to make a good impression. 

According to a study by Top Design Firms, 40% of customers prioritize images, 39% focus on colors, and 21% look at videos when they’re browsing eCommerce sites. This means you should focus on high-quality product photos and a well-thought-out color scheme before diving into other elements like typography, animations, and videos. 

Designing an online store can feel overwhelming if you’re not experienced, but platforms like BigCommerce offer easy-to-use themes and templates. These are customizable, so you can design a professional-looking store without needing to be a web design expert. 

Domain and hosting 

A domain name is your website’s address, like onlinestore.com. It’s typically best to use your business name for your domain. However, finding the perfect domain for your brick-and-mortar store can be tricky, considering many are already taken. If you’re having trouble, try adding a relevant keyword or location to your business name. For example, a cafe named “Cake Baker” might use cakebakers.com or cakebaked.com, among others. 

To start searching for an available domain for your own website or e-commerce business, visit a trusted domain registrar like HostGator. You can search for your ideal domain and purchase it at affordable prices. 

Marketing 

Before you even launch your own store name, start building awareness for your brand to attract customers from day one. 

A smart marketing approach includes using multiple sales channels to create an easy brand experience across the board. Use channels like email newsletters, paid ads, and SEO to spread the word about your store before customers even see your products. A good marketing reporting tool is a must to track performance across these channels, giving insights into what’s working and where to optimize.

Social media is a must for marketing your online store. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are perfect for showcasing new products or featuring happy customers. You can include website links in your posts that redirect followers back to your store. 

Social media not only helps you connect with your audience, but some platforms even allow you to sell products directly through your profile. In a later section, we’ll dive deeper into how to sell on Instagram, Facebook and other social channels. 

Key tips for how to sell products online 

Choosing the right platform 

The first step to selling online is choosing the right selling platform for your business. You have two main options: a self-hosted eCommerce platform or a hosted platform. If you’re planning to build your own website, you can consider using platforms like WordPress/WooCommerce or Shopify, which offer customizable options for building an online store.  

If you prefer simplicity, web hosting solutions such as HostGator provide all the tools you need to start selling online quickly. 

 If you’re new to selling online and not ready for your own store, consider major marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. These platforms let you sell products with just a few clicks. 

Setting up your website for sales 

Once you’ve selected a platform, it’s time to set up your online storefront. This includes choosing a domain name, organizing your product pages, and ensuring your site looks professional and user-friendly. Your domain name is important for your brand identity, so choose one that reflects your business and is easy to remember. 

Remember, your website reflects your brand image, so the brand identity you create will be critical in attracting and converting potential customers. 

Identify your niche market 

The world of online marketplaces is huge, but it’s also highly competitive. To stand out, it’s crucial to find a specific niche that sets you apart. 

Narrow your focus 

For example, selling yoga mats puts you in competition with big brands. But if you sell yoga mats designed for travel, featuring unique hand-painted designs, you can target a more focused audience such as women aged 40 to 55 who love to travel. 

Consider your own niche 

Start by thinking about areas where you already have some influence or a passion. Is there a market where you’re already connected, like social media groups or online communities? If you’re already part of a niche, it can be a great starting point for your business. Selling in a niche market helps you focus your energy and create a unique offering that stands out to your potential customers. 

Ensure its viable 

Whether you’re familiar with the niche or not, understanding the market is essential. To learn more about your niche: 

• Check Google Trends to see what’s gaining traction. 
• Join relevant social media groups and communities to hear what people are discussing. 
• Follow platforms like Trend Hunter or Trend watching to track the latest trends. 
• Analyze your competitors to find gaps you can fill. 
• Use Google Ads Keyword Planner to gauge the size and potential of your niche market. 

Decide what products you want to sell 

Once you’ve found your niche and target market, it’s time to determine the specific products you want to sell. Whether you’re selling business to business or directly to consumers, generating product ideas that align with your target audience is crucial.  

Will you manufacture, go with private labeling, or find a supplier? Whether you launch with a single product or a full line will also influence how you manage inventory and your overall success. 

Choose a business model 

Your business model defines how you sell your product online. Depending on your budget, product type, and whether you want to manage inventory, you’ll choose a professional selling plan that fits your needs. This decision is especially important for business-to-business transactions. 

Find in-demand products 

 To attract customers and maximize online sales, generate product ideas, focus on shipping methods, and sell products that are in high demand. Whether you’re drop shipping or handling your own stock, selling products people want ensures your efforts won’t be wasted. 

Price your products carefully 

Setting the right selling price is key to any professional selling plan. A good profit margin is important, but pricing should reflect market research to avoid driving customers away. The right price will help attract customers and maximize sales. 

Product photography 

Use high-resolution, professional product photos with multiple angles to showcase your products online. These images will appear across your online shopping platforms, online stores, and online selling sites, helping you build trust with potential customers and boosting ecommerce sales. 

Writing descriptions 

When writing descriptions for the products you are selling online, focus on both features and benefits. For example, if you’re selling a jacket, don’t just list the materials explain how it keeps your customer warm in winter. Including SEO keywords will help your online platform rank higher in search engines, bringing more traffic to your store and improving shopping experiences. 

Payments and shipping 

Every web shop provides payment systems, so you can start charging for your goods right away. If you sell items on the internet or run a physical shop, you should think about registering as a sole proprietor or LLC to keep track of your earnings for taxes. This helps you gather tax and handle your income better, even if it’s just a side job. 

When you do sell online products, you need to think about shipping costs. Unless you’re selling digital items like templates, you’ll have to look at different ways to ship and how much they cost. Offering free shipping can make customers happier and get more people to buy online but remember that you’ll have to pay for it. If your shipping company raises its prices, you might want to offer sales or other deals instead. 

Pick packaging materials that can take a beating to make sure your goods arrive in one piece. This keeps customers happy and cuts down on items being returned. When figuring out how to ship, calculate shipping costs down to the penny so you don’t get hit with surprise expenses. 

Keep in mind, payment systems like PayPal or Stripe charge your fees for each sale. You need to build these fees into your prices to keep your business profitable. 

Managing inventory and tracking sales 

Effectively managing your inventory is key to a successful eCommerce business. Most ecommerce platforms offer built-in tools to track stock and avoid overselling. Inventory management is crucial to running a smooth online business and ensuring customer satisfaction. 

Invest in SEO 

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a powerful long term marketing strategy, that helps you reach your target market by improving your visibility in search results. By conducting keyword research, optimizing your product pages, and building quality backlinks, you can attract potential customers who are already looking for the products you sell online. SEO is important for driving organic traffic and increasing eCommerce sales over time. 

Setting up Google Analytics 

Tracking your eCommerce sales and customer behavior is vital for understanding your eCommerce store’s performance. Google Analytics allows you to measure traffic, conversion rates, and other key metrics, helping you refine your marketing efforts and grow your profitable business. 

Marketing your Online Store 

A solid marketing strategy is important to attracting more potential customers to your online stores. To succeed, combine both organic SEO techniques and paid advertising. This multi-pronged approach will help you grow your eCommerce business and build a lasting customer base. 

Social Media Marketing 

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are valuable platforms for driving traffic to your online store. Use Facebook Marketplace and Instagram shopping features to directly connect with buyers and promote online shopping deals. Social media is a great way to showcase your products & services and engage with your target market. 

Email Marketing 

Email marketing is a proven method for keeping your audience engaged. Send regular updates with new product launches, promotions, and discounts to encourage repeat purchases and increase ecommerce sales. It’s a cost-effective way to stay in touch with your customers and build loyalty. 

Leveraging Reviews and Testimonials 

Always encouraging your customers to leave reviews can significantly boost your credibility. Positive reviews act as social engagement, building trust and driving higher conversions on your online platform. Displaying testimonials prominently on your site will further enhance your brand’s reliability. 

Legal considerations: taxes and policies 

Understanding your tax obligations is important when you sell things online and also protect customer data. Depending on your location, you may need to collect sales tax, so research the rules applicable to your eCommerce business and online purchase. 

Return and Privacy Policies 

Having clear return and privacy policies will protect your profitable business and set the right expectations for your customers. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Ignoring mobile users: Most people use mobile devices for online shopping. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you could lose potential sales. 

Complicated checkout process: The smoother the checkout, the more ecommerce sales you’ll secure. Simplify the process to make online purchases quick and hassle-free. 

Neglecting your brand image: Building a recognizable brand is crucial on online platforms. From your logo to your website’s tone, everything should reflect your brand values and connect with your target customers. 

Top 5 Websites to Sell Products Online 

Amazon. As the largest online marketplace, it provides unparalleled exposure and a massive customer base. Its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service also helps with fast shipping and handling customer service, making it ideal for scaling your business. 

eBay. eBay is well-known for auction-style listings but is also widely used for selling new items. It’s a versatile platform for sellers of all kinds, particularly for unique, used, or collectible products. 

Shopify. Shopify is an easy-to-use, all-in-one platform that lets you create your own branded online store. It provides customizable themes, secure payments, and inventory management, making it a top choice for those looking to build and grow their online presence. 

WordPress with WooCommerce. WordPress, combined with the WooCommerce plugin, is one of the most flexible options for building your own eCommerce site. You can fully customize your store, integrate advanced SEO tools, and sell any type of product, all while maintaining complete control over your website’s design and functionality. 

Etsy. Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and craft-related items, making it a great platform for artists, creators, and small businesses looking to sell unique, personalized products. It offers a niche audience that’s actively seeking one-of-a-kind items. 

Wrapping Up 

Selling products online is exciting, when done correctly, can transform your own business into a thriving eCommerce store. From setting up your online storefront to managing shipping costs and optimizing for search engine, success for ecommerce businesses lies in the details. Take the time to build a strong foundation, focus on your target audience, and deliver exceptional service to your prospective customers. 

With platforms like Shopify and tools like HostGator hosting powering your site, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Remember, building a successful online business requires constant optimization, attention to your customer base, and adapting to market trends—but the rewards can be well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do you sell a product to a customer online? 

Start by creating a clear, compelling product listing with high-quality images and detailed descriptions focusing on both the features and benefits. Use SEO to ensure your products appear in search results and build trust through reviews and testimonials. Simplify the checkout process and offer various payment options to increase conversions. Lastly, engage with potential customers through social media, email marketing, and targeted ads to drive traffic and boost sales. 

How can I attract more customers to my online store? 

Use a combination of SEO strategies, social media marketing, and email marketing. Optimize your product pages for search engines, engage with your audience on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and use email to share promotions and new products. 

How should I price my products? 

Price your products based on market research, competitor analysis, while ensuring you maintain healthy profit margins. Take into account the cost of goods, shipping, and transaction fees to set a competitive yet profitable price. 

What are some common mistakes to avoid when selling online? 

Ignoring mobile optimization, having a complicated checkout process, and neglecting brand consistency are key mistakes. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, make checkout simple, and maintain a strong brand presence across all devices. 

Do I need to collect sales tax when selling online? 

Yes, depending on your location and where your customers are, you may be required to collect sales tax. Be sure to research the tax laws that apply to your eCommerce business and comply with them to avoid penalties.