1. Select an e-commerce platform.

There are several platforms to select from. Each has its own features and plans.

2. Download and activate your platform.

After selecting the platform that best suits your product and business model, you then download and activate it. Different platforms have different requirements and procedures.

3. Create your online store.

a. Choose a store name and domain

Just like a physical store, your online store has its unique name and online address.

b. Create your store theme, layout, and color scheme

This is your opportunity to lend your personal touch and creativity to your online store by giving it a theme, layout, and color scheme that you like.

4. Create your product listings.

This is the core of your online store. This is where you generate revenue by correctly executing the following tasks :

a. Set your product title

Use a word or words that best describe your product.

b. Write the product description

Aside from correctly describing your product, you must indicate here any unique features it has.

c. Upload the product images

You must use excellent quality pictures of your products. If possible, use professional photography services. The quality of your images will make or break your product presentation. It makes the difference between success and failure of your online store.

d. Price your products

Indicate a clear pricing in terms of currency, numbers, and unit of measure.

5. Create a product collection

You group together products with similar characteristics for easy product selection.

a. Set the collection name

b. Write the collection description

c. Upload the collection images

6. Determine shipping details and costs computation.

You determine product packaging dimension and weight, cost of local shipping, cost of international shipping (if applicable), costs of special handling, if any, and average shipping lead time.

7. Consider other items like tax calculation.

Some markets require payment of taxes on online transactions.

8. Set up your payment options.

You specify how you get paid by customers online.

9. Set up customer support processes.

Develop processes for handling product questions, operating instructions, defects, returns, and other frequent customer concerns.

10. Set up purchasing and inventory management processes.

Establish systems for purchasing new products, re-ordering, maintaining an optimum inventory level, inventory handling, and inventory storage.

11. Set up fulfillment processes.

Develop processes for processing, preparing, and shipping your customers’ orders.

12. Research relevant keywords.

Research and compile keywords relevant to your products which your customers will most likely use in online search and that will eventually lead them to find your products.

13. Publish useful and relevant content.

Establish your authority and credibility in your industry by publishing articles that your customers will find useful and relevant.

14. Promote your online store.

Get your store found online through good SEO practices (like using relevant keywords as mentioned above), publishing content on social media, sending emails, or using online advertising.