E-commerce tips for small businesses

While the past year has brought about many major changes to the way we do business, one of the most prominent across companies of all sizes has been the rise of e-commerce.

Although the shopping trend has been steadily growing over the past few years, 2020 saw its biggest increase yet. Digital Commerce 360 estimates that consumers spent $861.12 billion online with U.S. merchants in 2020 — the highest annual U.S. e-commerce growth recorded in at least two decades.

For small-business owners who have yet to fully embrace a digital transformation, it can seem daunting to try and hit the ground running with an online storefront. Read on to learn some of the most important considerations when setting up your very own e-commerce presence.

What does your website look like?
In 2021, accessing your website is often the very first interaction potential customers will ever have with your brand.

When creating your site, there are several user-friendly tools and services on the market that can walk you through the design process from start to finish. Additionally, Forbes contributors shared help  tips that companies often neglect when taking their business online, including:

• Select a strong domain name. Your website should be easily identifiable and memorable.
• Include an "about us" section. While a description of your products and services isn't necessary in a brick-and-mortar location, it's essential to help your online customers get a clear understanding of your business.
• Keep it simple. The most effective websites aren't always the most complex. Stick to a clean design and formatting that allows users to easily find what they're looking for.

Once your website is up and running, it's time to turn to social media.

Design your website with potential users in mind to ensure it's user-friendly and effective.

Making business social
Similar to your website, your social media presence is a reflection of your brand.

It's important to remember that your content, and everything you post, is an extension of your business — you shouldn't use social media as casually as you may on your personal pages. Instead, Hootsuite recommends small-business owners go in with a specific plan and goal in mind.

Take the time to create a strategic social media plan right up front; ensure that all your efforts online support specific business goals.

Start selling
Now that your website and social media are ready to go, you can start selling. Many websites and social media platforms have built-in options for small-business owners to start selling without having to create their very own infrastructure to manage payment and shipping.

Need additional assistance with your small business? The Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth, P.C. assists businesses with corporate matters and various other types of legal concerns. Please call 866-696-2033 or contact the firm online to make an appointment.

Categorised in: Starting a Business in Arizona

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