People are always searching for products online, which is why every business, whether big or small needs a digital storefront. Without an online store, you are missing out on so many potential clients that could have been directed to your site. Not to mention, in today’s digital world, a website can be what breaks or makes a business.
Although the process might seem difficult, it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, tools, and strategies, creating an online store can be easy. In this guide, we are going to walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the right products (if you don’t already have one) to driving traffic to your site, and give you actionable recommendations to ensure a smooth launch.
Why Create an Online Store?
The demand for online shopping has been continuously increasing over the years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. By creating an online store, you can reach a larger audience, operate 24/7, and grow your business faster than a traditional storefront.
For example, in 2023, global e-commerce sales topped $5 trillion and are expected to keep rising. Based on these statistics, you can see why it is heavily important to have an online store. Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or just looking to tap into a booming industry, an online store is always going to be an asset, not a liability.
Step-By-Step Guide to Creating an Online Store
- What Do You Want to Sell?
The first step is asking yourself “What do I want to sell?” In order to maximize your chances of success, choose products that not only interest you but also have proven market demand. Use tools like Google Trends and Keyword Planner to explore popular products in your niche.
For example, if you’re passionate about eco-friendly products, you might explore selling reusable kitchen items or sustainable fashion. Check out this article for a more in-depth guide on how to do market research. Here are some ideas on what you can sell in an online store for some inspiration:
- Fashion and Beauty: Fashion remains one of the most popular e-commerce niches, especially in Nigeria, where there’s a vibrant culture of unique, stylish, and affordable clothing. Consider selling handmade clothing, ready-to-wear, custom T-shirts, or even traditional Nigerian attire.
- Beauty and Skincare Products: Skincare and beauty is another popular industry, with more people caring about what they put on their skin, you could create an online store featuring homemade soaps, organic skincare products, or beauty items crafted with African ingredients, like shea butter or moringa oil.
- Handmade and Craft Goods: If you enjoy making things by hand, this is the niche for you. From jewellery and home décor to handcrafted leather bags and shoes, artisan crafts are universally loved for their uniqueness, affordability, and quality.
- Educational Products and E-Books: For content creators and educators, selling e-books, online courses, or downloadable resources can be profitable. These products can be sold repeatedly with minimal inventory costs.
- Tech Gadgets and Electronics: With the rise in remote work, people are constantly searching for tech accessories that make their lives easier. This could be anything from affordable laptop stands and phone cases to power banks and headphones.
- Choosing the Right Platform
When creating an online store, your platform choice can make a huge difference. Here, we’ll look at popular e-commerce platforms, their pros and cons, and the types of businesses they support.
- Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms globally, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a quick setup without technical skills or expertise.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use for beginners | Monthly fees can add up with additional apps |
| Customizable templates | Limited design customization options |
| Built-in payment solutions | Less control over code and backend |
| Strong social media integration | Higher cost for premium features |
- WooCommerce (WordPress Plugin)
WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress, which allows you to have greater control over your store’s design and functionality. It’s best for users with some technical knowledge or those looking to create a more customized online store.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly customizable and open-source | Requires technical knowledge to set up |
| Free plugin; only pay for hosting | Needs extra plugins for advanced features |
| Excellent for SEO and driving organic traffic | Slower load times if not optimized |
| Ideal for bloggers who want e-commerce features | Hosting and management can be time-consuming |
- BigCommerce
BigCommerce is known for its scalability and ability to handle large product catalogs, making it suitable for medium to large businesses. It also has SEO features and tools for businesses to help with growth.
| Pros | Cons |
| Built for scalability and high-volume stores | Higher monthly fees |
| Excellent SEO tools | Limited design options |
| Supports multiple currencies | Fewer themes and app integrations than Shopify |
| Advanced inventory management | Can be complex for beginners |
- Flutterwave Store
Flutterwave Store is a Nigerian-based platform designed to support businesses across Africa. It’s easy to use, cost-effective, and integrates with popular local payment methods, making it ideal for small Nigerian businesses just getting started.
| Pros | Cons |
| No upfront costs; only transaction fees | Limited design and customization options |
| Supports Nigerian payment methods | Basic features with limited functionality |
| Quick setup for beginners | Not ideal for larger inventories or complex stores |
| Great for local and social media sales | Limited integration with other platforms |
3. Registering a Domain Name
Your domain name is your online address. Keep it simple, memorable, and relevant to your brand. If possible, choose a “.com” domain, as it’s the most recognized and trusted. For example, if you’re creating an online store for skincare products, a name like “skincarehub.com” would be easy for customers to remember.
4. Designing Your Store
A well-designed online store builds trust and encourages sales. Most e-commerce platforms offer templates that are customizable, so you don’t need any design background in order to set up a site. However, there are some principles to keep in mind:
- Simplicity: Avoid clutter and keep navigation simple.
- Mobile-Friendliness: With over half of online shopping done on mobile, a mobile-responsive design is very important.
- Branding: Use colours, fonts, and images that align with your brand identity. For instance, if your brand is playful and vibrant, consider a colourful layout and engaging graphics.
5. Setting Up Payment Methods
To make sales, you need to offer convenient payment options. Payment processors make it easy for customers to complete transactions. When creating an online store, it’s best to offer a mix of payment options so that customers can choose what works best for them.
6. Product Descriptions and SEO
Writing effective product descriptions is essential to stand out and rank well in search engines. Each description should highlight key features, benefits, and how the product solves a problem for your audience.
Additionally, use keywords naturally throughout the description, title, and meta tags to improve SEO. Aim to integrate your target keyword, “Creating an online store,” in strategic areas of your content, like headers, product descriptions, and meta tags.
7. Pricing and Shipping Options
Offering competitive pricing is essential. Research competitors to understand the market price for similar products and adjust accordingly. Also, consider your shipping options. Will you offer free shipping, flat-rate shipping, or calculated shipping? Just a tip for you; customers often prefer free shipping, even if the product price is slightly higher to cover the cost.
8. Setting Up Marketing and Driving Traffic
Once your store is set up, the next challenge is attracting customers. Here are some effective ways to drive traffic:
- Social Media: Utilize visual platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for product promotion.
- Email Marketing: Building an email list is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach your audience. To build an email list, you could offer a discount for newsletter sign-ups.
- SEO: Focus on keywords your audience is searching for. In addition to creating an online store, you need to research keywords related to your niche products.
- Influencer Marketing: Partnering with influencers in your niche can help drive traffic and build credibility.
Conclusion
Creating an online store can be a rewarding way to reach a global audience, sell products you’re passionate about, and build a successful business. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to launching a store that not only looks great but also functions smoothly and attracts customers. Remember, e-commerce is a journey, and learning and adapting will help you grow over time.
