Adding an eCommerce channel to your retail store is a great way to grow your business, reach more people, and adapt to changes in the market. With an online store, you’re not limited by location or foot traffic which gives your customers the freedom to shop whenever it’s convenient for them, even if they can’t make it to your physical store.
Moving your retail store online is a smart way to expand and make your business more flexible. It lets you reach new people, grow a loyal customer base across both in-store and online channels, and keep your business strong as things change. In this article, we will go over the steps to make it happen.
1 – Set up shipping, fulfillment, and returns policies
Setting up shipping, fulfillment, and returns is a big step in launching an online store. There are omnichannel fulfillment solutions that can help keep everything in sync between your online and physical stores. Essentially, they can help manage inventory, shipping, and returns across both channels.
It’s important to be clear about shipping fees and delivery times. Display shipping costs upfront, and let customers know when they can expect their orders. Free shipping on orders over a certain amount is a great way to encourage larger purchases, but make sure it works financially for you.
A simple returns process makes online shopping more attractive, especially for customers who are new to buying from you. Spell out how returns work, who covers the shipping cost, and any limits, like a time frame for returning items.
2 – Get your inventory ready
Getting your inventory and products ready for an online store is an important part of making your eCommerce setup smooth. First, you’ll want to keep track of your stock across both your store and website. If the numbers aren’t in sync, it’s easy to end up overselling or disappointing customers with items that aren’t actually available. Inventory management tools can help by automatically updating your stock levels as items sell, so customers always see what’s in stock.
Next, think about how you’ll show your products online. Since customers can’t see or touch items in person, clear descriptions are key. Each product should have a description that covers all the basics and points out the main features. Simple, direct language works best to help customers understand what they’re buying.
3 – Have a marketing strategy
Building a marketing strategy for your new online store is a great way to connect with customers, whether they’re shopping with you in-store or online. You’ll need to let your current customers know that you now have an online shop. You can put up signs in your store, have staff mention it to customers, or add a note on receipts.
Social media is another powerful tool to drive traffic to your site. Share updates on new products, online-only deals, or special promotions to keep your followers interested. If you have an email list, send an announcement about your online store and follow up with updates on sales, new arrivals, or exclusive offers.
