5 Steps to Start an Ecommerce Business
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant and drastic impact on ecommerce trends across the globe. With brick-and-mortar stores shutting down overnight, shoppers flocked to online stores to buy things, which forced many businesses to move their operations online. According to industry experts, the Covid outbreaks have accelerated the shift from physical stores to digital shopping by roughly five years. And this ecommerce growth penetration is expected to continue and grow in the current landscape and future. So, launching an e-commerce store for your business is no longer a luxury; rather, it is a requirement for survival.
Dubai is not only home to more than half of online shoppers in the UAE, but it is also the fastest growing ecommerce market in the Middle East. Setting up a new ecommerce business in Dubai opens up a new world of opportunities for you. So, if you are planning to take the plunge into ecommerce and thinking about how to start an ecommerce business, then this step by step guide is for you.
Find Your Niche
The first step towards opening up any new business is choosing your line of business. What services or products are you planning to sell? Do you currently run a business and want to expand your market reach by selling your products online? Or do you plan to become a reseller? When it comes to launching an online store, the sky is the limit as your options are endless. However, it is strongly recommend to start your ecommerce journey with a specific niche in mind.
Legal Procedures And Documentation
Establishing an ecommerce store, whether on its own or as an extension of your existing business, requires you to obtain a license under the rules and regulations outlined by the UAE government. You need to address many legal matters before commencing the ecommerce development project. Decide the type of legal entity or legal structure you want your company to have. Formal permits, certifications, banking procedures, visa application and many other legal formalities must be filed, completed and approved by the government authorities so that you can legally operate your ecommerce business in UAE.
Select Your Ecommerce Platform
As you get all set to launch your business into the competitive online landscape, it is essential to choose an ecommerce platform that enables you to deliver on the high expectations of modern age customers. An ecommerce development platform is an all-in-one software solution with all the right tools and functionalities to empower your online business. While a plethora of web development platforms is available for building your ecommerce store, you need to single out the one that suits your needs the best. Cost, integrations, user experience, speed, scalability, functionality, ease of use, security, payment gateways, customization, search engine friendly features and responsive design are some of the key factors you need to consider while choosing an ecommerce development platform. If you are a non-technical entrepreneur and need assistance in making a choice, you can seek the guidance of an ecommerce development company.
Build Your Ecommerce Website
Once you have chosen an interactive and user-friendly platform to build your ecommerce store, the next step is design and development. When it comes to designing, keep in mind that online users judge your business’s credibility based on its web design. Hence, make sure to create an appealing website design that caters to aesthetics and usability. Once you have sorted with brand identity, it is time to develop your ecommerce website. Design and develop a high-performing ecommerce website, free of technical glitches to delight customers, fulfil orders efficiently and provide seamless shopping experiences. It’s highly recommended to hire a professional ecommerce web development company to build your ecommerce store using the latest technologies. Having an expert and experienced team to provide you with ecommerce web development solutions saves your time and ensures quality results.
Launch And Market Your Website
Now that you have developed a full-fledged website with an ecommerce web development company, you will need to successfully launch the store online. Make sure you have enlisted everything, categorized products, uploaded good quality images and included all the required information on your ecommerce website before the launch. The ecommerce market is a highly competitive sector, and you need to market your website innovatively to gain an edge. You have a great website with unique products and top-notch services, but how will people know about it if you don’t promote your business? So, market your ecommerce store with unique strategies to drive traffic, generate leads and grow your business.
The process of starting an ecommerce business may seem confusing and challenging at first, especially if you are new to an online business. However, with the right guidance and expertise, you can make your dream ecommerce business reality in the easiest way possible.
If you have decided to launch a new ecommerce store for your business, consider Aiwa Digital. With a specialty in conversion-driven ecommerce web development solutions, we are a team of experts dedicated to providing you with bespoke services based on your business niche and requirements. Find more about our ecommerce development services or get in touch with us for a free consultation.