Ecommerce: Start With a Plan!

Today the Internet offers more opportunity than any other time in our history! Virtually anyone can start a new online business with no overhead costs. Existing businesses can easily expand their market, automate and cut costs in repetitive processes, and respond to customer inquiries quickly and cheaply.

But before you start to jump right in, take a step back. Like any new business venture, an ecommerce website must start with a plan. This involves establishing goals, determining your target market, preparing a budget, determining a marketing strategy, etc. You can’t write an effective business plan in a day. Do your research! Following are some things to think about when writing your plan.

What makes you unique? What is your unique selling proposition? What benefits will you offer that other businesses don’t? Communicating your USP quickly and clearly on your website is the first element of profitable ecommerce web design.

Who are you targeting? Understanding and defining the needs of your target audience is an essential part of any business enterprise. Knowing your target will help you decide on the design and organization of your site.

How will people buy from you? Make it as easy as you can for customers to buy from you. Provide relevant product information and eliminate distractions as consumers enter the sales process. Customer acquisition should remain your primary goal, and nothing -- neither Flash nor corporate branding -- should interfere with your marketing and sales agenda.

How will you market your site? Having an ecommerce site is one thing. But letting people know about it is another. Promote your web address in all your marketing materials. Discover online advertising opportunities. After all, customers are only a click away from your site! Make sure search engines know about your site. A good marketing plan is just as important as a good website.

Convenience, usability and marketing clarity are the most important aspects of an ecommerce website to online shoppers. Not to say design isn’t important. Design reflects the quality of your business. A professional-looking website can give customers the impression that your business is bigger than it really is. But form should serve function when creating an ecommerce website.

Ecommerce should be taken just as seriously as any other business venture. So when you’re ready to take advantage of the huge opportunity on the web, be sure you start with a plan!