5 things you need to start an E-commerce Website

Online businesses are booming due to the increase in digitalization. From small businesses to large brands, everyone witnesses the importance of having an E-commerce website, where they can sell their products worldwide. It is easy to have a website of your own, however, there are a few things to consider before you plan your own E-commerce website. If you are still confused about how to begin then this one is for you!

Here are 5 important things you need to keep in mind before you start building an E-commerce website. In this article, we will be covering important key points like the importance of business logo, product inventory, product images, policies and a compatible payment gateway.

1. LOGO

Why do you need a logo? Why is a logo important? A logo is the most important branding investment as it is the face of your brand. It grabs attention and creates a strong first impression. It is your brand identity which can be memorized easily. It separates you from the world. It also tells about brand loyalty. A logo should be self explanatory i.e. it should be able to explain what your brand is about. The logo is the first thing that people expect from your brand. Your logo should be the centre of all marketing materials such as advertisements, posters or flyers and may also appear on products and packaging. If you do not have a logo, then you might be missing the great opportunity to create a lasting impression on the minds of your audience.

2. PRODUCT INVENTORY WITH DESCRIPTION AND RATES

A complete product inventory is a well- maintained data sheet of all products and their specifications including SKU, number of products available, rates, etc. This inventory helps you to keep a track of products in stock. A note on the number of products left can be highlighted on the website so that the user purchases items within the stock limit. The data sheets provide storage for information and also help with all minor features of the products. It provides easy availability of information.

3. HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT IMAGES

The first thing that the buyer sees is the images! Good images capture the buyers attention. It is rightly said that, “ONE GOOD IMAGE CAN ATTRACT THOUSAND ONLINE SALES!” Images of the product communicate giving information about the look, style, color, etc. They help customers to understand your product better. They can also be shared on social media to boost sales. Make sure you have good quality and clear pictures. It builds customer trust in your product as well as the brand. You have to make sure the product meets the customers satisfaction levels. Make your pictures look real and professional!

4. POLICIES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Disclaimer Policy

The disclaimer policy is a vital layer of protection that informs the readers that the content available on the website is only for informational purposes. Disclaimers are one of the offensive weapons that protects you from lawsuits and liability.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions is basically a layout of different rules that you want the online shoppers to abide with if they want to browse your website. It should cover several important sections depending on your business. All general terms, copyright terms, process terms, and communication terms should be explained here.

Privacy Policy

A privacy policy is one of the most important documents on the website. The visitors have the right to know from where the information is collected. And so, in this section you add all information and functions of your website. This legal document should be accurate and easy to understand.

Shipping Policy

Having a shipping policy for your brand is very vital as it increases customer trust levels. A shipping policy is a document which includes all relevant information about shipping costs, methods, delivery times, etc. Information about returns and exchange policy can also be included in this document. It informs your customers before checkout and clears all shipping related queries.

Refund Policy

When you sell online, returns and refunds cannot be avoided. A return and refund policy is an agreement that states policies about returns and refunds. It includes information about how many days they have to return a product, how will the customer receive the refund, how will the product be collected from the customer, etc. Analytics show that refund policy has been the most-accessed content on any E-commerce site.

5. PAYMENT GATEWAY

In an E-commerce store, a payment gateway is an essential function that you need. It enables secure payment authorization for your website. Without a payment gateway, you will not be able to charge your customers instantly when they place the order on your website. It ensures safe and easy transactions. You have to be careful while picking up a reasonable payment gateway for your business, as it can decide the achievement of your online store and also boost the marketing plans.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Your website isn't just a platform; it's the heartbeat of your business!

Hoping this article has helped you understand what you need before you start building an E-commerce website. If you have all of these ready, then nothing can stop you and your business to reach great heights!
Still confused how to get these things done? Do not have a logo of your own or need a payment gateway?