How to start e-commerce when you already have a physical store?

Want to know How to start e-commerce when you already have a physical store? We explain how in this article. Today, selling online is a must for most businesses. However, creating an e-commerce site is not enough to hope to succeed. Serious businesses must first understand the issues and have a clear vision of the different steps to follow. This guide will guide you through each phase, from planning to putting your store online, ensuring that you prepare the ground for success.

1. Planning and analysis: the basis of any successful e-commerce project

Before you start, a planning and analysis phase is essential to fully understand the opportunities, challenges and resources required.

• Market research : It is crucial to know your target market well. Who are your potential customers? What are their needs? Who are your competitors and what do they offer? This analysis will help you better position your online store.
• Clear business goals : Set specific goals: Do you want to increase your overall revenue, reach a new audience, or offer an additional service to your current customers? These goals will determine your overall strategy.
• Resources and budget : An e-commerce project requires resources. How much budget can you allocate for development, marketing, inventory management and logistics? Do you need to hire additional staff or collaborate with e-commerce experts?
• Legal framework : Learn about legal aspects, such as taxes, online sales laws, data protection (GDPR) and general terms and conditions (GTC). Compliance is essential to avoid legal issues.

2. Choose the right e-commerce platform

Once you have a clear vision, the next step is to choose a platform that fits your needs. There are several solutions on the market, each with its own specificities:

• Shopify : Easy-to-use platform, ideal for those who want a turnkey solution without having to worry about hosting or technical maintenance.
• WooCommerce : A powerful and flexible WordPress extension, it is perfect if you already have a WordPress site or if you want advanced customization.
• Magento : Robust solution for large companies with complex needs, particularly in terms of product catalog management or advanced integrations.
• PrestaShop : An open-source platform, ideal for those looking for great flexibility without compromising on functionality.

3. Create a high-performance and optimized site

A well-designed, high-performance website is essential to retaining your visitors and converting them into customers.

• Design and usability : Your site design should be in line with your brand image and offer a smooth user experience. Make sure navigation is intuitive, with clear menus and a logical organization of product categories.
• Mobile-first : More and more purchases are made via smartphone. Your site must be responsive , that is to say perfectly adapted to all screens, whether mobile, tablet or computer.
• Loading time : A fast site is not only appreciated by users, but also by Google. Opt for quality hosting and optimize images and scripts to reduce loading times.

4. Manage your products and logistics

Efficient management of your products and logistics is the key to a successful e-commerce store.

• Inventory management : Automate your inventory management to avoid stockouts. Use solutions such as an ERP or a system integrated with your e-commerce platform to track product entries and exits in real time.
• Suppliers and logistics : Establish a partnership with reliable carriers and offer several delivery options to your customers (home, relay point, click and collect).
• Order Tracking : Integrate an order tracking system that lets customers know where their delivery is. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces the number of customer service requests.

5. Establish quality customer service

Good customer service is often the difference between a one-time purchase and a repeat customer.

• Live Chat : Offer real-time support via live chat. This helps answer visitors’ questions immediately and improve conversion rates.
• Email Automation : Send automated emails to inform customers at every stage of their order: confirmation, shipping, delivery. This builds trust in your store.
• Returns System : Simplify online returns. A clear and easy returns process helps reassure buyers and improve their overall experience.

6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

To attract traffic to your store, you need to be visible on search engines. Here are some levers to activate to improve your SEO:

• Keyword Research : Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify keywords your potential customers use when searching for your products.
• Product Listing Optimization : Make sure each product listing has a unique and optimized description with relevant keywords. Images should have ALT tags to boost your SEO .
• Content Creation : In addition to product sheets, consider creating blog posts or buying guides. This increases the visibility of your site and provides added value to your customers.

7. Promote and publicize your store

Once your online store is up and running, it's time to attract visitors and convert them into customers.

• Paid advertising : Launch Google Ads or Facebook Ads campaigns to generate qualified traffic. Segment your audiences to reach the right profiles and obtain a better return on investment.
• Social Media : Use social media to promote your products, share customer reviews, and build a community around your brand.
• Email marketing : Set up email campaigns to build customer loyalty and promote your new products or special offers.

Conclusion on How to start e-commerce

Launching an online store is an ambitious project that requires rigorous planning and impeccable execution. By starting with a good analysis of your market , choosing the right platform , and implementing a solid product management and marketing strategy, you maximize your chances of success. Remember that success requires a good understanding of the issues and key steps, and that it is often necessary to surround yourself with professionals to carry out your project. Hoping that this article has enlightened you on How to start e-commerce from your physical store, we invite you to contact us if necessary.