Retail Websites: Taking your shop online!

Let's have a honest natter about taking your brilliant shop online.
You've probably thought about it, maybe even had a quick Google. Here at SMA Websites, we work with local businesses like yours to get you seen online, and we reckon for many of you, selling online could be a real game-changer.
But, and this is a big but, it's not all sunshine and digital daisies. Just like running your physical shop, selling online has its ups and its downs. We want to give you the straight scoop, so you can make a smart decision for your business.
On the plus side, imagine reaching customers beyond just those who pop into town. You could be selling to the whole of the UK, maybe even further! Plus, having an online shop means you're open 24/7 – even while you're having your tea! It can boost your brand, give you new ways to connect with customers, and ultimately, bring in more sales.
Now for the less glamorous side of things. Setting up an online shop takes time, and let's be honest, you're already busy running your physical store. Think about getting all your products photographed nicely, writing descriptions that sell, and then actually uploading them all correctly. It can be a proper slog!
Then there's keeping track of your stock. If you're selling online and in-store from the same pile, things can get messy quickly. You don't want to sell something online that's already gone from the shelf! And let's not forget the potential distraction.
Answering online queries, packing orders, and dealing with deliveries can pull you away from serving the customers right in front of you. It's a juggling act, no doubt about it.
So, how do you even start to think about this? We reckon a bit of planning goes a long way.
Here’s a rough timeline to give you an idea of the steps involved:
Month 1: The Thinking & Planning Stage
- Week 1-2: Have a Good Think. What products would you realistically sell online? Who are you hoping to reach? What are your goals? Do some research on other online retailers in your sector.
- Week 3-4: Sort Your Stock. Can you easily separate stock for online sales? If not, how will you manage inventory? Look into stock management systems if needed.
Month 2: Getting the Basics Sorted
- Week 5-6: Choose Your Platform. Will you build a full e-commerce website? Explore options like Shopify, WooCommerce, or even selling through marketplaces like Etsy (depending on your products). This is where we at SMA Websites can really help you find the right fit!
- Week 7-8: Get Your Ducks in a Row. Start taking high-quality photos of your products and writing compelling descriptions. This is time-consuming but crucial!
Month 3: Building Your Online Shop
- Week 9-10: Website Build (or Marketplace Setup). If you're going for your own website, this is where the design and development happens. For marketplaces, you'll be setting up your shopfront.
- Week 11-12: Payment & Delivery. Set up secure payment gateways and figure out your postage and packaging options.
Month 4: Getting Ready to Launch
- Week 13-14: Test, Test, Test! Get friends and family to try out your online shop. Check everything works, from adding to basket to making a payment.
- Week 15-16: Soft Launch & Marketing. Start small, maybe with existing loyal customers. Begin thinking about how you'll let people know your online shop is open (social media, local advertising, etc.).
This is just a sample, of course, and the timeline will vary depending on your business and the complexity of your products.
The key takeaway here, is that selling online has fantastic potential, but it requires careful thought and planning. It's not a magic button, and it will take time and effort. But with the right approach and perhaps a bit of help from your local web experts at SMA Websites, it can be a brilliant way to grow your business.
Fancy a chat about your options? Give us a shout – we're always happy to talk local business!
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