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So, it seems like the internet is storming every sector these days. There’s never been a better time to become an e-retailer, especially since e-commerce sales in the US pulled in a huge $342.96 billion in 2015 alone. If you want to get a slice of the action then my tips below should help you get started.

Is it For You?

Before you start, you have to think about whether it’s right for you. What kind of products do you offer? Will they require delivery? Does online sales tax apply and if so, how much are you likely to be charged? You’ll also need to set up a returns policy.

Making Your Site Visible

Then, it’s onto the online strategy. In order to buy things, people have to see your website and it can take a fair bit of work to get your name out there. You’ll have to utilise something called SEO. It requires continuous input to help you work your way up the Google search results.

You can also use paid advertising, which is known as PPC. If you don’t fancy tackling these yourself then you can hire an agency to do it for you. Creating company pages on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter is another must.

How to Create Your Online Store

You can choose hosted solutions or go for e-commerce software. If you’re a beginner I recommend hosted e-commerce solutions. You can usually purchase this on a monthly basis from as little as $29. However, prices vary depending on what capabilities you need.

Accepting Cards

To do this you need an online payment processor or a payment gateway. Charges for these services vary. PayPal is the most popular of and gives you access to a large consumer market. Setting up a merchant account is time-consuming, so be prepared. You may want to draft up a business plan or have an existing one ready, in case the bank wants to see it.

Regardless of the type of business that you’re in, you can benefit from online commerce. Online bingo sites are perhaps one of the most lucrative online endeavours, as more people enjoy different use with PayPal like to play bingo. For this type of venture, getting online is a must! After all, we now live in a world dominated by internet connectivity. So, harness that power!

Selling your products online could be the component that your business needs to take it to the next level. It’s not always easy but the jump could be well-worth it. Just ensure that you do your research!

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