Starting a business selling things online is something pretty much anybody can do with a little pre-planning and research. There are a number of platforms you can use to sell, as well as things you can choose to sell. Here, we’re going to give you some advice on how you can become a successful online seller. Take a look and you could make some money on the side or turn it into your full-time gig, working right from home.
1 – Choose The Best Platform
Start by researching the platforms available to you. There are all kinds of platforms depending on what you want to sell. For example, eBay is great for selling your used items, while sites like Teespring can be used to sell your own t-shirt designs. Amazon can be used to build a successful shop, too. You may want to use multiple platforms, but focusing on one, to begin with, is likely the best idea.
2 – Sell Something You’re Interested In
You’ll be more likely to stick to selling and actually want to build your business if it’s based on something you’re interested in. Don’t sell something just because it’s popular. Selling popular items can be lucrative, but you may run out of momentum early on if you’re simply not interested in what you’re selling.
3 – Know How You’re Going To Ship The Items
Having a reliable shipping method is key – and people will want to know how much they should expect to pay. Services like Shiply offer large-item shipping, perfect for a business that might sell things like antiques and musical instruments. Do plenty of research so you can be sure your items are going to arrive safely and quickly.
4 – Write Good Copy
It’s up to you to try to entice people to want to buy your products by writing good copy. Describing your item and telling people why it is a good purchase for them is key – but you can’t lie or say things that could be misconstrued. It’s an art, so practice. If you can’t do it, hire somebody else to do it. Your copy can make a huge difference to your success!
5 – Take High Quality Pictures
Take high-quality pictures of your items to show them in their best light – but again, don’t make them look bigger or fancier than they are. Make sure your pictures are not filtered or edited in any way that will make it look better.
6 – Tell Your Story
A lot of the time, people will purchase from you because of why you do what you do – not just for the product itself. Why do you do what you do? Be honest. They do not have to be a bunch of corporate spiels that nobody really cares about. Tell your story and people will resonate with you.
7 – Offer The Best Online Support
Fast responses and solutions to problems are key. Make sure you’re available to provide satisfactory responses and help to those that need it. Additionally, be sure that you keep your online presence safe and secure.
8 – Use Social Media To Market Your Business
Social media is an extremely powerful tool, so utilize it and market your business on there. Be consistent, and maybe pay a little for ads to target your audience.
The Takeaway: Being an online seller takes work and dedication but could pay off big in the end
The above guide is simplified, each step in multi-faceted. You will find the best way to implement the methods that work best for your product of choice. For example, some people find a corner of their garage or work from the kitchen table while others need the quiet of a home office. But with a little trial and error of your own, you should be all set to be a successful online seller!
DIY Home & Garden is a Linkhouse partner.
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
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