Day 20 - The Art of Creating Your Online Shop

(Photo Credit Throughout: Ivory Mix)

But first, just to recap what we have accomplished on our 30-day journey so far:

• Day 1: Getting Rid of Limiting Beliefs
• Day 2: Goal-Setting
• Day 3: Mapping Out Your Learning Journey
• Day 4: Naming Your Business
• Day 5: Determining Your Legal Structure
• Day 6: Registering Your Business
• Day 7: Obtaining A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Day 8: Opening Business Bank Account
• Day 9: Opening a PayPal Account
• Day 10: Getting to Know Your Market
• Day 11: Branding/Refining Your Style
• Day 12: Creating A Business Plan
• Day 13: Building Your Social Media Presence
• Day 14: Considering Your Website Options
• Day 15: Creating a Simple Website
• Day 16: Designing a Favicon for Your Website
• Day 17: Creating Your Links Landing Page
• Day 18: Creative Brainstorming
• Day 19: Researching Online Marketplaces

And if you are joining us today on Day 20 for the first time, welcome! I'm so excited to have you here! We've covered a lot of ground so far, and today we will be talking about setting up your online shop for success.

You are welcome to start here on Day 20, but I've developed this 30-Day journey to build upon each day. So while you can start here, I would suggest you go back to some of the earlier days first. But remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this as this is YOUR creative journey! I'll be here daily with new posts packed with fresh insights, resources and guidance as you work your way through the 30-Days to Your Creative Business Journal.

And, if you haven't picked up your copy yet, don't worry! You can grab your copy here so that you're fully prepared to begin this exciting adventure. Here's to a captivating online shop!

Getting Cozy with Your Chosen Platform

So you've picked out a cozy corner of the internet to set up shop – you've made a great choice! Now's the time to really get to know your online home. Take a leisurely stroll through the platform's features, get a feel for the seller tools, and make sure you dot every 'i' and cross every 't' when it comes to their rules. You want to make sure your brand shines through in every pixel. A consistent look and feel across your shop is your key to building a strong brand presence.

Popping Your Products onto the Platform and SEO Savviness

Now that you've got your new platform all set up—it's time to list those products! Cast your mind back to Day 18, where you brainstormed all those potential products. Let's get those goodies listed for the world to see. Start sprinkling in those keywords into your product titles, descriptions, and any tags that you can. It's like a game of hide and seek, except you want your stuff to be found. So think like your customers when choosing your keywords. And pictures? They're worth a thousand words, especially with the right alt text. So, grab your camera and snap some crystal-clear images to give your SEO that extra boost.

Smooth Transactions: Setting Up Your Shop's Checkout

It's pivotal to choose a payment solution that your customers can trust and use with ease. Most platforms cozy up nicely with popular payment players like PayPal or Stripe – have a peek at these options and pick the provider that best matches your shop's vibe and your buyers' preferences. It's about making that purchase as hassle-free as possible, because a breezy checkout means happy customers – and happy customers often come back for more!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls you'll want to avoid:

• 
  Neglecting SEO: Like a beacon in the digital fog, SEO helps your products get found. Sprinkle those keywords in your product titles and descriptions, and watch your shop light up in search engine results.

• Inconsistent Branding: Your brand is your promise to your customer, so keep it as steady as the North Star. Whether it's your color scheme or your messaging, let your customers know they're in familiar territory.

• Poor Quality Images: A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So make those shots count. Crisp, clear pictures can mean the difference between 'add to cart' and 'adios.'

• Vague Product Descriptions: When it comes to what you're selling, don't skimp on the details. Customers want to know all about what they're buying—get descriptive and win them over.

• Ignoring Payment Security: You wouldn't leave your door unlocked, so don't skimp on payment security. Pick a payment method that's locked down tight, keeping your customers' info safe and sound.

Extra Goodies to Help You Along

(Also, just so you know, while I've provided a few links above, none of these are affiliate links (yet!) - I've just included for your convenience.)

Closing

Launching your online shop is exciting - just make sure to keep a keen eye on how things are unfolding. Make sure you're always ready to tweak your strategies here and there for the best results. And don't forget — top-notch customer service can set you apart in the bustling market. With a little grit and loads of finesse, your shop's got every chance to flourish. Here's to your entrepreneurial spirit and cheers to your success!

https://www.nicoletoerber.art/home

(Photo Credit: Ivory Mix)

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be relied upon as accounting, legal, or tax advice. Laws are subject to change and the content included in this blog may not reflect all changes to date. Please see full disclaimer here.

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