As an expert who has guided numerous clients through the process of launching their online stores, I can understand the exhilarating journey towards entrepreneurship it creates. Through Shopify, Wix, Squarespace and other platforms, I've seen entrepreneurs scale their business and change their life forever. However, I have also witnessed firsthand the pitfalls that can make or break online success right from the start.
There is nothing more disheartening than experiencing the excitement of launch day, only to discover that customers are unable to complete their purchases due to a glitchy checkout process or that shipping policies are causing cart abandonments faster than one can say "free shipping." It is for this reason that I emphasize the importance of taking the necessary steps to bulletproof your online store before it goes live.
In this article, I will share with you the seven essential steps that I have refined over years of experience. These steps will not only ensure that your online store is ready for launch, but also that it is set up for long-term success.
1. Test Payment Options
Before opening your virtual doors, it is imperative to ensure that your checkout process is as smooth as silk. Drawing from my experience, I strongly recommend testing every payment option you offer, from credit cards to digital wallets. Take the time to make dummy purchases using test modes provided by your payment processors. This will allow you to confirm that transactions are processed seamlessly and securely, without any hiccups.
2. Verify Shipping Policies
From my experience, I cannot stress enough the impact shipping can have on your customer's shopping experience. Reviewing your shipping policies is essential to ensure they are not only clear, but also competitive and comprehensive. Consider offering free shipping thresholds as a way to increase average order values. Additionally, it is important to clearly communicate your delivery times and costs to avoid any unpleasant surprises for your customers.
3. Ensure Tax Compliance
Navigating the often intimidating world of sales tax is crucial for both your store's compliance and your customers' satisfaction. Based on my experience, it is vital to double-check that you have applied the correct tax rates for each region you sell to. Whenever possible, I suggest utilizing tax automation tools if your platform supports them. These tools can help keep your tax calculations accurate and up-to-date.
4. Finalize Return Procedures
Establishing a clear and fair returns policy acts as a safety net for customer satisfaction and loyalty. From my vast experience, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of making your returns policy easily accessible and understandable on your website. Remember, a generous returns policy can significantly boost sales by reducing the perceived risk of buying from your online store. But having too lenient of a returns policy can lead to abuse by certain customers.
5. Sync Your Socials
In today's digital age, your social media presence functions as your virtual storefront window. Drawing from my hands-on experience, I highly recommend integrating your online store with your social media platforms. This helps facilitate seamless sharing and promotion of your products. Not only does this enhance your store's visibility, but it also enables customers to easily engage with your brand across different channels.
6. Ensure Functional Navigation
Providing a seamless user experience is absolutely crucial to retaining customers on your site. I have personally witnessed the frustration that broken links or non-functional buttons can cause for customers, ultimately harming your brand's credibility. I strongly advise meticulously checking your site's navigation, links, and buttons before launching to ensure they lead exactly where they are supposed to.
7. Plan Your Campaign.
To build anticipation and generate momentum towards your launch, I recommend implementing a well-planned series of social media posts. Based on my expertise, this strategy has proven successful in engaging existing followers and attracting new customers to your store. Start teasing your products, share behind-the-scenes content, and create a buzz by counting down to the launch day.
Launching your online store is a monumental step in your entrepreneurial journey. By meticulously following these seven steps, you will not only ensure a smooth launch but also set the stage for long-term success. Remember, the goal is not just to launch, but to launch with impact and sustain that momentum. Your attention to detail and proactive preparation will undoubtedly pay off in the form of delighted customers and ringing cash registers. Welcome to the exciting and rewarding world of e-commerce, where success awaits the prepared!