An increasing amount of businesses are using the internet to buy and sell products online. Some start-up companies begin selling their products online first because they can potentially reach a large number of prospects without having a physical retail storefront. Although an upfront start-up cost is required to set-up an eCommerce web-site, it is a far less expensive venture than committing to a commercial rental lease for a retail store.
Setting up a physical retail store requires designing the store layout, filling the store with inventory, implementing a point of sales system, salaries to pay the staff, insurance, technology, communications amongst other expenses. There is no doubt that a significant investment is required to start and operate a physical retail store.
Although the challenges are great having an online business, it is less costly to operate than a brick and mortar establishment. Generating traffic to your eCommerce business is the next challenge for online marketers. Participating on the web such as writing and distributing articles, participating in social media, administering a ppc (pay per click) campaign, and search engine optimization are all strategies and techniques that can be used to promote and generate natural traffic to your eCommerce business. A seo practitioner can assist you with developing an internet marketing strategy for your new online store.
Establishing an online business is not easy, and it takes commitment, dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit to take on the challenge, and eventually reap the rewards from your new venture.