Now, I know I said I’d blog about all the steps I took to launch my new business as it happened. The problem with that was that I didn’t have time to get the stuff done and report on it in a way that would be helpful!
So I thought I’d write a list of what I’ve done so far and back track for anyone hoping to read about the entire process from the beginning.
These are the steps I’ve taken so far to start up my online shop
- Spent a lot of time researching my idea (here’s some tips on how to organise your start up notes)
- Made a one page business plan
- Decided on my brand values
- Registered my business
- Decided on a name and bought the domain and hosting (and set up email accounts)
- Secured my social media accounts for my brand name
- Set up a mailing list through MailChimp
- Created a holding page with a link to my social media accounts and mailing list signup
- Designed my logo and colour scheme
- Set up a WordPress blog on my domain
- Customised a free theme to suit my business branding
- Set up a BigCartel shop on a sub domain
- Set up a PayPal account to accept payment through BigCartel
- Customised my BigCartel shop to suit my business branding
- Started blogging
- Started promoting my blog through social media
- Found my print supplier
- Finalised my product range and pricing
- Added each product to my online shop
- Designed a spreadsheet to keep my book keeping in order
- Designed a home page for the domain
- Emailed subscribers to my mailing list and got on my Twitter and Facebook to announce that my prints were for sale
- Ta dah! My online shop is open for business
Looks so easy right! If only! It’s hard work but worth it.
I decided to launch my product range in stages.
I was featured in Sarah Wilson’s Christmas Gift Guide so wanted to make sure I had something for sale! I decided to hold off on the personalisation options and just offer the colour range of manifesto prints before Christmas. I’m glad I did!
The stage I’m up to now is launching the personalisation options and improving on my online shop starting with the product photos. I really wanted to keep it simple to start with and go from there.
I think the most important thing is to get it out there. Then keep moving.
Once I’m happier with the design of the site and quality of photos etc I’ll focus on developing new products and marketing.
I’ll continue blogging about topics that I come across as I take action to make this online shop a success!
If there’s any points you want me to expand on, or have any questions, just let me know in the comments.
SHOP HERE
January 4, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Thanks for sharing this Clare.
It’s funny how when you read it all in a list it looks so easy but more often than not the reality is far different! We’ve found ourselves in a similar situation and now that our shop has launched you do breathe a sense of relief (‘hallelujah it’s live’) but before you can breathe that next breath, it’s onto blogging, tweaking the shop, advertising, social media… Everything you can do to make it a success.
January 5, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Excellent information. Thank you. It breaks everything down into easy-to-follow steps. Although I am about set up, there are still things I can use from your list. I intend to pass this onto my daughter, who is looking at selling the unique bags she designs and sews.
January 6, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Awesome post, thanks heaps Clare! I’m in the process of doing the same, but it’s so easy to end up drowning in the detail instead of focusing on a simple step-by-step plan…
January 7, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Hi Clare
Thank you for sharing your insight into setting up your online shop. I launched my website several years ago but am wanting to take my business to the next level. Naturally, all the experts have their views and $$$, making it seem like an impossible task.
After reading your blog, I feel I can achieve this easily and I’m in control.
Thank you so much
Anne
January 9, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Great work Clare! Congratulations on you online store. I couldn’t agree more with ‘I think the most important thing is to get it out there. Then keep moving.’ Thanks for your little bit of code tip too. I am enjoying that
!
January 11, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Thank you so much for the post! I am just starting to THINK about what I am in for with start an online store. This post was so handy. I didn’t know where to start. Thank you again!
April 23, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Hi Clare,
To start with, great name
Just wanted to say a big thanks for writing and sharing this article. I came across your blog via Sarah Wilson’s website about six months back and it inspired me to set up my own business upcycling vintage teacups into soy candles.
I’m a stay at home mum at the moment, but have a background in web as well, as a project/account manager so the task of actually doing the ground work of designing / settting up a wordpress site / setting up an ecommerce site did seem like a big task as it wasnt something I had done before. However, a few weeks ago I launched the site, and throughout this referred back to your article. Its a great achievement for me and its really nice to be running something that I have control over and can nurture and build upon, whilst being a mum to my little one.
Thanks again for the article, and for all the wonderful info/inspiration you provide on this site.
Cheers,
Clare