According to StartUp Britain, an unprecedented 80 companies launched per hour in 2016. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge in 2017, you’re in the right place. While there are countless different opportunities out there, all vying for your attention, we think ecommerce is definitely worth your consideration.
Thanks to a range of technological advances in recent years, opening a digital store is now easier thank you might think. Eager to know more? Keeping reading to find out why you should seriously consider an ecommerce business for your next venture.
1. Growth
Whilst the high streets in the UK might be struggling, with 15 shops closing every day, online retail is enjoying growth year on year. Sales rose by 16% in 2016 and, according to the IMRG Capgemini eRetail Sales Index, are expected to grow by another 14% in 2017. If £150bn is going to be spent online with UK retailers, wouldn’t you like a piece of the action?
2. I want it now!
The demand for instant gratification is changing how we shop. With ecommerce shops offering next day or even same day delivery options, people are less inclined to plod out into the rain and fight for cut-price products in the bargain bin. So, if you’re considering a new business that can’t deliver instantly, are you missing a trick?
Your favourite magazine can be downloaded to your smartphone instantly. The latest film is on your TV with just a few clicks. So, what will be next? A drone dropping off your McDonald’s breakfast perhaps? Perhaps there is a space in the ecommerce market you could fill…
3. Technology
Ecommerce technology has come a long way. Ecommerce platforms, such as Magento, are more powerful than ever, and easier for vendors to use too. Dashboards are designed to be user-intuitive. And analytics are simpler to understand and use to make informed decisions. From automation to API feeds, there are a hundreds and thousands of different ways to optimise your store and make life easier for yourself. In the past, you might have needed a team of 5 to manage the day-to-day activities of a digital store, where as today you could manage it unaided.
4. Customer Acquisition
Traditional sales techniques can be time consuming (and just a little soul destroying). If knocking on doors and cold calling isn’t your cup of tea, ecommerce could be the answer. From pay-per-click adverts and social media to newsletters, there are plenty of cost effective ways to attract new customers. You can even write simple how-to guides or vlog about the best ways to use your products, all of which are free to do and can connect you with hundreds and thousands of people.
5. Funding
Setting up a new business can be costly, making capital essential. Fortunately, with an ecommerce business, you can keep expenses to an absolute minimum. Why gamble on a physical shop when you can launch an ecommerce shop from your spare room? Why hire a Customer Support Team when you can build a Resource Centre and Ticket System on your site? Why would you create a new range of products if drop shipping would work? Simply put, if you’re looking for a cheaper route to market, ecommerce is perfect!
How do I get started?
There are lots of ecommerce resources and how-to guides on the internet, but if you need help from a professional team, we can help. Fluid Digital specialises in Magento web design, which is perfect if you want a lightning-quick store that converts clicks into sales. Get in touch today to find out more.