Do you have a passion for online shopping? Maybe you found some inspiration and wanted to start your own online store? You’re probably thinking.. “Where do I start?” There are various things to consider when starting your own business. It may seem overwhelming at first and you’ll spend many hours trying to come up with an adequate strategy, however,  with consistency and research, starting your own online brand will be a smooth sailing. Here are a few tips to help with your future journey on this entrepreneurship boat ride!

1. PASSION

I can’t stress this enough, you must have passion for what you sell in order to succeed on this journey.  When I started my online store I had a goal I wanted to reach, but I also had a passion for the things that I sold. Lacking passion in your products will result in doubt, procrastination, and oftentimes, giving up. The best way to go about starting your brand is selling things that you would do for free. What are your hobbies that make you happy? A dedicated painter wouldn't go out their way to sell sports gear, they would sell their art! Find out what that passion may be before looking into a business game plan. 

2. Brainstorm

Speaking of a game plan, it’s a good idea to come up with a strategy that would work great with your business! If you’re looking for a long term business, start researching reliable web builders that could help expand your store with great benefits. Some website builders have great designing features, but horrible shipping prices. Some web builders have free helpful apps, but maybe not very appealing design formats. Do deep research before settling for a web builder and find the one that’s right for you! If you know how to make a website yourself, then awesome! (you’ll be saving more cash this way $$$) 

3. Find Your Aesthetic

After finding your trusty website builder, you’re going to want to develop an aesthetic for your brand. Everyone’s style is different, and that’s what makes individual brands unique. If you’re attracted to lighter colors, make your layout editing style very bright. Filters you’d want to lean towards are those with high contrasting edits. If you’re attracted to darker colors, you may want to lean towards shadow-like filters that help give off the ambience of your store. When finding your aesthetic, get creative! Looking for inspiration is great, but it’s important that you don’t make a carbon copy of someone else’s designs. It’s like starting a website off with a similar name to someone else’s, you may be giving away your customers to someone else’s store. Taking designs are not only increative, but it can be a customer repellent. People are more attracted to authentic online stores that have prominent designs and images.

4. Vendors

Some businesses require vendors, whether it’s clothing, jewelry, coffee cups, eyelash strips, or lipgloss, find a vendor that you could depend on! It’s very important that you find a vendor that sells good quality products with reasonable prices. Remember, not all prices are good prices. Even if you find what seems to be an amazing product for only $0.50 each in bulk, doesn’t mean that the quality of the products are in great condition. Make sure to ask questions if you’re curious about your product and its conditions. If you sell jewelry, make sure to ask the material of your charms. You may ask, “Are the materials to these charms made of real gold?” If you sell clothing, you may ask “Are these shirts made of 100% polyester material?” Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Their customer service will also help determine whether you would like to continue working with them. Furthermore, make sure the vendor you choose has expedited shipping options or fast shipping to your local area. There’s nothing worse than promising your customers that you would have something in stock, meanwhile, the shipping time is a month away. Check dates and the mail carrier’s they provide. 

5. Essentials

Jot down all your essential items you need for your brand. When I say essentials, I’m referring to all the packaging and business cards you may need.

Here’s a list (within a list):

•  Poly Mailer Envelopes
• Business Cards
• Boxes For Shipping
• Bubble Wrap
• Label Printer
• Thank You Cards
• Fragile Stickers
• Printer
• Laptop
• Custom Wraps For Product
• Reliable Tracking Service

6. Affordable Marketing Strategies

  If you plan to market on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter, then I have great news for you! Most of these social media apps mentioned have affordable marketing options for you to use for getting your business started (not sponsored). These marketing features give you options to choose which age group of people to make as your target audience, as well as what region you would like your customers to be located. You could adjust the cost, as well as how much you’d like to spend a day to your liking. It’s very easy to navigate, and if you’d like to cancel the promotion, they cancel it with no additional charges. Of course, taking quality photos with friends, family, and influencers alone can aid in affordable marketing as well. 

7. BE PATIENT

Lastly, be patient! Patience is a virtue! Everything isn’t going to miraculously blow up over night. Stay focused, be consistent, and stay positive. In time, your work will get recognition and your followers will increase as well as your store sales!

Never let go of your dreams! Happy sailing my fellow entrepreneurs.