How websites work and what do you need to have one?

Having an "eCommerce" website - one that allows purchasing of products - works differently and should be approached differently than a general website or an "informational" website.

Please read » Article » how websites work and what you need to have one before continuing below.

How many products are you wanting to sell?

If it is just a few - let's say your store branded apparel (hats, shirts, etc) with 4 hat styles 4 shirt styles that you'll only update once a year - having the possibility of a different design each year, then it might not be so complicated for your choices. A more simple website might be applicable.

Another example - if you are just selling the book you wrote then a simple 1 page website should be fine.

However, the main issue becomes "thinking and planning ahead for the future".

Most people and businesses begin small but most always add and update as they go along. You might spend a little more now on your website if you go with a higher plan or have more upfront costs but you will probably be covered for your additions or expansion in the future. In other words, spending a little now and not being prepared might cost you WAY MORE in time and money down the road.

Who will be taking the photos (or making the images) of your products?

You need a uniform/professional look to all of your items. They will all need to be the same size and style. In other words, not just grabbing your phone and shooting a photo and uploading it. Proper lighting and editing of the photos/images can make a sale or break a sale. More viewers/visitors to your website will appreciate a more professional design and style.

Who will be adding the description and details of your products?

You need to explain everything about each item and all of the purchasing options in a professional but easy way for your viewers/visitors to understand.

Who will be handling the marketing or digital advertising for your products?

The key to selling a product is the showing of that product - ie Videos, Model Photos, etc. For example, if you are selling a knife you need to make a product style video of someone using that knife - showing how easily it cuts, how comfortable it is in your hand, etc.... The same for a cute dress - showing someone actually wearing it and walking through a field of sunflowers makes a huge difference in sales than just seeing a flat photo of it hanging on a hanger.

SEO = Search Engine Optimization

Each page of your website needs to be properly formatted and "coded" to be picked up by search engines - ie Google. Some websites (and website designers) do a good job with SEO and some don't.

Saving steps means saving time - and that means saving money for you.

Once you have the photos or images or video content, who will be uploading and adding it to your website or social media? You or your website designer or your social media manager? It takes time. There are many website platforms that integrate with social media platforms so when you add a product to your website it will automatically be shown/added to your social media. Sure, this costs extra, but saves you steps and time which in the long run saves you money.

In Closing - The Fine Print and The Main Point

At this time, Social Media will bring more attention to your products than just making a website and adding them to it. (Read that again!) So, I think it is very important that all businesses have a website (for many reasons - please read why a business needs a website) but maybe not have a full-blown eCommerce site. Yes, I said that! A man who makes websites for a living. I would much rather be honest with what the actual point is than to just sell you something. I sleep better at night that way. Another way to think about this - I can make you the best ever eCommerce website for $15,000 so you can sell your products BUT unless all of the "marketing" is done to go along with it, you might not sell a single item - so would that $15,000 be worth it? (please note, not all eCommerce sites costs $15,000 - I do most of them for around $800-$1,000)

That is what this article is meant to explain and show you - that it is NOT just about getting/making a website that will hopefully lead to more sales for you - it is a combination of multiple things that have to be done to go along with it.

Of course I would be glad to help you with any of the above and help you make a strategic plan to help make sure it all gets done so you can succeed!

My Opinion For SC Grand Strand Area Businesses If you don't have a website for your store, I think at this time you would be better off and spend your hard-earned money in the best way possible, to sign-up for my "Platinum Plan" where we can do a ton of marketing and advertising for you and teach you along the way! We can also handle content for you (some video and photos) and show you how to add it to your social media to gain engagement! And also, becoming a Platinum Client you will receive a FREE 1 Page Website for an entire year!... So then, later on down the line, if we both feel like an eCommerce site is justified for you and your business then we will do that - and the great news is that being a Platinum Client you will receive a 50% discount on the set-up and design of your eCommerce Website!