Five Common Mistakes eCommerce Startups Should Avoid
February 03, 2020
Five Common Mistakes eCommerce Startups Should Avoid
Some people might call me a serial entrepreneur – meaning I run several startups and have a lot of experience with managing and running successful companies. While my companies are thriving now, there were growing pains, as with any new business venture. But my companies managed to survive them because I knew what to look for and common mistakes to avoid. I’ve compiled them here so you can avoid them too:
1. Not knowing your niche
Newbies make the mistake of thinking the billions of people searching for things online will somehow find them. It turns out it doesn’t work that way. Knowing where you belong is crucial to finding the keywords customers use to search. Don’t assume Internet users will randomly land on your page. Identify your niche, research popular and not so popular keywords associated with your product, and note patterns and trends in your domain. Create relevant content using researched keywords.
2. Spending money when you could save it
One of the beauties of the Internet is its low entry cost. Businesses can start with nothing and build their way up, introducing products only after they’ve built a following. It’s not the same for everyone, but it’s common sense not to spend money on things you can get for free. Create free social media pages, use subdomain names until you can comfortably pay long-term for a domain, take advantage of discounts, use free eCommerce stores, avoid unsustainable ad buys, and grow organically to save some cash.
3. Not merging your online and offline strategy
Some eCommerce merchants have developed the same aversion to the real world older folk used to show for eCommerce. Building magic inside your room is impressive, but better results can be achieved with a strategy that presses the keyboard as well as the hand. Correlate your online and offline activities for better results. Business cards, conferences, and radio should not be dispensed with; they can all lead clients to your website.
4. No Mobile optimization
You’re missing out if your website isn’t fast, responsive, and mobile-friendly. You’re addicted to your phone; your clients are no different.
5. Not collaborating and getting feedback
Feedback from interactions will fine-tune your business and retain customers. Don’t ignore what people in and out of your niche are doing, and seek opportunities for crossovers that’ll introduce you to new audiences.
Sweet Tips from Ally
Steer clear of these five common mistakes, and your startup should flourish thanks to your hard work. Just follow my tips for smooth startup sailing:
Some people might call me a serial entrepreneur – meaning I run several startups and have a lot of experience with managing and running successful companies. While my companies are thriving now, there were growing pains, as with any new business venture. But my companies managed to survive them because I knew what to look for and common mistakes to avoid. I’ve compiled them here so you can avoid them too:
1. Not knowing your niche
Newbies make the mistake of thinking the billions of people searching for things online will somehow find them. It turns out it doesn’t work that way. Knowing where you belong is crucial to finding the keywords customers use to search. Don’t assume Internet users will randomly land on your page. Identify your niche, research popular and not so popular keywords associated with your product, and note patterns and trends in your domain. Create relevant content using researched keywords.
2. Spending money when you could save it
One of the beauties of the Internet is its low entry cost. Businesses can start with nothing and build their way up, introducing products only after they’ve built a following. It’s not the same for everyone, but it’s common sense not to spend money on things you can get for free. Create free social media pages, use subdomain names until you can comfortably pay long-term for a domain, take advantage of discounts, use free eCommerce stores, avoid unsustainable ad buys, and grow organically to save some cash.
3. Not merging your online and offline strategy
Some eCommerce merchants have developed the same aversion to the real world older folk used to show for eCommerce. Building magic inside your room is impressive, but better results can be achieved with a strategy that presses the keyboard as well as the hand. Correlate your online and offline activities for better results. Business cards, conferences, and radio should not be dispensed with; they can all lead clients to your website.
4. No Mobile optimization
You’re missing out if your website isn’t fast, responsive, and mobile-friendly. You’re addicted to your phone; your clients are no different.
5. Not collaborating and getting feedback
Feedback from interactions will fine-tune your business and retain customers. Don’t ignore what people in and out of your niche are doing, and seek opportunities for crossovers that’ll introduce you to new audiences.
Sweet Tips from Ally
Steer clear of these five common mistakes, and your startup should flourish thanks to your hard work. Just follow my tips for smooth startup sailing:
- Know your niche!
- Save your money
- Combine on- and offline strategies
- Optimize for mobile
- Collaboration is key!
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