Welcome back! I thought it was time for another quick course!
Dreaming of running an ecommerce business?
That’s why today, I will give you 6 tips on how you can optimize your existing webshop or start a brand-new one.
Let’s get started and sell something online!
This article is also useful for customers – it gives you insight into what happens behind the scenes when you shop online.
Webshop solutions
The first thing you usually look at when starting your own webshop is which solution to choose. We’re talking about platforms here.
There are so many solutions today – and I totally understand how easy it is to get frustrated over what to choose.
A quick tip: Be careful not to choose a solution that locks you into an expensive subscription. It’s easy to get misled in this industry.
Today, I will give you my 3 top choices and briefly explain why you should pick one of them.
don’t receive any commission or perks for mentioning these – it’s purely based on my experience!
What they all have in common is that they are built on open platforms, so you can choose your own designs and don’t need a developer to build everything from scratch.
Shopify
Shopify (not to be confused with Spotify) must be mentioned.
There are over 100,000 webshops running on the Shopify platform today. Shopify is a “plug-and-play” system that gives you the opportunity to customize a webshop that fits your needs.
I have worked with it myself when I helped optimize the website of Etaldesign.com, and it’s a great system to work with.
Price
Shopify offers several pricing plans. The cheapest plan costs around $150/month, which most webshop owners can afford.
Magento
Magento is the most advanced solution of the 3 I’ve chosen today. Magento is the solution to choose if you’re running a large e-commerce operation – Zalando started on this platform before they moved on to their own system.
Price
The pricing is a bit different since you pay significantly more for the advanced modules.
Often, you will also need to hire a developer, which increases the cost of running the webshop.
Magento is now owned by Adobe and is a major player in e-commerce. It’s also a heavy platform to work with – it can do more than Shopify but also places greater demands on the owner. It’s not as plug-and-play as Shopify.
WordPress
The last solution I’ll mention is WordPress, which you might know if you’ve started your own blog.
My advice to you:
There are many advantages to all the solutions I’ve mentioned above – I’d put it like this: Choose one solution, and commit 100% in the first few years – it takes too long to switch platforms – it’s that simple.
You won’t get more sales by switching platforms, but by marketing your product correctly.
Do you even need a webshop?
There are many reasons to focus on your brand rather than focusing on building a webshop.
In the past, you would build a webshop and then build a brand – today, the market for webshops is highly competitive, and Google Ads have become extremely expensive due to increased competition.
It might make more sense to focus on your brand first and choose other sales channels, such as marketplaces like Amazon or other online retailers.
Amazon
Having your own webshop could become a challenge as Amazon continues to grow.
Amazon has long been a huge player in the market – in fact, the largest in the US – and they are making significant headway in Europe by establishing warehouses that allow for next-day delivery.
So another question might be: Should you focus on branding and use Amazon as a marketplace to sell your products?
Be critical of yourself
I see many people wanting to start webshops in industries like textiles, automotive accessories, or baby products. I don’t think it’s feasible unless you build your own brand—or have a very wealthy uncle (think Bill Gates rich!)
Think about who your competitors are – what can you offer that they don’t?
All studies show that people want fast delivery, low prices, and a large selection.
You have to beat them on the most basic parameters, or else it will be an expensive fight.
How much will the webshop cost you?
Dig deep into your assortment. Compare the prices of the top 50 products in your market with competitors – can you compete on price?
How hard is it to scale?
It’s all about establishing your presence. This is something Esben Gadsbøll from Whiteaway taught me.
If you have something that’s relatively easy to copy, like a new way of selling online (although that’s tough today), then you need to scale EXTREMELY fast.
Start now: Research how you can scale quickly – do you need more money? More people? A bigger warehouse? It’s hard to scale when you’re always behind on these resources.
You don’t only have local competitors
Many assume they only have national competitors when starting a webshop. That’s dead wrong – you’re competing globally.
This makes your opportunities endless, but it also means you need to consider international competitors in your analysis.
Basic setup
Payment options
You can’t start a webshop without accepting credit cards – or expect customers to pay by check!
Research what payment options your competitors offer, and also what payment options are offered by the biggest players in the market.
Today, it’s easier than ever to accept various forms of payment, so you should offer a wide range of options.
Shipping options
Is your shipping cost double what your competitors charge?
Research the shipping options your competitors offer and what the biggest players in the market provide. They set the standard in the market, so if you can’t match these options, people will be disappointed.
Product description & pictures
Don’t copy product descriptions or images from other sites.
And you shouldn’t either – the more passionate you are about your products, the more it shines through – THEREFORE: you’ll sell more!
You can really stand out by creating an experience – let customers feel part of your brand’s universe.
Inventory and order handling
In my opinion, Amazon and Zalando are not webshops – they are logistics businesses. Without their logistics setups, they would never have built the companies they have today. They’ve created solid setups capable of handling millions of orders.
You probably don’t need the same setup, but have you thought through your logistics?
Marketing
Should the webshop support a physical store?
There are many good reasons to have both a physical store and a webshop if you can manage both.
A physical store, to me, is an experience. The traditional clothing store with a clerk who doesn’t want to be there is dying out – it’s only a matter of time.
Creating experiences is key – especially with all the developments in virtual reality right now.
Create an experience! Meet your customers on their level – what excites them? Is it coffee or special events? Scents in the store? Decor? Whiskey on a Friday?You know your customers best – but you can’t just ask them, ‘What would you like?’
Online marketing
But wait, isn’t this blog mostly about online marketing?
Yes, and of course, you need to market your webshop – otherwise, no customers will come.
However, there’s no need to delve into all these areas in this post – I could go on forever, and you wouldn’t want to fall asleep! If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you already have a good and deep understanding, but if not, I recommend reading some of the post around these topics:
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Big data (web analytics)
- Email (email marketing)
- Facebook (Facebook ads)
- Adwords (Google ads)
A webshop won’t succeed without smart marketing—you won’t get customers if you don’t take action. A post on Instagram and Facebook now and then isn’t enough – you need to break through!
Always keep up to date with new trends, like ChatGPT and TikTok – they can have a big impact on e-commerce.
Data, data, data
There is one online discipline I want to highlight: Web analytics or big data, if you prefer.
The most important thing is to have control over your data from the start. I recommend setting up Google Analytics and getting familiar with it.
Conclusion
I hope this post gave you some useful tips on starting your own webshop quickly.
To summarize:
- Start with a simple platform and stick with it
- Research the market – can you compete?
- Make sure you have the basics of running a business under control
- Make sure your logistics are in order
- Get your marketing going
Are you running your own webshop today, and can you relate to some of the things I wrote in the post?
Share your experiences in the comments so we can all learn and improve in e-commerce together.
FAQ: How to start a webshop
How do I validate a webshop idea before spending money building it?
One of the biggest mistakes new ecommerce founders make is building the entire webshop before knowing whether there is real demand. Before investing in design, a platform, and inventory, you should validate the idea first.
Start by researching search demand in Google, analyzing competing webshops, and reading customer reviews to understand what customers feel is missing.
You can also test the idea by creating a simple landing page or running small ad campaigns to measure interest.
If people click, sign up, or even buy, you know there is potential. This approach helps you avoid spending months building a webshop that nobody is actually looking for.
How much does it cost to start a webshop?
The cost of starting a webshop can vary quite a bit depending on how advanced you want the setup to be. In many cases, you can start with a relatively small budget if you use a hosted ecommerce platform and keep the setup simple.
Typical initial costs might include a platform subscription, a domain name, basic design, and a small marketing budget. For many new webshops, this can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on how much you outsource.
It’s also important to consider marketing costs. Even the best webshop will struggle to generate sales without traffic, so setting aside a budget for advertising or other marketing activities is often necessary in the early stages.
What is the easiest way to start a webshop for beginners?
The easiest way to start a webshop is usually by using an ecommerce platform that handles most of the technical setup for you. Platforms like Shopify or similar solutions allow you to launch a basic store without needing advanced technical skills.
You can start by choosing a simple theme, adding a few products, setting up payment and delivery options, and launching the store fairly quickly. The goal in the beginning is not perfection but learning whether customers are interested in what you are selling.
Many successful webshops actually start very simple and improve over time. Instead of spending months building the perfect store, focus on launching early, getting real feedback from customers, and gradually optimizing design, product pages, and marketing.
How do I find profitable products to sell in a new webshop?
Choosing the right products is one of the most important decisions when starting a webshop. Many beginners make the mistake of choosing products they personally like without researching demand.
A good starting point is to analyze trends, search data, and existing webshops in your niche. Products that solve a clear problem or target a specific audience often perform best.
Margins are also important. If you only earn a small percentage per sale, it becomes difficult to invest in marketing. Ideally, your products should have a healthy margin so you can scale your webshop later.
Can I start a webshop without inventory or stock?
Yes, it is possible to start a webshop without purchasing inventory or managing storage yourself. Many entrepreneurs choose business models where a supplier handles storage, packing, and shipping.
One of the most common approaches is dropshipping. In this model, the products appear in your webshop, but when a customer places an order, it is forwarded to the supplier who ships the product directly to the customer.
The main advantage is lower risk because you do not have to invest heavily in inventory. However, it is important to work with reliable suppliers, keep track of stock availability, and clearly communicate delivery times to customers.
What are the most common mistakes when starting a webshop?
There are several common mistakes that many new webshop owners make.
The first is spending too much time on design instead of focusing on sales. A webshop does not need to be perfect to start generating revenue. Another mistake is underestimating how difficult it can be to generate traffic.
Many people launch a webshop expecting customers to show up automatically. In reality, you need a clear strategy for SEO, advertising, or social media from the very beginning.
The webshops that succeed usually focus more on marketing than on technical perfection.
What is the best ecommerce platform for a beginner webshop?
There are many ecommerce platforms available, but for most new webshops the goal is to choose a solution that is easy to work with.
Platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WordPress are popular because they allow you to launch quickly without needing advanced coding skills.
The most important factor is not necessarily the platform itself, but whether it can scale with your business and integrate with the tools you will need later, such as email marketing, inventory systems, and advertising platforms.
For most entrepreneurs, a simple and flexible solution is the best starting point.
Should I build my webshop myself or hire an agency?
This mainly depends on your budget and your skill set.
If you are willing to learn and choose a user-friendly platform, it is often possible to build a simple webshop yourself. Many entrepreneurs start this way to keep costs low while testing their business idea.
Hiring an agency can be a good investment if you want a more professional setup from the beginning or if the webshop requires more advanced functionality.
The most important thing is choosing a solution that allows you to launch quickly and start testing your business.
What should I prepare before launching a webshop?
Before launching your webshop, it is a good idea to review some of the key elements that can influence sales.
Make sure the checkout process works smoothly, delivery options are clearly explained, and customers can easily find answers to common questions.
You should also have clear return policies, delivery times, and customer support information in place. Many customers judge a webshop based on trust and transparency.
A well-structured webshop not only increases sales but also reduces customer questions and issues after the purchase.
How do I get my first customers for a new webshop?
For most new webshops, the biggest challenge is traffic. Even the best webshop will not generate sales if nobody visits it.
Many entrepreneurs start with paid advertising on Google or social media because it can generate traffic quickly. At the same time, SEO is a long-term strategy that can provide consistent organic traffic over time.
Collaborations with influencers, email newsletters, and content marketing can also be effective ways to build an audience.
The key is to focus on a few channels in the beginning instead of trying everything at once.
How do I build a strong brand for my ecommerce store?
A successful webshop is not only about products, it is also about branding.
A strong brand makes it easier for customers to choose you over competitors. This could be through a clear story, a recognizable style, or a niche you become known for.
Branding is also about consistency. Your webshop, social media, and communication should work together so customers clearly understand what your brand stands for.
The clearer your positioning is, the easier it becomes to build trust and customer loyalty.
How do I get repeat customers in my webshop?
Many new webshops focus only on the first sale, but the most successful ones actively work to increase repeat purchases.
One of the most effective tools is email marketing. Once a customer has made a purchase, you can send relevant offers, guides, or product recommendations.
Loyalty programs, discounts for returning customers, and great customer experiences can also increase the likelihood of repeat purchases.
In many cases, it is much cheaper to sell to an existing customer than to acquire a new one.
When should I scale my webshop?
Many entrepreneurs want to scale quickly, but timing is important.
A webshop is usually ready to scale once you have found a reliable way to acquire customers. This might be through advertising, SEO, or another channel where you understand the cost of acquiring a customer.
Once you know your key metrics, such as conversion rate, customer lifetime value, and advertising costs, you can start investing more aggressively in marketing.
Before that stage, the focus should be on testing, optimizing, and learning as much as possible about your target audience.
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