E-Commerce Handbook
Starting an online store has never been more accessible — but it's also more competitive than ever. This handbook covers everything you need to build a successful e-commerce business, from choosing the right platform and sourcing products to marketing, fulfilment and scaling.
Your e-commerce platform is the foundation of your online store. Choosing the right one depends on your products, your technical ability, your budget, and your growth plans.
Shopify is the most popular choice for new e-commerce businesses. It's easy to set up, has excellent built-in features, and a vast ecosystem of apps and integrations. Plans start from around £25/month. It's particularly strong for physical products.
WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress. It's highly flexible and customisable, but requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain. It's a good choice if you already use WordPress or need specific customisation.
Squarespace and Wix offer e-commerce functionality as part of their website builder packages. They're easier to use than Shopify or WooCommerce but less powerful. Good for simple stores with a small number of products.
For selling handmade or vintage items, Etsy is worth considering alongside (or instead of) your own store. It gives you access to an existing audience of buyers, though you pay listing fees and a commission on sales.
Good to know
- Start with Shopify if you're new to e-commerce — it's the most beginner-friendly option
- Consider transaction fees when comparing platforms — they can add up significantly
- Test the platform with a free trial before committing
- Think about your long-term needs, not just your immediate ones
Watch out for
- Choosing a platform based on price alone — the cheapest option often has significant limitations
- Over-customising before you have any sales — keep it simple to start
- Not considering the total cost of ownership including apps and transaction fees
- Choosing a platform that can't scale with your business
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