Getting Started

How to set up a successful Online store

If you would like to start selling online, here are some things to consider before you sign up.

1. Decide What To Sell

Just like a retail store, you need to decide what goods you will offer in your online store. It's best to start with a selection of your most popular items, so you can get started. You can add more products at any time.

If you're offering custom decorated goods, you'll also need to think about whether you'll offer digital print or include embroidery as well. You'll need to think about what designs to include on your site. Again - less is more. Don't overwhelm your customers with too many choices!

Wilcom DecoNetwork includes a selection of print and embroidered clip art. Your customers can use the clip art to customized their t-shirts, gifts or products using the online design software tool we have created. You can also choose to use the Pay-per-use licensed artwork.

2. Choose the Best Domain Name for your Online Store

Research what domain names are available to represent your business name. You may choose a .com or target your geographical area - For example: .co.uk, .com.au, .de, etc.

If you don't have a domain name, you can also choose from any of the free domain names supplied with DecoNetwork.com: www.yourcompany.deco-apparel.com, for example.

3. Setup your banking to accept online purchases

In order to process payments online, you need to have:

• A Payment gateway to allow payments from your website (PayPal Standard is free and commonly used, there are other ones also available)
• An internet Merchant bank account to accept payments from credit cards. If you're using PayPal Standard, this isn't needed
• An SSL certificate to encrypt and secure the customer data (already included with DecoNetwork)
• Web store to allow customers to order and pay for goods online (in this case, DecoNetwork)

4. Work out what you will charge

If you are already operating your business, chances are you have some sort of pricing list for products and a pricing table for the cost of different decoration processes. You'll need to set up this pricing structure on your website as well. It's also good to include the wholesale cost to you and what your mark-up is for each product.

5. Create a Unique Design

Your store is often the first representation of your business that a customer will see. It's important that is represents you well! Wilcom DecoNetwork makes it easy for you to create a unique professional looking website, without being a web expert.

6. Make it Easy to Buy

Making it as convenient as possible for your customers to order customized goods means that they will return again and again. Online ordering is both convienient for your customers, but it also reduces the amount of time you need to spend with customers and managing paperwork.

7. Get Noticed

Have you heard of Google? Yahoo!? These are household names because we all use them. For that reason they are one of the most important identities on the web. Just as we rely on search engines to find a restaurant, movie or electrician, people wanting print or embroidery will also use search engines to find a supplier.

To gain exposure for your website, you'll need to ensure your website has been optimized with keywords and linked to other local directories.

8. Invite Customers to Your Store

Your existing customers are the most likely people to visit your new website. Make sure they are aware of the site and how easy it is for them to order online. Put the website address on all your business stationery, signage and brochures. It's also a good idea to send your customers an email or run a promotion that is only available online to drive more traffic to your site. You can also inform your local network of friends and acquaintances through Facebook and other social media.

9. Give your website the attention it deserves

A website is only as good as the time you put into it. Your website needs to have up to date information, fresh content and become an excellent representation of your company.

Ensure you have someone in the company who will be responsible for monitoring and keeping the website up to date.
 

Want to get started?

See why DecoNetwork is the preferred online custom design software tool for your business.


 

Sign up and find a flexible pricing plan for your online business.