Congratulations! You’re all set up as an ecommerce merchant and are excitedly embarking on your first sale. But before you can reach that point, read a few tips from RepricerExpress to find out how to make that happen. Hint: it may happen sooner than you think.
1. Hit Up Facebook Friends
Instead of littering your friends’ newsfeeds with videos of silly kittens or inane status updates, ask them to invest in your future. Many a business had its first successful start with Facebook, so (politely) go after your nearest and dearest and ask them for concrete support. And if you can’t or don’t want to directly post a missive on Facebook, link to your funding campaigns via the social media giant. This also goes for Twitter, Reddit and any other site you use.
2. Create a Pinterest Page
It’s not just the realm (anymore) of single women desperate to get married, as Pinterest has made huge strides in diversifying what it’s all about. Now, it’s an excellent place to showcase all your products in one fell swoop, as well as attaching a ‘pin’ button to each item on your store site so interested shoppers can spread the word.
3. Become Bedfellows with the Media
You know how they say ‘any news is good news?’ Well, it may not be exactly 100% true, but it’s definitely in the right spirit. Despite shortcomings, the media is still viewed as a source of authority on what’s what in the world, and you want your store to be included in that. Source all your contacts to get an article written about you and your products, and then list it on your website as proof of your impact in the online world. You’ll need every edge you can get to set you apart.
4. If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
No media links in your Rolodex? No problem — take on the task yourself. Compose a press release that outlines just how much you and your inventory are needed in the world of retail, and circulate it among your email list. And don’t skip any time on this step: this is one area where you absolutely want to make sure there are zero spelling or grammar mistakes because that’ll forever haunt you.
5. Make Yourself a YouTube Star
It seems like we’re constantly hearing stories of this or that rising YouTube star, and thinking of how it could ever be possible to have millions of people tune into your video feed. It turns out it’s because people like watching short videos, and using it as a marketing device is indescribably powerful. You can show exactly how your products work in real time, preemptively answer any questions potential buyers may have, and even add in a bit of humour or irreverence to your brand to set it apart.
6. Start a Photo Feed on Instagram
The mistake many people — and not just merchants — make with Instagram is there’s no theme or narrative to it. People just randomly post photos that have no underlying story to it, but not you: you can be different. Decide from the get-go what story your brand will be, figuring out what the beginning, middle, climax and end will be. And then tell it with images.
7. Maintain a Blog
Just getting your brand out there once isn’t good enough — you’ll need to keep up a constant and differing buzz to exceed your Warholian 15 minutes of fame. Best way of doing this? Have a blog on your site and contribute novel posts to it on a regular basis, i.e. three to five a week. In doing so, it’s important to also remember your…
8. SEO
It’s just three letters, but they mean so much when it comes to establishing an online presence. How well you tweak your Search Engine Optimisation is how quickly people will hear of you, and the sooner they can be introduced to your brand, the sooner they can buy a product from you.
9. Spend Money to Make Money
If you’re looking for your first sale, here’s a quick secret: be prepared to shell out. To get the ball rolling, you’re going to have to spend a bit of money on marketing and advertising, but think of it as a necessary investment. And if you’re looking on getting the best return on your investment, think of partnering up with…
10. Amazon Ads
Of course, the easiest way is likely to just sell on Amazon and use their reputation to boost you along. But if that’s not your cup of tea and you’d rather have complete control over your business, then recognise Amazon for all it’s worth and how they can help you. Advertise on their site and reach potentially millions of people each day.
11. Amass Product Reviews
If I walked up to you right now and asked you to buy the thingamabob in my hand, you wouldn’t. But if I did that and everyone who walked past us on the sidewalk commented on how handy they found the thingamabob, chances are you may change your mind. Others’ opinions are incredibly powerful tools when it comes to convincing someone to purchase an item, so include as many product reviews as you can.
12. Hawk Items In Person
What’s more important to you: selling things online, or selling things period? If you answered the latter, then check out flea markets in your area and build your brand that way. You can sell them online at the same time, but the important thing is to just sell them.
13. Piggyback on Other Sellers
Quiz time has continued: what’s the better option, holding out for the best price, or getting the ball rolling by selling as early as possible? The first option might mean the most profit, but it could also mean the longest wait. If you don’t want to lose time, consider selling wholesale to other retailers. You may not make as much profit (now) as you would by selling to individuals, but they are taking the product off your hands, giving you money, and doing the dirty work themselves.
14. Bribe Them
And hey, if all else fails, don’t be afraid to use coupons or even give a few items away in the beginning. It may seem antithetical to business success, but the idea is focusing on the long-term game, which is to establish a solid business. And if you need to create buzz by gifting a product or two, then that’s what you do. Just remember to…
15. Be Patient
Having a thriving online business will take time, but you’ll get there. The most difficult sale may be your first one, but once you get that out of the way, it gets easier from there. Just remind yourself that even Bill Gates and Steve Jobs had to deal with their first sale on their way to massive success and that you’re not alone.
