Small Business Owner's Guide to eCommerce
from Sterner Stuff
(download PDF)
What do I know?
- 7+ years web development
- eCommerce store owner
Don't start with:
What platform should I use?
Start by looking at your business
- Why am I implementing eCommerce?
- Is this a long-term pillar of my business model?
- Do I need a full shop, or just a couple things?
Full-Blown REI?
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Simple Payment?
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Start by looking at your business
- Why am I implementing eCommerce?
- Is this a long-term pillar of my business model?
- Do I need a full shop, or just a couple things?
- What options do I already have?
Why eCommerce?
COVID-19?
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A new place to buy
vs
A new way to buy
Impact on Local
- Does brick and mortar matter?
- Local must be part of your business model
Your Local Advantage
- Brand Loyalty
- High Engagement
- Same-Day Delivery
New Ways to Buy
eCommerce isn't just shopping online.
It's leveraging technology to better meet customer needs.
Start by looking at your business
- Why am I implementing eCommerce?
- Is this a long-term pillar of my business model?
- Do I need a full shop, or just a couple things?
- What options do I already have?
Alternatives To a Full Shop
- PayPal link
- JotForm, WuFoo, other form builders
- Whatever your existing site supports!
Start by looking at your business
- Why am I implementing eCommerce?
- Is this a long-term pillar of my business model?
- Do I need a full shop, or just a couple things?
- What options do I already have?
Shipping and Fulfillment
- Live rates or flat rate?
- Supplies
- Shared inventory?
- Dropshipping
Cross-Platform Customers
- Loyalty programs
- Marketing efforts
- Gift cards
Popular Platforms for Full Shops
- Shopify
- WordPress
- WordPress + BigCommerce
- Wix/SquareSpace/Weebly
- Point-of-Sale Provider
Shopify
Shopify
Pros
- Single platform in-store and online
- Hosted platform
- Built for eCommerce
- Lots of integrations
Cons
- Walled garden
- Nickel-and-dime
- Harder to retrofit
WordPress
WordPress
Pros
- Free to start (minus hosting)
- Lots of free extensions and integrations
- May play nice with your existing POS
- Easy to find a developer
- Belongs to you
Cons
- Integrations with your POS may be limited
- Software updates required
- Performance needs tuning
WordPress + BigCommerce
eCommerce-as-a-Service
BigCommerce
Pros
- Seperation of concerns
- Built for eCommerce
Cons
- Smaller developer pool
- Walled garden
Site Builders
Site Builders
Pros
- Hosted platform
- Might work with point of sale?
- Limited stores
Cons
- Limited customization
- Walled garden
Your Point-of-Sale System!
- Tight integration
- Available features?
- Bit of a crap shoot
Caution
- Avoid new-shiny-syndrome
- Don't let the perfect get in the way of the good
- The tech is half the battle
- You have important things to do
- Don't be afraid to get help
Ethan Clevenger
Owner, Sterner Stuff
Owner, Porterhouse Clothing
[email protected]
https://ecom.sternerstuff.dev
