Best Ways To Sell Online | Top Strategies Unveiled

In this guide, we will delve into the best ways to sell online, highlighting the easiest and most effective methods to maximize your success.

Key Takeaways

Selling on ecommerce sites like Shopify stands out as the best way to sell online as they boast a user-friendly and powerful tool that can significantly simplify the online selling process.

4 Best Ways To Sell Online

Figuring out how to sell online might seem daunting, but we’ve got you covered. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to pick just one approach. Selling across various channels can be a strategy to boost your profits.

#1. Selling on Your Own Ecommerce Store

Setting up your own ecommerce store is the best way to sell online as it gives you ultimate control over your online selling journey. Here are the benefits of having your own ecommerce website:

• Full Control: With your own ecommerce website, you have complete control over the design, layout, branding, and user experience. You can tailor the website to match your brand’s identity and create a unique online presence.

• Brand Identity: Your website serves as a central hub for your brand. You can showcase your products, tell your brand’s story, and build a consistent brand image, fostering customer trust and recognition.

• Customization: You can customize your ecommerce website to meet your specific business needs, adding features, integrations, and functionalities that are tailored to your target audience and industry.

When it comes to setting up your own ecommerce store, choosing the right platform is pivotal. Two standout options are:

Shopify

Shopify boasts an array of intuitive tools for creating your online store and robust ecommerce features tailored to streamline your selling process.

• Pricing: Shopify offers a total of 5 plans, 4 of which allow you to create an online storefront with prices from 30$ to 399$, allowing businesses of all sizes to find the right plan for their needs and budget.
• Ideal For: Shopify caters to a diverse range of entrepreneurs, from startups venturing into online selling to established brands seeking seamless management.

Wix

Wix provides an accessible platform for building your website and ecommerce capabilities that facilitate smooth online transactions.

• Pricing: Wix offers 5 plans, 4 of which come with ecommerce features with prices ranging from $27 to custom pricing, making it attractive for those looking for a powerful yet affordable solution.
• Ideal For: Wix is particularly well-suited for individuals new to online selling, providing a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process.

Why Ecommerce Websites Are The Best Way To Sell Online?

Ecommerce websites emerge as the premier avenue for successful online selling, offering myriad benefits that set them apart. Two notable advantages are:

• Abandoned Cart Recovery: With this functionality, you can automatically remind customers who left items in their carts, enticing them to return and complete their purchase. This strategic approach significantly boosts your conversion rates and ensures that potential sales are not lost. Shopify offers cart recovery in all its plans while Wix provides abandoned cart recovery on its ecommerce plans.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ecommerce sites are crafted to be mobile-responsive, adjusting effortlessly to diverse screen sizes. This guarantees a seamless, visually pleasing encounter for customers on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This flexibility boosts user engagement, extends browsing time, and increases sales. Both Shopify and Wix excel in mobile responsiveness, assuring easy navigation and purchases for your products.

#2. Selling on WordPress With WooCommerce

For those familiar with WordPress, WooCommerce offers a powerful solution for online selling.

Unlike dedicated ecommerce website builders such as Shopify, WooCommerce is open-source software and demands a certain level of coding knowledge. 

• Pricing: WooCommerce is a free plugin, making it budget-friendly for startups and small businesses. However, please note that you’ll have to cover expenses for hosting, security, website upkeep, and theme design.
• Features and Integration: It provides access to more than 60,000 plugins for enhancing additional features on your online store. With coding expertise, you can unleash your creativity more extensively compared to using an ecommerce website builder.

#3 Selling On Marketplaces

Online marketplaces offer a distinct avenue for online selling, providing both benefits and challenges across various platforms. Selling on well-known platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay is highly preferred due to their straightforward setup process. These marketplaces, particularly Amazon and Etsy, connect you to a vast customer base and facilitate a swift start to selling. However, this approach also presents various challenges to consider.

Amazon

When you sell on Amazon, you’re using its reputation to establish trust and credibility with consumers.

Benefits:

• Global Exposure: Tap into Amazon’s massive customer base to reach potential buyers worldwide. The marketplace is immensely popular among sellers offering items like books, electronics, and DVDs.
• Fulfillment Options: Benefit from the option to use Amazon’s FBA for hassle-free order fulfillment.

Challenges:

• Competition: The popularity of Amazon attracts fierce competition from other sellers, especially with the world’s giant retailers like Walmart or Costco.
• Fees: Be mindful of referral fees and potential FBA storage costs, which impact your profitability.

Pricing: Amazon charges a referral fee based on the product category and offers two types of seller accounts: Personal for $0.9 and Professional for $39.99, each with its own pricing structure.

Brief Guide on Creating an Account and Starting to Sell on Amazon:

• Step 1: Sign up for an Amazon seller account.
• Step 2: Choose between Individual (pay-per-sale) or Professional (monthly subscription) plans.
• Step 3: List your products with compelling descriptions and high-quality images.
• Step 4: Opt for fulfillment: Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) or Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
• Step 5: Monitor sales, manage orders, and engage with customers through Amazon Seller Central.

Recommended products to sell on Amazon:

• Gadgets, accessories, and electronic devices.
• Everyday essentials, kitchen gadgets, and smart home devices.
• Health and beauty products, fitness equipment, and wellness items.
• Books, e-books, and media products.
• Toys and games

Etsy

Etsy functions as a specialized version of Amazon, enabling vendors to sell their products alongside fellow entrepreneurs who share similar interests.

Benefits:

• Artistic Community: Immerse yourself in Etsy’s vibrant community and cater to buyers seeking unique, handmade, and vintage items.
• Distinct Branding: Develop a unique brand identity that resonates with Etsy’s audience and fosters a loyal customer base.

Challenges:

• Niche Orientation: Etsy’s focus on handmade and vintage goods may limit the applicability of certain product categories.
• Fee Structure: Be mindful of listing and transaction fees that impact your profit margins.

Pricing: Etsy’s pricing model involves listing fees for each item and a transaction fee based on the final sale price.

Step-by-Step Guide for Account Creation and Initiating Sales on Etsy:

• Step 1: Initiate your journey by setting up an Etsy seller account.
• Step 2: Customize your shop by adding comprehensive details, policies, and distinctive branding elements.
• Step 3: Create visually captivating listings equipped with compelling descriptions and imagery.
• Step 4: Define your preferred payment methods and establish shipping options that align with your brand’s values.
• Step 5: Seamlessly manage incoming orders, engage with buyers, and assess your shop’s performance through Etsy’s user-friendly seller dashboard.

Recommended products to sell on Etsy:

• Rare coins, stamps, vintage toys, and antique items.
• Electronics, smartphones, and gadgets.
• Clothing, footwear, and accessories, both new and pre-owned.
• Home furnishings, decor, and garden supplies
• Car parts, accessories, and tools.

eBay

eBay resembles a traditional marketplace, where you can sell a wide range of items according to your preferences.

Benefits:

• Diverse Marketplace: Capitalize on eBay’s expansive product range, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers with various preferences.
• Auction and Fixed Pricing: Utilize the versatility of eBay’s auction-style and fixed-price listing options.

Challenges:

• Stiff Competition: The sheer diversity of eBay’s listings intensifies competition, necessitating strategic differentiation.
• Fee Considerations: Take into account insertion fees and final value fees as you determine your pricing strategy.

Pricing: eBay charges insertion fees for listing items, along with a final value fee that’s a percentage of the total sale price.

Step-by-Step Guide for Account Creation and Initiating Sales on Etsy:

• Step 1: Kickstart your eBay journey by registering for a seller account.
• Step 2: Craft meticulously detailed listings enriched with accurate titles, comprehensive descriptions, and captivating visuals.
• Step 3: Decide between auction-style listings or fixed-price formats based on your product’s appeal and market demand.
• Step 4: Clearly outline your preferred shipping methods and associated costs to provide transparency for potential buyers.
• Step 5: Effortlessly manage your listings, track orders, and engage with buyers using eBay’s intuitive seller hub.

Recommended products to sell on eBay:

• Skincare, makeup, grooming tools, and health supplements
• Sports gear, apparel, and accessories
• Pet supplies
• Baby clothing, accessories, strollers, and toys
• Camping equipment, hiking gear, and musical instruments

#4 Selling On Social Media

In addition to marketplaces, selling on social media platforms offers a dynamic opportunity to directly interact with potential customers.

Facebook

Benefits:

• Vast Audience Reach: Leverage Facebook’s extensive user base to connect with a diverse range of potential customers.
• Engagement and Interaction: Use Facebook’s interactive features to build a personal connection with your audience.
• Targeted Advertising: Benefit from advanced targeting options for tailored ad campaigns.

Challenges:

• Algorithm Changes: Navigating Facebook’s evolving algorithms can impact the visibility of your posts.
• Privacy Concerns: Balancing customer data usage with privacy concerns requires careful consideration.

Brief Guide to Prepare and Start Selling on Facebook:

• Product Selection: Choose products that resonate with your target audience and align with their interests.
• Create a Facebook Business Page: If you don’t have one, set up a dedicated business page.
• High-Quality Visuals: Prepare compelling images and videos showcasing your products.
• Product Descriptions: Craft engaging and informative descriptions for each product.
• Pricing and Inventory: Determine pricing, establish inventory levels, and be ready to manage orders.
• Integrated Storefront: Use Facebook Shop for direct selling, or integrate with ecommerce platforms like Shopify.

Ideal Product Categories for Facebook:

• Apparel and Fashion Accessories
• Beauty and Skincare Products
• Home Decor and Crafts
• Electronics and Gadgets
• Customizable Goods

Few Tips to Successfully Sell on Facebook:

• Optimize Visual Content: High-quality images and videos are essential. Showcase your products from various angles and in different settings to provide a comprehensive view.
• Engage with Compelling Descriptions: Craft persuasive product descriptions that highlight the unique features and benefits of your items.
• Prompt Customer Response: Respond promptly to comments, messages, and inquiries. Timely interactions build trust and encourage potential buyers.
• Use Facebook Live: Go live to showcase products, provide demonstrations, and engage with your audience in real time.
• Run Targeted Ads: Make use of Facebook’s advertising tools to reach specific demographics and interests, increasing your products’ visibility.
• Host Contests and Giveaways: Organize contests or giveaways to encourage engagement and attract new followers.
• Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Humanize your brand by offering glimpses of your workspace, production process, or team members.
• Post Consistently: Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and informed about new products or promotions.
• Call-to-Action (CTA): Include clear and compelling CTAs in your posts, guiding users on how to make a purchase or inquire about products.
• Use Facebook Shop: If you have an ecommerce website, integrate it with Facebook Shop for a seamless shopping experience directly on your page.
• Shopify Integration: Enhance your selling capabilities by integrating your Facebook page with an ecommerce platform like Shopify. This integration streamlines order processing, inventory management, and payment processing, providing a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

Instagram

Benefits:

• Visual Appeal: Capitalize on Instagram’s visual nature to showcase your products creatively.
• Engagement Opportunities: Use Instagram’s interactive features to engage directly with potential customers.
• Influencer Collaborations: Partner with influencers to extend your brand’s reach.

Challenges:

• Frequent Posting: Maintaining a consistent posting schedule can be demanding.
• Algorithmic Changes: Similar to Facebook, Instagram’s algorithms impact post visibility.

Brief Guide to Prepare and Start Selling on Instagram:

• Product Showcase: Curate an Instagram-worthy collection of products.
• Instagram Business Profile: Convert to a business profile if you haven’t already.
• Captivating Imagery: Create visually appealing photos and videos of your products.
• Product Descriptions: Craft concise yet enticing captions that highlight key product features.
• Pricing and Availability: Ensure accurate pricing and keep track of product availability.
• Shop Integration: Leverage Instagram Shopping to tag products directly in posts.

Ideal Product Categories for Instagram:

• Fashion and Apparel
• Jewelry and Accessories
• Beauty and Makeup Products
• Fitness and Wellness Items
• Art and Home Decor

Here Are A Few Tips to Successfully Sell on Instagram:

• Craft Captivating Visuals: Focus on creating visually appealing and cohesive images that showcase your products in the best light.
• Engage with Storytelling: Use Instagram Stories to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, product development stories, and customer testimonials.
• Leverage Hashtags: Research and include relevant and trending hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts.
• Interactive Posts: Use interactive features like polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions to engage your audience and gather insights.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and tap into their follower base.
• Implement Instagram Shopping: Use the Instagram Shopping feature to tag products directly in posts, allowing users to shop seamlessly.
• Highlight Customer Reviews: Share positive reviews and feedback from satisfied customers to build trust and credibility.
• Consistent Aesthetic: Maintain a consistent visual theme and color palette for a cohesive and attractive Instagram feed.
• Showcase Product Benefits: Clearly communicate the benefits and solutions your products offer to address your audience’s needs.
• Host Exclusive Promotions: Offer Instagram-exclusive discounts or promotions to incentivize followers to make a purchase.
• Streamline Checkout with Shopify: Enhance the buying process by integrating your Instagram Shop with an ecommerce platform like Shopify. This integration provides a smooth shopping experience and efficient order management.

In both cases, integrating with an ecommerce platform like Shopify streamlines the selling process, enhances customer experience, and provides robust tools for order management and payment processing. By mastering the intricacies of selling on Facebook, Instagram and strategically selecting product categories that resonate with their audiences, you can unlock the potential of these visually engaging platforms to boost your online sales.

Maximum Profit: Sell On All 3 Channels

Expanding your online presence by selling across multiple channels can be a strategic move to increase your reach and profitability. We recommend selling on all three channels: Your Own Ecommerce Store, Online Marketplaces (Amazon, Etsy, eBay), and Social Media (Facebook, Instagram).

By embracing a multichannel approach, you can tap into the strengths of each platform and create a cohesive selling strategy that maximizes your profitability. Whether customers prefer browsing your website, exploring marketplaces, or discovering products through social media, your presence across all three channels will elevate your brand’s visibility and ultimately lead to higher sales and revenue.

How To Sell Online Successfully

Selling online successfully requires a well-defined strategy encompassing product selection, sourcing, and customer engagement.

Define Your Online Selling Strategy

Checklist Questions:

• Target Audience: Who is your ideal customer? Define their demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors.
• Unique Value Proposition: What sets your products apart from competitors? Identify your unique selling points.
• Branding and Messaging: How do you want your brand to be perceived? Develop a consistent brand identity and messaging.
• Sales Channels: Which online platforms will you utilize? Consider your own ecommerce store, marketplaces, and social media.
• Pricing Strategy: How will you determine product pricing? Factor in costs, competition, and perceived value.
• Fulfillment Method: How will you handle order fulfillment and shipping? Choose between self-fulfillment, dropshipping, or third-party fulfillment services.

Tips to help you find products to sell:

• Market Research: Identify trending products, niche markets, and consumer demands. Tools like Google Trends and social media insights can provide valuable insights.
• Solve Problems: Seek products that address a specific need or problem for your target audience.
• Passion and Knowledge: Consider your personal interests and expertise when selecting products, as passion fuels success.
• Competition Analysis: Analyze competitors’ offerings, pricing, and customer reviews to identify gaps or opportunities.
• Seasonal Trends: Capitalize on seasonal trends and holidays to offer timely and relevant products.

Source Your Product

Brief Guide to Popular Ways to Source Products to Sell Online:

• Manufacturing: Create your own products from scratch, offering full creative control and uniqueness.
• Wholesaling: Purchase products in bulk from manufacturers or wholesalers at discounted prices.
• Dropshipping: Partner with suppliers who handle inventory and shipping while you focus on sales and marketing.
• Private Labeling: Source generic products and add your branding, creating a custom product line.
• Print-on-Demand: Offer custom-designed products like apparel, accessories, or home goods without holding inventory.
• Handmade and Artisanal: Craft or curate unique handmade or artisanal products that resonate with a specific audience.

By defining a comprehensive online selling strategy, conducting thorough market research, and carefully sourcing your products, you’ll set yourself up for success in the competitive online marketplace. Remember, a clear vision, strategic planning, and a customer-centric approach are essential ingredients for a thriving online business.

Showcase Your Product

Effectively showcasing your products is a crucial aspect of online selling.

Product Photos

Visually appealing product photos are your virtual storefront’s first impression. They have the power to entice potential customers and provide a clear understanding of your offerings.

• Quality Matters: Use high-resolution images that capture the product’s details and textures.
• Multiple Angles: Display products from various angles to provide a comprehensive view.
• Consistent Style: Maintain a consistent background, lighting, and editing style for a cohesive look.
• Contextual Shots: Include lifestyle or in-use images to show the product in real-life scenarios.
• Zoom and Details: Enable customers to zoom in on images to examine intricate details.

Description

A well-crafted product description complements your visuals by providing essential information and highlighting the product’s benefits.

• Be Informative: Clearly state product specifications, dimensions, materials, and features.
• Use Engaging Language: Write in a persuasive tone that resonates with your target audience.
• Address Pain Points: Explain how the product addresses a specific problem or need.
• Tell a Story: Share the product’s backstory, inspiration, or the craftsmanship behind it.
• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage action with a clear CTA, such as “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”

Set Reasonable Pricing

Pricing your products appropriately ensures they are attractive to customers while covering your costs and generating profit.

• Cost Analysis: Calculate all costs, including production, shipping, packaging, and marketing expenses.
• Competitor Benchmarking: Research similar products and their prices in the market.
• Perceived Value: Set a price that reflects the value your product provides to customers.
• Discounts and Promotions: Consider offering occasional discounts or bundle deals to attract buyers.
• Transparency: Be transparent about pricing and any additional costs, such as shipping or taxes.

By mastering the art of product presentation through compelling photos, engaging descriptions, and strategic pricing, you enhance the overall shopping experience for your customers. Consistently delivering high-quality visuals and information fosters trust and encourages conversions, ultimately contributing to your online selling success.

Promote Your Business

Promoting your online business is essential to drive traffic, increase visibility, and ultimately boost sales. 

Social Media

Social media platforms offer a dynamic way to connect with your audience and showcase your products.

• Platform Selection: Choose platforms where your target audience is most active, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
• Engaging Content: Post a mix of product photos, behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, and interactive posts.
• Consistent Posting: Regularly post to keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Utilize Stories and Live Videos: Share temporary content to capture attention and foster real-time engagement.
• Influencer Collaborations: Partner with relevant influencers to expand your reach and tap into their follower base.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Optimizing your online store for search engines is crucial for organic visibility and discoverability.

• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases related to your products and industry.
• On-Page Optimization: Optimize product titles, descriptions, headings, and image alt text with targeted keywords.
• Quality Content: Create informative blog posts, guides, or resources that align with your products and audience.
• Backlink Building: Seek reputable websites to link to your content, improving your site’s authority.

Blogging

Maintaining a blog can establish your expertise, drive traffic, and provide valuable content for your audience.

• Content Strategy: Plan blog topics that resonate with your target audience’s interests and pain points.
• Educational and Informative: Share how-to guides, industry insights, or product usage tips.
• Engagement and Comments: Encourage reader engagement through comments and social sharing.

Email Marketing

Email marketing remains a powerful tool for nurturing leads, engaging customers, and driving sales.

• Segmentation: Divide your email list based on demographics, behavior, or purchase history.
• Personalization: Craft personalized and relevant email content for each segment.
• Automated Workflows: Set up automated email sequences for welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and follow-ups.

Advertising

Paid advertising allows you to reach a larger audience and drive targeted traffic to your online store.

• Google Ads: Use Google Ads to display your products when users search for relevant keywords.
• Social Media Ads: Create targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
• Remarketing: Retarget users who have previously visited your site but didn’t make a purchase.

By incorporating these comprehensive promotion strategies, you’ll enhance your online business’s visibility, engage with your audience, and ultimately drive more sales. Tailor your approach to suit your business’s unique strengths and offerings, and continuously analyze and adjust your strategies for optimal results.

Wrapping Up

Selling online offers immense potential for individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital marketplace. By understanding the various avenues available and implementing effective strategies, you can successfully tap into the global ecommerce landscape.

FAQs