The eCommerce clothing segment is expected to reach a worldwide revenue of $441B in 2021, according to The Fashion and Apparel Industry Report by Shopify
The fashion industry has become less exclusive making it easier for solopreneurs to enter this blossoming segment.
To help you start your online boutique, the following step-by-step guide.
Identify your niche
Here are some other niches that you can consider for your online boutique:
Kids clothing
Women’s hats
Custom rings
Men’s bags
Handmade scarves
Plus-size bathing suits
2. Decide on a name and domain
Good names are original and short. Consider your target audience and their passions when choosing your business name for your boutique.
3. Write a business plan
Online businesses need business plans too. Even if you do not plan to apply for funding, a business plan is a useful tool that can help you to stay on course.
In your business plan, you will cover aspects like:
Market research
Your business model
Estimated costs and revenue
Marketing strategy
4. Select an e-commerce platform
The top platforms are :
Wix
Woo Commerce
Shopify
Big Commerce
Magento
Squareonline
Squarespace
5. Create your brand identity
Your business name, selection of products, target audience and style of your website will all help to shape your brand.
6. Source supplies
When it comes to finding suppliers, you need to consider your budget, the quality of the products and the reputation of the supplier. It is a good idea first to screen possible suppliers by requesting a few samples.
7. Build your website
The following are important elements on your website that need special attention:
Photos and descriptions of your products
A checkout policy
Contact details
8. Work out your shipping
Here are a few things to consider when sorting out your shipping:
Will you offer international shipping?
Will you charge by weight?
Will you offer your customers different time slots?
Will you offer premium shipping at a more expensive rate?
Will you perhaps offer free shipping for purchases that exceed a certain amount?
9. Market your online boutique
Here are some channels and ideas to explore:
Social media
Email marketing
Brand ambassadors
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