Build & Launch a Profitable Online Store 📦

Let’s get to work entrepreneurs!

NEW on SME SA: Running a Business in SA Can Be Tough, Equip Yourself with the Right Information

Don't understand how small businesses benefit from ESD in South Africa, or how business loans work? Access our long-form guides on the following entrepreneurship topics, and more!  

• Everything You Need To Know About Enterprise and Supplier Development In South Africa

• Requirements for Business Loans in South Africa in 2022

• Everything You Need to Know About Crowdfunding in South Africa

• A Guide to Government Funding in South Africa

 You Are Only 5 Steps Away from Your Online Store

1. Start by Deciding What Products to SellThere is virtually no limit to the kinds of products that can be sold online. Your e-commerce business can sell anything from clothing, beauty and décor items, to non-physical products such as digital products, lessons and experiences. Get ideas from Shopify’s trending products for 2022. 

Find the full list here >> HERE

2. Next ...  Set up Your Online Store You have three options for platforms to sell your product - out-the-box (DIY e-commerce websites), build from scratch or list your products in a marketplace. 

*** Find out the PROS and CONS of each option here >>  Online Stores – Should You Go For Out-The-Box, Build Or A Marketplace ***

DIY e-commerce websites are great for businesses that do not want the hassle of building an online store from scratch but still want the ability to manage their store. 

*** Compare some of South Africa’s best E-commerce website builders. Get info on pricing, features and how to choose the most suitable product for your small business ***

3. Decide on Your Payment Gateway To ensure smooth processing of payments choose a third-party company to handle the transaction of debit and credit card payments by customers. The most popular payment methods for online customers are card payments, instant EFTs and QR codes.  

4. Market your website using email marketing and social media Customers cannot buy from you if they are unaware that you exist. Don't forget to use email campaigns to share what products you think they would be interested in, upcoming sales or reminders for them to complete their shopping. 

*** Find the right Email Marketing platform for your business. Compare pricing and the top must-have features, including Mobile optimisation, List segmentation, and Transactional email functionality ***

5. Consider selling directly from social media and Whatsapp Don’t sleep on social commerce, did you know that over 50% of merchants, according to a Payfast Index, are selling their products directly on social media platforms? The most popular platforms for doing this are Facebook, Instagram and Tick Tock. 

Get Purchase Order Funding 

For a Free Quote for Business Funding, visit SME South Africa. 

For a Free Quote Visit SME South Africa