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Start Selling Online Today 💳
Did you know that one of our most popular articles is ‘How Takealot Became SA’s Best Online Retailer’? Takealot is considered SA's top online store so it's not surprising that entrepreneurs are looking to learn from one of the best as they take advantage of the online trend and build their online stores. In keeping with the ecommerce theme here is what we have for you this week: - The best and most popular ways to set up an online store.- The pros and cons of Black Friday for small businesses**** PLUS ***** WHAT'S NEXT ENTREPRENEUR? - Introducing the launch of our COVID-19 Campaign which will run for the next 4 weeks to prep you for the new year with ALL the info and tools you need. Look out every week for Funding + Business Opportunities Guides, an ebook and other resources to help you plan for WHAT'S NEXT!
Stay safe and healthy.
Quote of the week
“We use WhatsApp as a marketing tool. We run marketing campaigns either directly to each customer/contact, groups or through updating our WhatsApp Status. This enables us to reach a wider audience at low costs.” – Tshiwela Ncube
Ecommerce 101 - If You Are Not Already Selling Online. It's Time to Start
Are you just learning about selling online or are you ready to leap with your online store? Here are articles to inspire you wherever you are.
1. If you want to learn the strategies behind takealot's success - How Takealot Became SA’s Best Online Retailer
2. If you are considering different options for selling online - Online Stores – Should You Go For Out-the-Box, Build or a Marketplace
3. If you want inspiration from entrepreneurs already doing it - Online Marketplace Delivers Uniquely African Products
4. If you want to mix online and offline selling - How E-Commerce Brands Can Make Use of Pop-Up Stores
5. If you want to sell online but don't want an e-commerce site - Find out the Invaluable e-commerce lessons this Fashion Accelerator Teaches its Entrepreneurs
6. (The following content is sponsored by DPO Store)If you are looking for an easy, cost-effective solution - New Ecommerce-in-a-Box Offering – DPO Store – Set to Transform SME Landscape South African businesses can now get an e-commerce-ready website, including a full payment suite, integrated delivery service and free hosting for just R349 per month. Read more in this article here.
PLAN YOUR BUSINESS NEXT MOVE!
Ready to make a move but don't know where to start or how the business landscape has changed? We have you covered with our Thought Leadership 'Business Unusual' Series. Get expert insights to help you plan for 2021. FEATURING: - Musa Kalenga, Bridge Labs - Turning Opportunities and Threats. Advice for entrepreneurs to identify gaps in the market, and determine solutions and opportunities which can be leveraged and converted into sustainable businesses. - Tebogo Selebi, TMMBS - The New Rules of Selling. New and innovative ways entrepreneurs can communicate their offerings. - Tshiwela Ncube, Vuuqa - Investing in Technology. How Vuuqa is using digital technology and connectivity to compete and come ahead. - Luyanda Jafta, The People's Fund - Funding a business in a Post-COVID-19 economy. What you need to know about how COVID-19 has changed the funding landscape.
Pros and Cons of Black Friday for Small Businesses
Unsure about whether you should give into the Black Friday hype as a small business? Here are the pros and cons to consider. Pros
There’s a high level of awareness and interest among those treating themselves or shopping for Christmas gifts.
It’s a great opportunity to sell old inventory that you would need to mark down or dispose of, anyway.
You can generate a lot of footfall into your shop or traffic for your website with the right offer.
Cons
Might discourage customers from spending money in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Customers are price-sensitive on Black Friday, and you could find yourself needing to discount aggressively to close sales.
You need to be sure that you can serve the customers you attract.