Pre-Launch Essentials
- Market Research
- Validate demand for your niche (Google Trends, competitor analysis)
- Identify target audience (demographics, pain points, buying habits)
- Business Setup
- Register business & obtain licenses
- Choose e-commerce legal structure (LLC recommended for liability protection)
- Branding
- Secure domain name & professional email (e.g., hello@yourstore.com)
- Design logo, color scheme, and brand voice (use Canva/99designs if needed)
Platform & Tech Setup
- Choose E-Commerce Platform
- Shopify (easiest for beginners)
- WooCommerce (WordPress, more customizable)
- BigCommerce (scalable for growth)
- Must-Have Tech Tools
- Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
- SSL certificate (for security; most platforms include this)
- Hosting provider (if using WooCommerce/Self-hosted)
- Optimize for Mobile
- Ensure mobile-responsive design (test on phones/tablets)
- Simplify checkout process (fewer clicks = higher conversions)
Product & Operations
- Product Setup
- High-quality photos + videos (multiple angles, lifestyle shots)
- SEO-optimized product descriptions (use keywords naturally)
- Clear pricing (include discounts/shipping costs upfront)
- Inventory & Fulfillment
- Decide on shipping strategy (dropshipping vs. holding inventory)
- Set up return/refund policy (display prominently)
- Integrate shipping carriers (USPS, FedEx, or fulfillment centers)
Marketing & Sales
- Pre-Launch Buzz
- Create social media accounts (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest for visual products)
- Build email list (offer lead magnet like 10% off first purchase)
- Post-Launch Strategies
- Run Google/Facebook ads (target lookalike audiences)
- Start SEO blog (answer customer questions to drive organic traffic)
- Offer first-order discounts or bundles
- Retention Tactics
- Email marketing (abandoned cart emails, loyalty programs)
- Customer reviews (request post-purchase with tools like Judge.me)
Legal & Security
- Policies
- Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy (GDPR/CCPA compliant)
- Shipping & Return Policy
- Fraud Prevention
- Enable 3D Secure checkout
- Use tools like Signifyd or NoFraud for high-risk products
Scaling Up
- Analytics
- Install Google Analytics & Facebook Pixel
- Track KPIs: Conversion rate, AOV, customer lifetime value
- Expansion
- Add new products based on best-sellers
- Explore Amazon/Walmart Marketplace or wholesale
Bonus: Free Tools to Use
- Canva: Product mockups & social media graphics
- Mailchimp: Free email marketing for beginners
- Ubersuggest: Keyword research for SEO