From Zero to Online Gnome Fashion Store: E-Commerce Basics for Beginners

Anyone thinking about opening an e-commerce store? It doesn't have to be gnome apparel or even gnome-themed home decor--that was a joke. A drop ship shop? It can be daunting if you let yourself think and ponder too much. It could get to be downright overwhelming and discouraging. You could easily talk yourself out of it. It's a good thing I have a problem with impulsivity and don't think things through much at all, right?! Otherwise, if I were like some friends I have that consider every decision for what feels like forever before deciding it's too risky anyway (you know who you are)--I probably wouldn't have opened Mama's Gnome Shop. I mean how many people would actually weigh the pros and cons of whimsical clothing, magical apparel, and enchanted home decor--and vote yes? Not many. As long as you have a basic plan, the drive, and the time, you'll be amazing. The drive and the time are up to you. But I can help you with the basic plan:

• Choose Your Platform
  • WooCommerce
    • WordPress integration
    • Flexible
  • BigCommerce
    • built-in features
    • high volume sales support
  • Printify (what I use, and I love it, mostly)
    • easy drag n drop tools
    • scalable
    • Tip: Printify is perfect for beginners and growing stores like Mama's Gnome Shop
• Register Your Store and Domain Name
  • Go to a domain registrar
    • Go Daddy, etc
  • Search and register unique store name
  • connect domain to store
  • Tip: keep the name short, memorable, and brandable
• Set Up Payment & Shipping Options
  • Paypal
  • Printify payments
  • Stripe etc
  • Tip: with Printify, this is just a step by step follow the leader type of deal. Super easy.
• Add and Optimize Products
  • Upload product images and details
  • optimize titles and descriptions for SEO:
    • use keywords
    • include product benefits
    • keep consice
  • Tip: with Printify, this is all included, some don't even require a step
  • Another tip: find a niche, something you're good at, everyone doesn't have it, focus on it
• Design Your Store and User Experience
  • choose a free theme or purchase premium
  • customize colors, fonts, and layout
  • ensure mobile responsiveness and ease of navigation
• Configure Taxes & Legal Pages
  • set up tax rates and calculations
  • create mandatory pages:
    • refund/return policy
    • privacy policy
    • terms of service
• Launch & Promote Your Store
  • final launch checklist:
    • test payments and shipping
      • use a sample for this
    • ensure mobile responsiveness
  • initial marketing ideas:
    • social media announcements
    • influencer partnerships (and tell your friends)
    • content marketing (blog posts like this one)

All in all, if a store is something you want to do, the drive and time we discussed are all you need! Especially with E-Commerce, because you don't have a supply to purchase before you start making anything--you could just sit back and wait if you wanted! There's no limit to what you can do if you follow the above steps. Are any of you going to open an E-Commerce site now? What'll be your niche? Drop it in the comments! I'd love to hear! Buy from me and I'll buy from you (like a real life F4F, am I right?!). Personally, I suggest a creative gnome collection of custom gnome merchandise. I kid. Then I'd have competition because I know you'll do great with your store!

Thanks for reading, y'all! Have a good rest of your day! Until next time...

Mama Gnome, A.K.A. Eliza