With the rise of the digital age, online shops are sprouting here and there. If you're planning to join the bandwagon, always remember that while being an entrepreneur could be liberating and empowering, it also calls for commitment. Our GIRLtalkers who have been in the online biz for quite some time share some tips for aspiring femtrepreneurs like you.
1. Manage your finances well.
Ang style pala namin, hindi muna kami kumukuha ng tubo 'dun sa pinagbentahan. pinapaikot muna namin lahat para mabilis lumaki and mas marami maging choices ng products.
2. Invest in building your own shopping website to make your customers' lives easier.
I still think that when you are really serious on selling online, you should have your own website. We're doing if for more than three years already. Everything is automated with OpenCart. Once there is an order, there will be an email notification. Billing statements and payment instructions are automatically sent to the buyer. The stocks/inventory are also automatic. You can even see on the admin panel which stocks need to be re-ordered. It will save you a lot of time, time which you can use on marketing and other tasks to grow your business.
3. Create a social media page for your business, and use it well.
Tips on your FB Page, make sure to write everything (include your product keywords) in your About page. Usually Google searches and indexes only your About page. Your specific product post can't be easily seen by Google.
I don't recommend na magbayad para magkaroon ng random likers sa IG (Instagram) man o sa Facebook. Ok 'yung paid ad sa Facebook dahil targeted ang audience (location, age, gender, etc). Pag may nag-like sa page mo, it means interested talaga sila. Kahit 20k likes pa ang page mo, pero binayaran lang naman yung mga nag-like 'nun, 'di ka rin makakabenta.
4. Start small.
Kakasimula ko lang din ng online shop ko. Last October or November yata. I started sa TJ Cookie Butter spread, hanggang sa naging chocolates then spreads. Ngayon medyo okay naman ang sales. Puyat nga lang kasi nightshift ako. Yung FB page ko nakaka 310 likes palang, mostly kasi mga friends ko lang ang clients ko. As of now, enjoy pa ko, madami din kasi nag o-offer sakin ng patinda, minsan kahit tahong at leche flan pinapatinda sakin.
5. Expect to encounter different kinds of people, even the difficult ones.
Matagal na din ako online seller. 10 years na siguro or more. Madami ka makikitang ugali ng tao. May makulit, bogus, etc. pero meron din naman madaling kausap.
6. It's still hard work.
Nakakapagod din kasi kami lahat: mula sa pag-source, QC, take ng photos, uploading, etc... Minsan fun minsan hindi. LOL! Tyagaan nga lang talaga lalo kapag nagsisimula pa lang tsaka kailangan ng mahabang pasensya talaga. Hehe... Pero okay na din as additional income; kung ifu-full time ko ewan ko lang kung worth it. I still do freelance online work kasi mas kumikita ako 'dun.
Are you ready to be your own boss? Share your thoughts by joining the thread!
(Photo from Career Realism courtesy of Sean Harren via Pinterest)
