How to Sell a Product Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
In our digital world, today, owning a virtual shop for selling products online is almost as good as having just a physical one. People with physical shops should also own online stores, for marketing.
It is no secret that people are constantly on their mobile devices, and the utilization of online platforms for selling is effective, as products reach potential customers faster, and there is no physical constraint to the number of people who have access to your product at once.
By the end of this article, you will be fully equipped with everything you need to know on how to sell a product online.
Research and Preparation
1 – Researching online marketplaces
In a bid to cut down the task of finding an audience for your product promotion, and finding prospective customers, various online marketplaces have been set up.
These platforms put your product up for sale, reaching a wide range of customers at any point in time. It is important to understand how many people might need a product you sell, and may not have access to a physical store. This is why utilizing these marketplaces will only be of great aid.
Below are a few of these useful resources, and how to make use of them:
● Orah: Revolutionize your sales strategy with Orah. Orah is a valuable and beneficial platform, which combines a large distributor network across all the states in Nigeria with expert marketing, ensuring that your products reach their full potential. The sign-up process is easy and free, and you only pay a commission, initially agreed on, after your product has been sold. With Orah, you can focus on growing your business while the sales agents handle the rest. Sign up now, on https://orah.com.ng/
● Amazon: Amazon is one of the world’s largest online marketplace, offering a large variety of products, services, and digital content. You can sell your products as an individual seller or as a professional seller with an Amazon Seller account.
● eBay: eBay is another popular online marketplace where individuals and businesses can buy and sell new and used goods. You can create a seller account, list your products, and reach a vast customer base.
With platforms like these, you do not have to bother about reaching the right audience for your product. Simply sign up and put your products up, leaving the rest to them.
Setting Up Your Online Store
You can create a community of sellers and buyers around a shared interest or niche, who directly or indirectly promote the product(s) you sell. This community can feature events and content creation.
You should also consider launching a podcast, hosting and promoting your products.
Blogging platforms are highly advised. This should feature articles, guest posts and writer communities, around the product you sell, its value and relevance.
Product Listing and Optimization
In order to have a good product listing, it is essential to understand your product. You must clearly study the product you want to sell, including its features, benefits, and target audience. This way, you have a good knowledge of how to project it’s value to prospective customers.
You must learn to take high-quality product photos, showing your product from different angles, with good lighting and no distracting background. A good visual presentation will aid sales.
As a salesperson who understands their product, you should be able to write a compelling product description. The fact that you know your product’s features, benefits, and unique selling points, does not guarantee that people will be interested in it, unless you clearly state it to them, in a concise description.
Pricing is an important part of product sales. On online market platforms like Orah, you can set your desired price for your product, and it will be sold at just that price. This is why you should do research before setting a price.
Understanding your product and its benefits inevitably provides you with confidence to set a competitive price. Research similar products and set your price competitively, but moderately.
After pricing, you should add a trustworthy payment gateway. Integrate a secure payment option that will not leave customers questioning your integrity.
Make use of social media platforms to advertise and reach your target audience. There is also the option of email marketing.
It is no secret that providing excellent customer service is one of the keys to boosting sales. Customers will want to purchase from a customer friendly salesperson. You must respond to inquiries, be willing to offer support, and build trust with your customers.
There are tools online which help with tracking performance. Analyzing your sales overtime creates room for adjustment and improvement. Actively take notes, keeping track of how much your sales have improved. And if not, then it will serve as a reminder to step up.
Additionally, you should consider offering:
– Free shipping or discounts
– Product reviews and ratings
– Product demos or videos
– Loyalty programs or rewards
– Referral programs and discounts
This will encourage your customers to keep engaging with your product, as well as virtually reaching out to others.
Remember to stay up-to-date with e-commerce trends and best practices to continuously improve your online sales strategy. Make research and keep in touch with the latest selling strategies.
Optimize the use of scarcity and urgency tactics. Your customers should have an idea, that they may just be on the last batch of your product sale, and as such, they need to hurry.
Based on your knowledge of your product, you must also communicate to customers that they are being provided the highest quality from you. Of course, this should be backed up with proof.
Also make use of offers to further project the idea. These could include;
– Limited-time discounts
– Limited stock availability
– Countdown timers
– Exclusive offers
As a salesperson, you must learn to utilize upselling and cross-selling techniques such as offering complementary products or upgraded and better versions to increase your average order value. You could also offer upgrade options for customers with higher taste than others.
You must also follow up orders to ensure a seamless checkout process. Selling online will require minimal effort, so you should make sure every order counts. Make it easy and secure for customers to complete their purchases. You can employ the use of the following tactics:
– Creating simple and clear checkout forms post sale
– Secure payment gateway options, as discussed earlier
– Clear order summaries and confirmations
– Appreciating customers for purchasing
Conclusion
Make use of free online marketplaces like Orah, and others like Amazon and eBay, for selling your products. These platforms take away the stress and physical strain of setting up a shop, as well as reaching out to your desired audience.
Create an online presence, where customers get to meet a real version of their vendors, as well as have interaction with you.
It is important to find a community of similar minded people, who will aid in both promoting your product, and keeping you up to date.
Although it might seem daunting at first, it is highly encouraged that you start selling your product online with pride and confidence, and maintain a commendable customer service.
Remember that we live in a digital age, and putting your product online for sale might just be one of the best decisions you can make, as resources have been put in place to ensure a sales boost.