In this issue:
Article Menu
<< Hide

Launching your online store gets easier

 
 
Need to start an online store and have no idea how to go about it? You don’t need to hire engineers to do that - there are plenty of low-cost and stress-free solutions out there.
 

The traditional way of doing business is quickly being replaced by transactions on the internet. For example, the demise of the compact disc and record shops over the past decade is due to websites taking over large portions of the trade and apps selling tracks.

While launching an eCommerce site seems complicated and involves designers, engineers and IT professionals, the workload is made lighter if you use an eCommerce solution that integrates many of the components required to start an online store. This means you do not need separate service providers for every step, such as web hosting, website template, and payment gateway.

 
Inclusive eCommerce solutions

Instead of creating your site in a fragmentary way, consider using Singtel’s Shopify. This gives you a choice of more than 100 template themes, plus designs handpicked for their usability and adaptability on mobile devices. Your eCommerce site gives you these benefits while letting you be boss of the Content Management System (CMS). You can also introduce third-party apps to it.

Plus you’ll relish the reliability of superfast servers, your own domain name on myshopify.com and the social network integration that lets you tap avenues such as Facebook. Learn about different packages available on Shopify.

For complete control over the look, content and functionality of your online store, choose eShop Builder, which offers features such as feedback, calendar, mailing list, to engage your customers, and displays real-time foreign exchange rates.

 
Aspects to note

Pick an interface template that suits your service or product, and your brand’s look and feel. Check if it is customisable and scalable. You may need this flexibility in the long term.

Ensure that the interface and software can be optimised for mobile devices. More and more Asians use mobile devices to log on to the internet, so think beyond the traditional desktop.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is crucial in getting online shoppers to your store. Improve the search engine ranking of your pages with a good product description on each page rich in keywords. Think of these keywords when writing page titles, subheadings and image titles. Most eCommerce solutions are SEO-friendly. Compare payment gateways to find a cost-effective one that suits you best.