Module Two
Launching Your Online Store – Focus on Ultimate Success
Now, since we have completed the technical setup of our online store, it is all set to launch. The moment you have been waiting for so long is here now. Are you ready and prepared?
Hold on! Before you start dominating the e-commerce market just as you launch your online store, there are some basic checklists that you need to cover. In the final chapter of this module, you are going to learn about:
- Basic pre-launch checklist
- Marketing strategy for the launch
- Analyzing initial performance post-launch
Basic Pre-launch Checklist
Before you launch, it is essential to check everything well. Remember how before the starting of a Formula 1 race, every aspect of the vehicle and the driver is checked? Are they both in their prime state? And more. Every detail is kept under consideration so that the launch is smooth and even during the whole race, there is no issue that both the vehicle and the driver have to face.
Keeping this analogy in consideration, think of your e-commerce store as well. Before launching it, you need to ensure that there is a minimum or no hurdle that your e-commerce store faces during the launch.
So, what are these checks? First, it is essential to make sure that your website works well on both computers and mobile devices. Any hindrance in working, irrespective of the platform, will lead to irritated customers. Thus, keep in consideration that you check that the website works well on devices.
Visit the platform just like a customer yourself. From the homepage to product selection, addition to the cart, and finally the checkout process. Make sure that you test the checkout process and ensure it is smooth and easy for customers.
So, before launching your product, conducting these checks and balances is essential so that your e-commerce store has smooth operation.
Marketing Strategies for the Launch
We all have seen it ourselves. Whenever a new movie is about to get launched, there are a lot of promotions. Isn’t it? You see celebrities visiting different places and promoting their movies. Why? Well, it is all part of marketing.
Marketing plays an important role in every aspect, especially when popularizing your product before the launch. The main intent here is to make people aware of your product or service. Hence, you should consider doing it before launching your ecommerce store.
But the question is how? What are some of the strategies you can follow? Well, let us understand them here.
Creating a Hype Before The Launch
It works for real. A few weeks before the launch, you should start talking about your store, products, or services on different platforms, especially social media. It helps people get to know your products. You can also share some sneak peeks of your products, behind-the-scenes looks, and some updates to make people excited, grab their attention, and develop their interest in your product.
Use Email Marketing
Today, email marketing holds unlimited potential when it comes to marketing. Remember how you received those unexpected emails and suddenly fell in love with the product, thinking that it was something that you always looked for?
You can get many such customers by utilizing email marketing. So, collect email addresses from potential customers and offer them a discount or a freebie.
Collaborating with Influencers
Today, in the age of reels and social media, the reach that an influencer has is much more than any other means. We all know how on platforms like Instagram and YouTube we see influencers with millions of followers and subscribers. So, utilize this to your advantage. Find influencers in your niche who can promote your product to their followers. Do not forget to offer them free products or commission on the sales they generate.
Run Paid Ads
Running paid ads helps. It does. Today, almost every individual uses the internet and social media platforms. So, why not use this to your advantage? Use Facebook, Instagram, or Google ads to reach a wider audience. In addition, target your ads more to the people who would likely be interested in your products or services.
Hosting a Launch Event
Now, during the launch day, consider hosting an online event to popularize your product and celebrate the launch. You can look forward to hosting an event like a live stream, where you will be celebrating the launch. Furthermore, to attract viewers, offer special discounts or giveaways during the event.
So, these are some of the pre-launch strategies that you can consider to ensure more and more people come to know about your product and services.
Analyzing Initial Performance
How will you get to understand the direction of your efforts? It is important to analyze the performance, especially in the initial stages.
For example, you are performing for an exam. After studying, everyone recommends giving mock tests and analyzing your performance. Why? It is because of the fact that it is going to help you understand the level of your preparation and then work on the areas you are weak in. Right?
In the same manner, analyzing the initial performance of your online store is crucial for success. Well, how can you do that? Follow the following mentioned steps and you will understand where you are heading.
Tracking Key Metrics: The first important step you should consider is to track the key metrics of the website. Using several tools like Google Analytics, you can understand how many people visit your online store and where they are coming from. In addition, make sure to monitor your sales, conversion rates, and the average order value.
Collecting Customer Feedback: How can you overlook customer feedback? You cannot. Especially in the initial stages, you need to ask your customers for their feedback on the experience they had with your online store and products. Utilizing this feedback, you should make the right improvements.
Identify Areas for Improvement: You need to look for patterns in the data and performance to analyze what is working well and what is not. As you learn and identify, you should make changes to your website, marketing strategy, and products as per these reviews. Post this, make changes, and plan the steps you will be taking ahead to optimize your online store for better performance.
Crucial Takeaways from this Chapter
- Before launching your online store, ensure a smooth operation by checking that the website works well on both computers and mobile devices, and by testing the checkout process.
- Create hype by promoting your online store on social media, sharing sneak peeks, and using email marketing to attract potential customers with discounts and freebies.
- Collaborate with influencers to reach a wider audience and run targeted paid ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
- Consider hosting an online launch event with special discounts or giveaways to attract viewers and celebrate the launch.
- After launching, track key metrics using tools like Google Analytics, collect customer feedback, and identify areas for improvement to optimize your store’s performance.