HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR OLINE STORE: STEP-BY-STEP AND MYTHS UNVEILED

Starting an online store may seem like a quick and easy path for those looking to become entrepreneurs, but it takes much more than just creating a website and waiting for sales to happen. The success of e-commerce depends on strategic planning, market understanding, and differentiation. Let’s explore the essential steps to launch your online store and, in the process, debunk some myths that many people still believe about the digital world.

Common Myths About E-commerce

Before you begin planning your online store, it’s important to understand a few misconceptions about the world of e-commerce.

1st Myth: "It’s cheaper than a physical store."

The truth is that the cost of setting up an e-commerce business can vary significantly. Some physical stores started with small investments and now have a robust structure, while other e-commerce businesses started with R$30,000 and didn’t succeed. What really matters is how you structure your business in the digital world. Planning and differentiation make all the difference.

2nd Myth: "Just launch the website, and sales will happen."

Launching a website without attracting customers is like opening a store in a bad location and expecting people to walk in on their own. The reality is that you will need marketing strategies to attract the right audience and increase sales. Consistency and coherence in communicating with your ideal audience are essential to ensuring good results.

3rd Myth: "E-commerce is saturated."

Yes, there is a lot of competition, with more than 1.9 million online stores in Brazil in 2024. However, this does not mean the market is saturated. If you are not willing to create a unique and authentic business, perhaps digital entrepreneurship is not for you. With a solid strategy, it’s possible to stand out, even in a competitive market.

Now that these myths have been debunked, let’s move on to the essential steps for successfully launching your online store.

5 Crucial Steps to Create Your Online Store

1. Open Your Business Registration

The first step to creating a secure and professional e-commerce business is to open a CNPJ (business registration). This may seem like a simple step, but it is crucial for several reasons:

- Security: Having a Business Registration builds trust with your customers.

- Ease of purchase: Consumers feel safer buying from registered businesses.

- Professionalism: An e-commerce store with a Business Registration conveys an image of seriousness and organization.

2. Choose Your E-commerce Platform

The platform you choose will be the heart of your online store. When selecting a platform, consider the following criteria:

- Adaptability: The platform should align with your business model and be easy to use.

- Costs: Compare prices and see what fits your budget.

-Practicality: Look for platforms with simple layouts and practical features.

- Design: Some platforms offer customizable layouts that can help highlight your brand.

Tip: Invest in a platform that already helps with site structure and homepage design, so you don’t have to worry about these details right away.

3. Define and Organize Your Products

Now it’s time to put your products online, but before doing that, follow these steps:

- Categorize your products: Organize everything into clear categories to make it easier for customers to navigate.

- Photography: High-quality images are essential. Pay attention to lighting and details. The photos should be consistent, with the same color and varying sizes to give a clear view of the product.

- Text and SEO: Write titles and descriptions optimized for SEO, including relevant keywords for your audience.

- Pricing: Set fair and competitive prices for your products.

4. Offer First Purchase Promotions

Attract your first customers by offering irresistible promotions:

- Free shipping: A major incentive that can make a difference in a customer’s purchase decision.

- 10% discount: Encourages first-time orders and builds loyalty.

- Free gifts: Offering something extra can be a great differentiator.

- Discounts by value: Provide advantages for larger purchases, like “free shipping over R$150” or “discount on orders above R$200.”

5. Start Promoting Your Store

Once your store is live, it’s time to promote it and reach your audience. Here are some tips:

- Define your promotion channels: Social media, Google Ads, influencer marketing, and more.

- Communicate clearly and personally: Create a language that connects with your target audience.

- Launch your store with an event: A virtual launch event can drive traffic and engagement.

- Use both paid and organic traffic: Combine paid strategies with free actions, such as blog posts and partnerships.

Conclusion: E-commerce Success Comes from Planning and Strategy. On my YouTube channel, Sou um Sucesso, you can find all the structure for how to build a strategic plan in practice.

Starting an online store is not a simple task, but with the right planning, you can build a successful digital business. Debunking myths and understanding the steps involved is crucial to avoid common mistakes and ensure your store performs well from the start.

Ready to take the first step? Start planning now, and soon your online store will be a success! If you need help structuring your e-commerce, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Kelly Galvão

Commercial Management Specialist - FGV