There’s no turning back. The world has settled into a new way of shopping. The future of eCommerce is set to explode in the coming years, with Statista projecting online sales to surpass $8 trillion by 2027.
Digital storefronts are quickly replacing physical shops, especially clothing. Consumers no longer have to visit a store. All they have to do is click, purchase and wait for delivery.
Whether you’re planning on selling vintage finds, designer wear or lingerie, here are five things you need to know about launching an online clothing store.
#1 Create Your Website
An online business website builder is the easiest way to get your business up and running. Instead of using a third-party platform, you have complete control over how you sell your products.
AI website builders have become a popular choice for fledgling eCommerce companies. It’s not just websites; some services offer a comprehensive suite of AI tools to help grow your business, says Hocoos.
Choose an AI website generator that produces custom logos with an AI logo generator, AI image completion tool and AI wizard. A bonus is a customer support team and free website hosting.
Your next step is to find a B2B SaaS (business-to-business Software-as-a-Service) partner. The Ascent notes that the right eCommerce software is important for your business to thrive. Features should include tools like inventory management, seamless payment gateway and data analytics.
From your end, ensure your website is user-friendly, SEO-friendly and has an accompanying blog to increase brand awareness.
#2 Marketing Your Online Store
Every brand has a story. The more riveting and relatable, the more people are receptive to it. Your job as a marketer is to tell a story. Weave a strong narrative and draw your customer in.
Use your blog as the platform for sharing your brand story. Take it further by creating video content on Instagram and TikTok.
As mentioned previously, SEO is a powerful digital marketing tool for website creation. If done right, your website will rank high in search engine results. Forbes Advisor suggests research tools such as Semrush and Ahrefs. You can also seek help from AI tools for content creation.
Other proven ways of marketing your online store are paid advertising and email marketing.
#3 Boosting Sales
Besides a good story, consumers are more entitled to purchase products from a business they deem trustworthy. Be honest and accurate when describing each clothing item on your website.
Your Call to Action (CTA) should be clear and concise. When going through the buying process, your customer needs to know the next step until they check out their product.
Take the time to respond to each online review. If the feedback is less than stellar, don’t take it personally. Instead, see it as a learning curve and endeavor to do better by improving on mistakes.
Incentivize loyal clients by gifting them with discount codes. This will encourage them to revisit your storefront and make another purchase.
#4 Always Stay Abreast of Trends
Lucky for you, being in the eCommerce space allows you to pivot if the going gets tough.
The online clothing market in Europe is experiencing a conscious paradigm as shoppers move towards a sustainable mindset. For the first time, fashion is the first product category to generate a lucrative turnover in the vintage market.
According to The Spin Off, fashion and lifestyle brands are urged to adopt an omnichannel approach.
Citing the results of a study by Netcomm and Veepee, the publication mentions significant trends affecting the eCommerce clothing market. In addition to sustainability, consumers are increasingly interested in a personalized relationship with brands.
#5 Know Your Enemy
In this case, it’s a matter of knowing who your competitors are and what they offer. Ask yourself, what are my competitors doing, and what can I do differently?
Keeping a close eye on the competition and what they’re up to is important in planning your next move. Include your plans in your marketing strategy, and stay one step ahead by once again staying abreast of trends.
Entrepreneur recommends building strong relationships with influencers and content creators. Those who have a larger reach can help you corner the market and could lead to potential business partnerships.
Nobody else knows your product better than you. If you’re confident in what you’re selling, your customer will tell.
Launching an online clothing store doesn’t come without hiccups. With perseverance and the belief you’ll succeed, nothing can stop you.
