Whether you own a traditional brick-and-mortar business, or you have an idea for a new business venture, now is the time to consider launching an eCommerce presence.
According to the 2024 WorldPay Global Payments Report, there is no better time to be selling online than now. In 2023, 14.4% of all purchases made around the world occurred through eCommerce. Even more importantly, that number is forecasted to grow by 8% throughout Europe in the years ahead.
So, if you haven’t set up an eCommerce presence for your business, what’s stopping you?
For many, it’s the fear of entering unknown territory that requires significant expertise in online technology, marketing, and payment processing. But that’s no longer the case.
In recent years, starting an eCommerce business has become turnkey, with proven technology platforms operated by third-party experts that can get your eCommerce business up and running in just a few days. All it takes is a few simple steps to get started.
Step 1: Pick Your Platform
Creating your eCommerce presence is now easier than ever, with ready-made platforms that you can customize for your business – no IT knowledge required. When choosing a platform, look for one that:
- Aligns with your business priorities and needs
- Offers user-friendly interfaces
- Makes it easy to integrate payment systems
- Provides set up and long-term support
- Tracks customer and sales data
- Grows with you as your business grows
Step 2: Prioritize Payments
No matter how much customers like your product or service, they will leave your eCommerce site if they have trouble at checkout. To ensure you complete every online sale and keep your customers coming back for more, make sure you choose a reliable payment gateway that:
- Processes payments seamlessly from start to finish
- Accepts all the latest payment methods, including digital wallets
- Gives you the flexibility to create payment options like buy now pay later
- Remembers returning customers’ payment data and preferences
Step 3: Ensure Security
Everyday, hackers attack businesses of all sizes to steal their customers’ payment information and personal data. So, it’s critical that you choose a payments platform that uses state-of-the-art security to protect your business and your customers. Your eCommerce security solution should:
- Protect all payment types across all purchase channels
- Safeguard every part of the transaction process
- Minimize fraud rates
- Significantly reduce risk
- Cover all value-added programs like recurring billing and back-office tools
- Grow with your business, no matter how complex the security requirements become
Step 4: Promote Your eCommerce Business
Once you’re up and running, promote your eCommerce business! No longer limited to expensive television and radio advertising, there are now a multitude of cost-effective marketing options online, including:
- Social media ads
- Email marketing
- Blogs
- Podcasts
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
Most importantly, be sure to work with an eCommerce platform provider who can support you every step of the way. Unlike other platforms that are purely self-service or offer only automated AI or Chat support, Worldpay has expertise in every aspect of eCommerce, and we’re ready to answer your questions.
Worldpay can help your business find the right eCommerce fit, and our product, engineering, operations, marketing, and IT integration experts can assist you throughout your eCommerce journey. Click here to learn more, or reach us via 0808 208 5152 to learn how we can support your business.
Don’t forget you can receive £100 e-gift voucher, when you sign up with Worldpay!
