The internet has opened up all sorts of opportunities for buying and selling goods and services and most of us now shop online. From selling unwanted goods on online auction sites to setting up a complete online business selling Mountfield Mower Spares like those you can find at https://www.diyspareparts.com/parts/mountfield/fits/mountfield-sp460r-petrol-lawnmower/ or perhaps setting up your own craft business , the internet is positively alive with entrepreneurs.

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Standing out from the crowd

According to statistics quoted by Startups, Companies House registered 581,173 new businesses during 2014, over 54,000 more than the previous year – and almost 100,000 more than in 2012.

With so much competition it’s important to get your products in front of the right people. Successful businesses attract keen and motivated buyers with both the will and the means to make a purchase.

Select the best ecommerce platform

The last thing any business wants is to make the checkout process uncomfortable, frustrating or worrying for customers, which is why choosing the right ecommerce solution is so important. Some sites, such as Etsy and Ebay, for example, allow businesses to operate under their umbrella using a central ecommerce solution, but this is not always the most suitable option for the new business owner.

Some web designers will install off-the-peg ecommerce solutions for their clients. For example, agencies who specialise in website design may favour the use of WordPress for many of their small business customers. This allows them to create an efficient site and shop for minimum cost and maximum impact. And perhaps most importantly for the business on a tight budget, these platforms can be updated by the business owner, reducing costs even further.

Other ecommerce platforms include Shopify, Bigcommerce and Magento. Some of them, such as WooCommerce, offer a huge range of add-ons, so that you can build in new features as your business grows and expands. Fees are low, and the clear pricing means you can operate stringent budget controls.

Keep dropout rates low

EConsultancy has looked into the reasons for people abandoning their shopping carts during the checkout process and its finding should be required reading for anyone with an ecommerce site.

The main reasons are delivery charges added at the final stage or being forced to create an account. So make sure you include clear and transparent details regarding additional costs, and always keep form-filling to a minimum.