In the recent days there has been a drastic increase the number of online business in Kenya. This is evident with the increase in number of websites, blog sites, and social media platforms which are being used by different businesses for advertising and selling of products. It has significantly reduced the hustle of shopping physically locally and oversees. The pre-ordering of products especially electronics and cars has been the on the rise thanks to online business. Setting up an online business may seem easy compared to setting out retail stores, but it also has its own challenges especially here in Kenya.
Most people are used to the physically interacting with the product prior to purchase. There is lack of elaborate online business regulatory laws, consumer rights and ignorance of the already existing laws on the same. There is also distrust in most customers regarding the online security of personal credit card data. The technological infrastructure at times cannot support the business model. Product quality is not guaranteed.
In terms of its benefits, gaining online customers through the search engine optimization(SEO), location and comparison of different products is made easier, it is cheaper to run the business since the operational costs are low, always available since it can be accessed 24/7 on the web from any geographical location. The website now is all that matters since it’s your virtual retail store therefore the following have to be in place to easily attract and maintain your customers. Have an easy domain name, an eye catchy logo, all your contacts especially email address. The email is very important since it brings about the concept of email marketing. It being one of the most efficient marketing strategy since it brings the products closer to the customers’ inbox. Make sure that that there is ease in navigation through the webpages, and well-documented content. When all this is in place, the following are some of the tips that will enable you run the startup efficiently.
1.Launch the product.
It is at times confusing to either start by getting the audience for your site or launching the product first as you wait for your customers to subscribe. There are numerous internet search engines which increase the businesses' visibility, therefore the earlier you do it, chances of addressing a wider market variety is high. It also allows one a grace period of working on their next products especially for startups, and improving the managerial skills where there seems to be hitches. If by any chance the first attempt fails go back to the drawing board and work out a solution and make a comeback. Consistency in your work is what wins the heart of some consumers, it encourages them to try out your product and if it works out for them, they won’t hesitate to share it out to their friends and colleagues.
2.Get your priorities right.
It is not an easy job building a successful business, it might be easier to be an employee rather than being your own boss. Some entrepreneurs perceive it as a way of getting rich easily. I beg to differ on this because there are so many behind the scenes undertakings that are so tough that are never talked about, and one has to engage in to bring about the desired success. I cannot also deny the fact that it brings wealth through the profits earned, but if the profits are not ploughed back and not well invested you will experience financial strains which lead to bankruptcy. Always have a plan of what you want to do, how you want it done, the already predicted challenges that you may encounter, and their possible solutions. Do not be overwhelmed by the fantasies of the overnight success, it never comes easy must be worked hard for. Stay focused on customer satisfactions and product placement and let the other goodies come if they may.
3.Pick up a line you are passionate about.
There are businesses whose support team main aim is to identify which venture makes a lot of money and can sell out to reach certain targets within the shortest period possible. Am not against it because that’s one of the top objective of an operating business. Sometimes you can face challenges in due running of the business, and it may become impossible, to work out solutions to situations that you don't care much about. It is obvious you will delegate the task to someone else who may come up with a rush decision. This will eventually lead the business to pitfalls which shorten its’ lifespan. The passion within you is what brings about the creativity flow, the influence to your audience, and also home-made solutions to the frequently uprising business challenges. You should also not pursue your passion dumbly. Have a deep understanding of the venture, to enable you offer complete customer satisfaction. Always be keen on the content you post on your blogs and website, because once it’s online, and you do not have much control over it, any slight mistake may result to a huge lose.
4.Customer reviews.
It is one area that if neglected can be catastrophic to the existence of your business. Physical Interaction with your customers to get to know their thoughts and builds on your product is rare. Reading their comments and their ratings on your product helps you understand the aspects of your product that your audience love most. Majorly dwell on the negatives of your product. This enables you to know what makes them shy away from trying your products. Invest much to improve the grey areas of the product, to ensure it serves well your customers specific needs. You don’t have to be excited about the positive feedback you get from your customers and relax thinking you already have an established customer base. This should be an indication that there are already potential customers who are appreciating your progress, all you need to do is work hard to win their trust, to make them your product customers if not your product fans.
5.Be unique.
There are various ways in which you can be original and set your own standard in the business. It can be through your web portal, delivery service, discount awards and also the product itself. It’s all about how different you are from the rest because customers have a variety of options to choose from. Do not copy a business idea then replicate, you don’t need to be an inferior version of someone else. You can copy the idea but find a way of making it different and effective from the original one. It maybe through the delivery service, which can be made free. Packaging, which can be made reusable, edible, or have content that promotes morality in this permissive society. Discount awards to customers who buy in bulk and also those who shop frequently through the portal.
Content references: www.entrepereneur.com
www.fizzle.com
Contact email: wawerukamotho97@yahoo.com
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