5 steps to launching a jewellery shop online
With the fashion and accessories industry rising more and more every year, opening an online jewellery shop can be a very profitable venture. Whether you are planning on selling fine jewellery or fashion-forward pieces, elegant pearl bracelets or edgy leather choker necklaces, there are a few steps you need to follow to help you get started on your online jewellery shop.
Know your niche
Before you embark on your new adventure, you need to make sure you are ready for it. Therefore, it is especially important to have a clear vision of who your target audience is and what are you going to be selling. This means finding a unique product (or products) which is not oversaturated in the market. If you were to sell the same products as thousands of other shops, it would be extremely hard for you to differentiate from the competition. Whether you choose to sell the latest mens pearl necklace designs, or opt for colourful birthstone earrings, the more specific you are when defining your niche, the more likely it is that your products will find a place in the market.
Define your brand
Who are you selling to? What is your voice, mission and vision? How do you want your customers to feel about your brand? Once you have the answers to those questions, start designing a brand identity that could connect with your audience on an emotional level. To start with, you will need a name and logo for your brand. You could do it yourself, or you could go on Fiverr and hire a freelancer to create the name and logo for your brand.
Make or source your products
Whether you are planning on sourcing your products or making your own jewellery, you need to be aware that both options come with advantages and disadvantages. Making your own products may be more time-consuming but it will bring you more profit, while buying your products wholesale requires a lot of research. The most important thing you need to consider is that you must find a reliable manufacturer. Always vet any supplier before you start doing any business with them and always start with a test order before you commit to a long-term deal.
Build your online store
Now that you have all the basics of your online business set, it’s time to build your shop. You can choose to create your own website, which will take more time, effort and money, or opt for selling your products on ecommerce platforms like Shopify or SquareSpace. In just a few hours, you can sign up for a free trial on Shopify and set up a functioning online store. Choose your favourite theme, add pics and let your products shine. Whatever your selling platform may be, don’t forget to include important details like payment methods or delivery and returns policy.
Market your business
After all this hard work, your brand deserves to be seen and you can’t do that without marketing. As your business is new, you need to start by creating visibility for your brand. Social media adds are a perfect way to start as they can help you target a very specific audience. You can also create a database for email marketing campaigns and start delivering your newsletters. When your business starts making profit, hire a freelance marketing professional to handle all the campaigns.