FAQs on eCommerce website design, website management, online store design, web development, website creation, website maintenance, website optimization.
Do you upload my categories and product's?
We upload all your Categories and upload your first 30 products with descriptions and images. We show you on your computer screen by an remote interface. We supply an example spreadsheet that you need to complete with your product information so that we can upload your products to the shopping cart.
How do I know if an order has been placed on my store?
You will receive an email from your website and an email from the payment gateway to confirm an successful order.
Do I own my e-commerce website property?
We register your domain in your name, you own the domain and the website property and may host your website with another hosting company, terms and conditions apply.Our Terms and conditions apply.
How do the shopping cart calculate delivery/shipping costs?
The flat rate shipping calculator is part of the default setting. For more advanced shipping, we can also set up a custom delivery database (at an additional cost) for different geographical areas via postal codes. The shipping calculator automatically lists the delivery charge when the client checks out the products. Integration with the courier company makes it possible to get a
real-time shipping price from their database and a tracking number.
Do I get free eCommerce hosting?
In most cases we offer free hosting for the first year, 2nd year hosting, domain renewal is not free and needs to be renewed after the first 12 month free hosting.
Are you struggling to maintain your online store's website and keep it up to date?
Maybe you're finding it difficult to find the time or resources to handle website maintenance tasks, such as updating product information, fixing broken links, or optimising for search engines. Or maybe you lack the technical expertise required to perform these tasks effectively.
Our managed hosting and website maintenance service can help you keep your online store's website up to date and running smoothly. Our team of experts will handle all website maintenance tasks for you, including updates, backups, security checks, and more. We'll also work with you to ensure that your website is optimised for search engines and that your product information is accurate and up-to-date.
By using our website maintenance service, you can free up time to focus on other aspects of your business, such as product development, marketing, and customer service. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your website is in good hands and that your customers are having a positive experience.
Contact us today to learn more about our website maintenance services and how we can help your online store succeed.
Do I pay a monthly fee?
We normally don't charge monthly fees in the first year. The only fee you pay after the 12 month fee for hosting for the first year would be for the 2nd year of hosting, depending on how many products you have. Our services include fully managed websites, updates, security, and support.
How many email can I have?
We supply 5x domain emails.
What is your turn around time to complete my store?
We normally complete the website within 5 - 7 working days for a standard eCommerce shop, after receiving the product spreadsheet, all product images, Privacy Policy, Terms & Condition, Delivery Policy, payment gateway registration ID’s or manual bank processing and other images like your logo or images for the slideshow or banners.
Google Play and iOS Apple Store app development?
We do Android, iOS APP eCommerce Development and include the following app developments:
Personal custom icon launcher.
Personal custom designed splash screen.
Send Push Notifications via App.
App Submission.
Push Notifications.
We post your app to the Google Play & iOS store.
eCommerce site builder vs self owned domain eCommerce store.
When it comes down to SEO, then a self-owned and developed eCommerce store performs better. Also consider that some site builders will charge a monthly fee and you need to host with the company. With a site builder, you are bound to the company's hosting and, in most cases, you do not own the source code. Your website is also part of a shared server environment and may share the same main domain name.
An eCommerce site builder is a platform that gives users ready-made templates, design tools, and other features to help them set up an online store without needing technical knowledge.Examples of eCommerce site builders include Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and others. These platforms typically offer a range of plans and pricing options, with varying levels of customization, integrations, and support.
On the other hand, a self-owned domain eCommerce store is a website that you build and manage entirely on your own, using your own domain name and web hosting. This option requires more technical skills and knowledge, as you will need to build your own website using tools like WordPress, Magento, WooCommerce, or other web development platforms. With an eCommerce store on a domain you own, you have full control over how it looks, what it has, and how it works.
Ultimately, the choice between an eCommerce site builder and a self-owned domain eCommerce store will depend on your budget, technical skills, and business needs. If you are looking for an easy-to-use platform with pre-built templates and design tools, an eCommerce site builder may be the best option for you. But if you need more customization, control, and scalability, an eCommerce store with your own domain may be a better choice.
What are the advantages of your own e commerce store?
One of the major benefits of owning your own eCommerce store is the ability to expand your business globally while marketing and advertising your products at a lower cost than traditional media. Utilizing organic search engine traffic, social media, and cost-effective pay-per-click advertising are effective marketing strategies to attract customers to your online store.
Shopping online is faster and easier than visiting a physical store. Vendors can manage and update product prices easily in the shopping cart, which streamlines the sales process and improves the customer experience.
Automation is another significant advantage of owning your own eCommerce store. With features such as check-out, billing, inventory management, and payment gateway payments, you can reduce operational costs and require fewer employees to run your eCommerce business.
When you own your own eCommerce store, you have the freedom to add more products and customers as your business grows. Also, automating check-out and billing can help cut down on mistakes and save time, which can make customers happier and keep them coming back.
Overall, owning your own eCommerce store is a powerful tool that can help expand your business, streamline operations, and improve the customer experience. It is cost-effective, time-saving, and provides numerous benefits for both vendors and customers.
What is the expected growth of online shopping in South Africa?
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 12.54%, resulting in a projected market volume from R50 Billion in 2022
Can I photograph my product images myself for minimize costs? Or is it advisable to get them professionally done?
When you are using your camera, it is important to remember that the images you take should not have a neutral background and ideally will be in the landscape format. The raw images should be re-worked in Photoshop not to have any backgrounds. We can suggest some freemum tools to achieve the same result.
The idea is to have consistency a free program like Canva can take out your background, Photoshop images and crop them to be square images.
I really like the websites you've designed with products all visible on 1st page and one doesn’t have to play hide and seek to find them!
There is a feature available where you can designate certain products as "on special" and have them displayed in a slide accordion format on the front or landing page. We have configured this feature and can provide training on how to manage the featured products that appear on the landing page.
What is an eCommerce store rebuild?
A store website rebuild, also known as
eCommerce website redesign, is a crucial process that aims to enhance the usability, functionality, and overall appearance of an online store. This process can be necessary for many reasons, such as slow loading speed or outdated design. Generally, an eCommerce website rebuild is done to optimize the user experience, improve search engine rankings, and boost sales. With the help of a professional team, an eCommerce store rebuild can yield significant benefits for your business.
What are the key features of rebuilding your store?
When it comes to a
eCommerce store rebuild, there are certain key features that can have a significant impact on the success of your online business. These features include optimising website speed, improving website design, enhancing the user experience, and increasing search engine visibility. An eCommerce store rebuild can also involve updating product information, improving checkout processes, and implementing effective security measures. By investing in an eCommerce store rebuild, you can ensure that your online store stays competitive and provides a seamless shopping experience to your customers. With the help of experienced professionals, your eCommerce store rebuild can yield higher conversions and, ultimately, increase your bottom line.
What is an eCommerce Marketplace
An eCommerce marketplace is a place where multiple sellers can meet customers online and sell their goods or services. It connects buyers and sellers seamlessly and enables them to transact online. Some well-known eCommerce marketplaces include Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba. However, there are also several eCommerce marketplaces in South Africa, such as Takealot, Zando, and bidorbuy.
These platforms offer a diverse range of products and services and charge a commission fee from vendors for each transaction processed through their website. By leveraging an eCommerce marketplace, vendors in South Africa can expand their customer base and benefit from the established reputation and marketing efforts of the platform. Overall, eCommerce marketplaces provide a convenient, profitable, and reputable channel for both buyers and sellers in South Africa and beyond.
What is an online booking system?
An
online booking system is a software tool that allows customers to make appointments, reservations, or bookings for services online. It's an easy and efficient way for businesses to keep track of their bookings and for customers to set up their own appointments whenever it's best for them.Online booking systems typically include features such as automated reminders, scheduling, and payment processing. They are used by a wide range of industries, such as hotels, restaurants, healthcare providers, and salons.
In South Africa, there are several popular online booking websites, such as Booking.com, Travelstart, and Computicket. These websites enable customers to book flights, accommodations, and events online, providing a hassle-free and convenient booking experience. By leveraging an online booking system, businesses in South Africa can streamline their operations, reduce no-shows, and increase revenue. As more and more customers turn to online and mobile booking, having an effective online booking system has become crucial for businesses in the modern digital landscape.
What is an online dropshipping business
An
online dropshipping business is a business model where the retailer does not keep products in stock but instead, transfers customer orders and shipment details to the manufacturer, supplier, or third-party supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer. The retailer makes a profit from the difference between the wholesale price and the retail price. With an online dropshipping business, entrepreneurs can start an e-commerce business with low start-up costs and minimal inventory management. They can sell a wide range of products without investing in inventory or managing fulfilment processes.
Popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce offer plugins and integrations that make it easy to start a dropshipping business. In South Africa, there are several online dropshipping businesses such as Spree, Takealot, and Zando. By leveraging an online dropshipping business model, entrepreneurs can start an e-commerce business quickly and easily, without the need for significant upfront investment. With the right strategy and execution, an online dropshipping business can be a profitable venture.
What is a multi vendor ecommerce website
A multi-vendor eCommerce website is a platform that lets multiple vendors sell their products or services to customers through a single website. It lets vendors handle their products, orders, and shipments on their own, while the owner of the platform handles the infrastructure, payment processing, shipping, and customer service. Multi-vendor eCommerce websites are popular in industries such as fashion, electronics, and home goods. They offer a diverse range of products and services, creating a one-stop shop for customers. Some well-known multi-vendor eCommerce websites include Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.
In South Africa, there are also several popular multi-vendor eCommerce websites such as Takealot, Zando, and bidorbuy. These platforms enable vendors to reach a wider customer base and benefit from the established reputation and marketing efforts of the platform. Customers, in turn, benefit from a wide range of products, competitive pricing, and a seamless shopping experience. By leveraging a multi-vendor eCommerce website, businesses can expand their reach and increase their revenue, while customers can enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience with a vast selection of products.
What do I need to start an online store?
To start an online store, you will need a domain name, web hosting, an e-commerce platform, a payment gateway, a supplier for your products, and a marketing strategy. You may also need to obtain any necessary agreements from your supplier about selling and marketing their products.
Do I need technical skills to start an online store?
While it is helpful to have technical skills such as web development and design, it is not necessarily required as we supply the training to manage the store and host, support, and maintain the website so that you can focus on processing orders and the administration of product prices and stock.
How do I choose what products to sell in my online computer store?
You can research what computer products are in high demand, what products have a high profit margin, and what products have low competition. You can also consider specialising in a particular niche, such as gaming computers, Apple products, or business-oriented systems.
How to handle the shipping (delivery) and logistics aspects of your online business?
If you're planning to set up an online store in South Africa, you might be wondering how to handle the shipping (delivery) and logistics aspects of your business. One option is to partner with a
third-party logistics (3PL) provider who will take care of your shipping and storage needs. There are several reliable 3PL providers in South Africa, such as RTT Logistics, Courier IT, and Dawn Wing. They can help you with warehousing, packing, and shipping your products to customers.
Another option is to handle your own shipping and logistics. You can achieve this by using shipping software and working with popular shipping carriers like UPS or FedEx. These companies have a strong presence in South Africa and offer reliable shipping services at competitive rates. Additionally, you can also work with local courier companies such as The Courier Guy, Fastway Couriers, and Aramex, who specialise in delivering packages within South Africa.
No matter which option you choose, you should include shipping costs and delivery times in your pricing strategy and the way you handle orders. You can make sure that customers of your online computer store have a smooth and easy shopping experience by partnering with reliable logistics providers or using efficient shipping software and carriers.
How do I choose what products to sell in my online computer store?
You can research what computer products are in high demand, what products have a high profit margin, and what products have low competition. You can also consider specialising in a particular niche, such as gaming computers, Apple products, or business-oriented systems.
What are some effective online and offline marketing strategies used by online stores?
Online: search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and video marketing.
Offline: print ads, direct mail, television/radio ads, event sponsorships, and billboards.
What are some common promotional offers and discounts for customers at an e-commerce store?
Coupon codes: providing customers with a discount code to enter at checkout
Free shipping: Offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount.
Bundle deals: Offering discounts when customers buy multiple items at the same time.
Seasonal sales: offering discounts during holidays or other special occasions
Loyalty rewards: providing discounts or special perks for frequent shoppers
Referral programmes are when a store gives discounts or other rewards to customers who bring in new customers.
What are some customer retention strategies and loyalty programmes for an online store?
Loyalty points or rewards programs: Customers earn points or rewards for purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts or other perks.
Personalized recommendations: using customer data to suggest products they may be interested in
Exclusive content or access: offering exclusive content or early access to new products to loyal customers
Gamification: incorporating elements of gaming, such as leaderboards or challenges, to engage and retain customers.
Excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service, including quick response times and resolving issues promptly, can help build customer loyalty.
How to Start an Online Pet Supply Business?
This guide provides insights on starting a successful
online pet supply business. It covers various market segments and niches, and is suitable for those who have a passion for animals and want to turn it into a business venture.
How to Create a Successful Ecommerce Business Plan?
This guide shows entrepreneurs that creating a good plan for their e-commerce business is not as difficult as it may appear. It shows how important it is to have a good
eCommerce business plan if you want to be successful and reach your goals, whether you are starting a new business or trying to grow an existing one.
How to start a successful online boutique shop?
Starting an
online boutique store involves selling clothes and accessories to customers over the internet. For the store to be successful, it should have an online catalogue that can be browsed and items can be bought, as well as a way to pay and different shipping options. Special promotions may also be offered to attract customers. To make a profit, products must be sold to end users, and additional services such as styling assistance and product recommendations may also be provided.
Before you start an online store choose a niche and a group of people to sell to?
To start an online store, it's important to choose a niche and a group of people to sell to. This would help make a list of the products and steps needed to get the business going. No matter what kind of product it is, it is important to do a lot of research to make sure the quality is good. It's also essential to consider the target market's preferences and interests. With proper planning and effort, you can identify the ideal product to offer for sale. Read about: what do you need to know before
opening an online shop in South Africa?
A Guide to Fantastic Product Photos
DStarting your online shop? Let's ensure your products look irresistible with stunning photos. Here's how:
Preparation: Charge your camera, clean your products.
Backdrop & Lighting: Choose a simple background, good lighting.
Camera Setup: Adjust settings, stabilize with a tripod.
Framing: Fill the frame, capture from various angles.
Editing: Crop to square, adjust brightness/colors.
With these tips, your products will shine and attract customers like never before! Read more
how to take product photosHow do I add a shopping cart to your existing website?
Depending on your website's platform and your specific needs,
adding a shopping cart to your website can be a complex process and may require some technical knowledge. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you may want to consider hiring a web developer or e-commerce expert to help you.
Understanding Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
Imagine you have a lemonade stand, and you want more people to buy your lemonade. Conversion Rate Optimization, or CRO, is like finding clever ways to persuade more people to buy your lemonade when they come to your stand. It's about making your lemonade stand more appealing and easy to use, so more people decide to buy lemonade instead of just looking. In the world of selling things online, businesses use CRO to make their websites more attractive and user-friendly, so more people end up buying stuff. It's like making your lemonade stand really cool and tempting, so everyone wants to buy your lemonade! Read more about
Conversion Rate Optimization, or CRO
What's the best size for e-commerce product images?
The optimal size for e-commerce product images depends on the platform and user needs, but generally, aim for a resolution of 72 to 300 dpi and dimensions around 600x600 to 1000x1000 pixels for a balance between detail and speed. For zoom functionality, consider using images up to 1000 pixels wide or tall. Keep file sizes under 100 KB to ensure quick page loads, using compression tools as needed. Consistency is key, so use a uniform aspect ratio, like 1:1, across all images. Including multiple views and variations of each product is also crucial. Adjust based on your platform's requirements and audience preferences, and test different sizes for the best results. Webp format works well.
Taking professional product photos for your e-commerce website What makes a good product description?
A good description does more than just list what the product can do. It tells an interesting story about the product. The story explains how the product can help the reader and make their life better in a way that matters to them. By the end, the reader feels like they really want and need this product. A compelling description grabs the reader's attention and gets them excited about buying the product. It doesn't just give facts, but paints a picture in the reader's mind of how awesome the product is and why it's worth purchasing. Discover how to
craft compelling product descriptions that speak directly to your customers' desires.
