Some Updates On My Boutique And 7 Tips To Run Successful Online Store

There are so many things going on here, which I am just so anxious to share with you! My online venture is growing and developing and I am really excited about all the changes. Here are some recent updates:

1st update: Christmas is coming soon

You hear that right and I am not joking! Three months will fly like an arrow. In Russia we say “Prepare sleighs in summer, and the cart in winter” which basically means “Make provision for a rainy day but in good time”. I will not mislead you saying that now is the perfect time to start looking for the Christmas decoration, (if you plan to make any of course). And here I am excited to announce new arrival in my boutique: these gorgeous, all completely handmade and hand painted, ceramic Christmas ornaments:

Prices are more than reasonable for completely unique and handmade objects – starting only from 12 USD per piece. So rush to grab yours by visiting my online boutique.

2nd Update: Running online business is not easy

But at the same time damn exciting! At the moment I am meeting with so many interesting people (I wish I could have time to write an article about each one of them as they all deserve it). Mainly these are artists, craftsmen, designers. Very soon, specially for my boutique I will get:

– a collection of handmade ceramic lanterns

– handmade and hand embroidered cushions

– unique ceramic vases that can be actually described as an artwork

Yesterday, for example, I met with fashion designer Kevork Nour Shadoyan, who agreed to design and make for L’Essenziale hand painted decorative cushions. There he is, busy working on his new fashion line:

He also promised that he will organise a workshop for me to teach me the art of painting fabrics (very excited!).

Why I am saying that running online business is not easy? Well, first of all, because there are thousands online stores apart from you and you really need to put a lot of effort to make your business noticed and successful. Secondly, I really need at least 25 hours a day instead of 24.

3rd update is NEW LOOK of my Boutique

It was updated and upgraded, a lot of things were improved and added. Please have a look at it by clicking on the image below and I would really (really!) appreciate some feedback about it:

 

So here are new things which are happening at the moment and I must say I am really busy right now. However somehow I never get tired as enjoy every minute working on it.

At the same time I have read tons of literature about e-commerce and running online business. Some articles were really helpful and I want to share with you some useful tips which I have learned.

7 Tips To Become Successful in E-Commerce

1) Never give up on your dreams – by Holly Becker

In this very inspirational article Holly shares her experience about her way to success. There was no elevator, she says and she had to take the stairs. She continued climbing it, though everybody around was saying to give up. Now looking at her more than successful business, isn’t it wise to follow her advise?

2) It’s never too late – by Kelly Hoppen

For me it was very important to hear this. Of course, it might seem ridiculous at my 29, however I really needed these words and I will explain you why. Have you ever heard that young people learn driving much faster than old? Why do you think it happens – they are more clever or what? No, it’s just that they have no fear. The older you are, the more fear is inside you. Now I feel completely different than I was feeling at my 21, for example, when I thought that everything is possible, you just need to really want it. I was very determined and ambitious. I still am, however the weight of all my past failures is lying now on my shoulders, and of course I have become more conscious than before. Maybe I make less mistakes, but it takes me longer to succeed too. Kelly’s video was a real punch which made me understand that age doesn’t play any role at all. Highly recommend you to watch it as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy_HiNU7JnM

3) Network, network, network

One more tip from Kelly. Online business despite is virtual is based on the same rules as the real one: you will never get a lot of customers until you start to spread a word about it. The best way is to do it in person. Of course Social Media is a good marketing tool, but… additional  tool. You can’t run a business solely relying on it. Personal contacts are always more productive and effective. Think about people who you know: relatives, friends, acquaintances. Think, if anybody of them can help you to promote your business or might be interested in the products you sell. Don’t feel shy to talk about your business with people you barely know – you never know what kind of opportunities they might bring.

4) Presentation is the key

Since the clients don’t have opportunity to see and touch the products, they should be able to understand everything from online presentation. Good photography is crucial here. It is preferable to have several photos of the product showing it from different sides and distances. Short pithy descriptions about the products are as much important as beautiful photos.

5) Research and Analyse

Analyse where majority of your clients come from, which products are more successful than  the others and what makes them so. Once you learn this information, use it to develop your business further: focus on the profitable markets and goods to make them even more profitable.

6) Quantity and Quality

You can’t expect a buyer to stay long in you store if you have only a couple of products to sell. The range of the products must be big enough to give your customer a choice.  However, here it is important not to sacrifice quality for quantity – it is better to gave few nice products than a big stock of nonsense.

7) Marketing is crucial

Perceive yourself as 24/7 marketing manager of your business. Never get tired of promoting it and use every possible tool. Social media is really powerful and you shouldn’t neglect it. Make business page on Facebook, Twitter account, join communities on Google+, post photos on Tumblr and Pinterest and participate in LinkedIn discussions. Every day post at least one update about your business. However don’t be focused only on yourself, engage with other people too.

If you run an online business, I hope these tips were helpful for you – I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. What other keys to success can you name?

Now I am going to be very shameless but I really need your help to spread a word about my small business. You can do it by visiting my shop and sharing any of the products you like (by clicking on it you will see several Social Media buttons available). I really appreciate your effort!