So you want to transform your passion for style into your dream online boutique, but you’re not sure where to start. Hi entrepreneurs, Krystal Barnes-Miller here! My husband and I are owners and operators of a professional barber and beauty supply company. We’re here to help! There are two main roads you can go down: building your own website from scratch, or using the laid-out foundations of a third party platform. Both options come with their own unique advantages, but the path you choose can mean a significantly different entrepreneurial journey. Not sure which is right for you? Below we’ll discuss everything you need to know about starting your own online boutique or using a third-party website, so that you can finally take the plunge into business ownership.
The Benefits Of Using A Third Party Website For Selling
Using a third-party website like Amazon or Etsy can be a great way to dip your toes into the world of e-commerce without the need for a large upfront investment.
You won’t need to spend money on building a website (domain, hosting, design, development, and all of the other intricacies that come with it), which is a major advantage if you’re working with a limited budget.
You’ll also save on marketing and customer service tools, since big platforms already have built-in services. Plus, with a big platform comes a big existing customer base, so you’ll potentially be able to reach a wider audience from the get-go, cutting out the time-consuming struggle that is building a customer base from the ground up.
What You Need To Know About Using A Third Party Platform For Selling
It’s important to understand that third party websites are not speed trains to success. Although you will get instant access to a wide customer base, you’ll also be dealing with a lot of competition as these platforms already have thousands of other vendors. This also puts you at a higher risk for getting your products copied or knocked off, since your competitors will be able to find your store more easily.
Another big disadvantage is the lack of control over customer experience and your brand in general. You won’t be able to customize your shop very much, making it difficult for you to distinguish your brand from others on the platform. You’ll also likely be subject to the platform’s fees, policies, and rules, which lowers your profits and limits your flexibility to run your business exactly how you want to.
The Benefits Of Using Your Own Website For Selling
Purchasing your own domain will take a bit more time and money, but many entrepreneurs find it worthwhile because it means having complete control over your brand. You’ll be able to create a strong identity that sets you apart from your competitors through design, functionality, and product assortment. Visit our bookstore if you need assistance sourcing products for your website.
Another big advantage to having your own website is having full access to your customer’s data, which you can use to improve your marketing campaigns and user experience. You’ll be able to create a more effective, personalized experience by analyzing customer shopping patterns, preferences, and purchasing history. You can also start building an email list, which will allow you to directly communicate with your customers (and therefore increase sales) whenever you like.
What You Need To Know About Using Your Own Website For Selling
Having your own domain lets you truly take the reins of your business, but it also means you’ll have to hustle.
From finding a layout and UX design that reflects your brand’s personality to creating marketing campaigns and handling customer service, it is more work than using a third-party platform. And unless you’re starting a dropshipping business, you’ll also need to manage shipping and all the logistics that come with it. This can be a lot to handle, especially if you’re just starting out.
Should I Use A Third Party Platform Or Build My Own Website?
Ultimately, the choice between starting your own online boutique and using a third-party website comes down to your goals, budget, and experience level. If you’re looking to create a unique brand and that you have complete control over, starting your own online boutique will be the right choice for you. But if you’re looking for a more affordable and less time-consuming option, using a third-party website may be a better fit.
If you’re still not sure where to start, the good news is that you’re never limited to just one option. Many online boutique owners start off on a third-party platform and eventually expand to their own website. This allows them to get a feel for running their own business and grow a customer base with a low upfront cost. You can put your profits towards building your future website!
Want to learn more about starting your own online boutique? Get all the insight and information you need in our comprehensive ebook!
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