Empowering Traditional Shopkeepers - A Guide to Selling Online in India

The digital age offers traditional shopkeepers in India a chance to expand their reach. While the concept of selling online might seem daunting for many, the advantages far outweigh the benefits.

Online selling offers:

1. Broader Customer Base: Reach customers nationwide and globally.
2. Cost-Effective Marketing: Utilize affordable digital marketing tools.
3. Convenience: Operate 24/7 without geographical limitations.
4. Customer Insights: Gain valuable data about customer preferences and trends.

Below is a step-by-step approach to selling online, enhancing business prospects and simplifying the digital transition.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Online Presence

Creating a Website:

A simple, user-friendly website is your online storefront. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify offer easy-to-use templates.

Typical Costs:

• Domain Registration: INR 500 to INR 1,000 per year.
• Website Hosting: INR 200 to INR 500 per month.
• Website Builder Plans: INR 300 to INR 1,000 per month, depending on features.

Note: Marukatte offers an online store that is currently free for 3 months (no need to buy domain or hosting or website builder).

Considerations:

• Decide whether you want a full-fledged e-commerce site (Shopify) or a simpler website (WordPress or Wix).
• Pick a unique name that reflects your business.
• Use pre-designed templates that require no coding knowledge.

Leverage Social Media:

Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to showcase your products and interact with customers.

Typical Costs:

• Free basic use, ads starting at INR 100/day.

Considerations:

• Set up business profiles on relevant platforms.
• Regularly post engaging content to attract and retain followers.

Register on E-commerce Platforms:

List your products on popular marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal to gain visibility.

Typical Costs:

• Usually free, but platforms take a commission on each sale (5% to 20%).

Considerations:

• Ensure detailed and attractive listings with high-quality images and descriptions.
• Choose between self-fulfillment or using the platform's fulfillment services.

Marukatte helps you connect to and centrally update your products on Shopify, Amazon etc. easily, quickly.

For more insights on this, check out the importance of marketplace selling.

Step 2: Building Your Product Catalog

High-Quality Images:

Invest in good photography. Clear, high-resolution images attract customers.

Considerations:

• Use a good camera or smartphone, proper lighting, and capture multiple angles.

Detailed Descriptions:

Write clear and detailed descriptions. Include information like size, color, material, and any other relevant details.

Considerations:

• Be concise, highlight key features, and use bullet points for readability.

For tips on crafting effective product descriptions, visit our blog on writing great product descriptions.

Categorization:

Organize products into categories to make it easier for customers to navigate.

Considerations:

• Group similar items and use intuitive categories.

Catalog Management:

Tools like Marukatte simplify catalog and listing management, making it easier to keep your online store up to date.

Benefits of using a tool:

• Centralized Management: Manage all product listings from a single platform.
• Time-Saving: Automate updates and ensure consistency across multiple platforms.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface designed for non-tech savvy users.

For more information, check out our blog on the benefits of centralized product management.

Step 3: Managing Inventory and Orders

Inventory Management Software:

Tools like Zoho Inventory can help track stock levels, manage orders, and streamline inventory processes.

Typical Costs: Zoho Inventory offers plans starting around INR 1,000 per month.

Benefits: Real-time tracking, streamlined order management, integration with other platforms.

Order Fulfillment:

Ensure timely shipping and delivery. Partner with reliable courier services for smooth logistics.

Considerations:

• Use multiple courier partners to ensure reach & reliability, provide tracking information to customers.

Returns and Refunds:

Have a clear policy for returns and refunds to build trust with customers.

Considerations:

• Clearly state return policy, make the process hassle-free.

Step 4: Digital Marketing Strategies

Search Engine Optimization (SEO):

Optimize your website with relevant keywords to rank higher on search engines.

Considerations:

• Keyword Research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner.
• On-Page SEO: Include keywords in product descriptions, blog posts, and meta tags. We outline some tactics in our blog post “5 SEO Tips To Enhance Your Product Listings”

Social Media Marketing:

Run targeted ads on social media platforms to reach potential customers.

Typical Costs: Ads can start as low as INR 100 per day.

Considerations:

• Define your target audience for better results.
• Experiment with different formats like images, videos, and carousel ads.

Content Marketing:

Start a blog to share valuable information and subtly promote your products.

Considerations:

• Write about topics relevant to your products and industry.
• Use storytelling to engage readers.

Email Marketing:

Build an email list and send regular updates about new products, offers, and discounts.

Considerations:

• Email Tools: Use tools like Zoho Campaigns (has a good free tier), Mailchimp, or Sendinblue.
• Segmentation: Segment your audience to send personalized messages.

Step 5: Customer Service and Engagement

Prompt Responses:

Respond to customer inquiries quickly.

Considerations:

• Use chatbots for instant replies.
• Ensure all customer queries are addressed within 24 hours.

After-Sales Service:

Follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction and address any issues.

Considerations:

• Send a thank-you email after purchase.
• Request feedback and reviews.

Feedback and Reviews:

Encourage customers to leave reviews and use their feedback to improve your services.

Considerations:

• Offer incentives for leaving reviews.
• Display reviews prominently on your website.

Overcoming Common Challenges

1. Technical Know-How: Understand the costs and processes of setting up an online presence. Consider hiring a professional or attending workshops.
2. Language Barriers: Use bilingual content with platforms like Shopify and WordPress to reach non-English speakers.
3. Trust Issues: Build trust with transparent policies, secure payment gateways, and positive customer reviews. Highlight testimonials and secure payment badges on your website.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Transitioning to online selling can greatly boost your business. By following these steps, traditional shopkeepers can successfully navigate the digital landscape and achieve new entrepreneurial heights. Embrace the change and let the internet be your gateway to success.

If you would like to learn more, we also offer affordable consulting services. Please reach out to social@scalepeak.in.