E-commerce is on the rise, so you’ll need to consider how to stand out because everyone can use digital marketing for their business. Despite the competition, there is a bright future ahead for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Research e-commerce models and decide what to sell.
The e-commerce space today is vast, with plenty of competition, so it is important to consider what your e-commerce business model will be. There are four basic types:
- Business-to-customer (B2C): A common business model, in which a business sells to consumers, anything from spices to shoes. B2C brands can sell different brands under one umbrella, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba.
- Business-to-business (B2B): In B2B models, businesses sell products or services to other businesses. Orders tend to be recurring purchases. Examples include Amazon Business, Alibaba, and Rakuten.
- Customer-to-customer (C2C): C2C models tend to be online marketplaces that connect consumers to exchange and sell goods and services. Online C2C businesses include Craigslist, Etsy, and eBay.
- Customer-to-business (C2B): With C2B, individuals sell their goods and services to companies. A good example is Upwork, which enables businesses to hire freelancers.
At the same time that you’re considering your business model, you’ll also want to explore the delivery method you’ll use to distribute your goods or services. Generally, you’ll use one of the following delivery methods: