Are you a beginner looking to venture into the world of online entrepreneurship? Starting an online business may seem like a mountain ahead of you, but I assure you, its much easier than you think.
Global E-commerce has made the world one big marketplace. Whether you’re looking to serve a local market or expand into an international market, you can reach the right people for your products through Ecommerce.
But where do you start? How do you navigate the complexities of websites, payment gateways, digital marketing?
Let’s dive in so I can break it all down step-by-step.
Hi, I am Kira Mohammed, ecommerce consultant and strategist.
As the world progresses into a Digital-First approach to products and services, being online is now a priority for any business that wants to be seen. Starting your own online business prepares you to understand how the digital customer spends, which helps you over time, understand better ways to serve them and similar audiences.
Choosing a niche is like picking your battle—you can’t win them all, so focus on what you’re passionate about and where there’s demand. Your total addressable market determins how much money can be made with yourproduct. Focus on solutions. They are the biggest drivers of consumption.
Pick a niche that resonates with both you and your audience, so you always remain passionate about what you put out there and can draw inspiration on how to deeply connect with your potential customers.
Market Research helps give you clarity on where the gaps are for opportunities to serve first, better or alongside competitors in a niche. To get a better understanding of the market you want to operate in, use tools like Facebook Marketplace, Google Trends, Google Market Finder, Product Research Tools for inspiration on products and markets. When doing market research, learn who your target audience will be. Dive into their preferences, shopping habits, and pain points. What’s missing or have been successful in their market? Fill that gap.
FUN FACT!
I found my winning niche with Shapemeplease during Covid (2019). The lockdown caused everyone to put on weight and women were looking for ways to conceal the Covid weight while things returned to normal. I researched for almost 2 weeks and planned out how I can serve these women with an online experience.
This is the most important step of running an online business. Your platform determines your performance. There are quite a bit of platforms out there. I’m gonna list my preferences and why:
Top choice: Shopify
This e-commerce platform is just made for people who prioritize function over fancy. Its user-friendly interface, international reach, and integrations make it perfect for 2025 entrepreneurs looking to start a store right away.
If you are from the Caribbean, Shopify payment gateways are currently limited to Cybersource by Republic bank, First Atlantic Commerce/Tilopay and Fygaro by RBC. Each bank carries its own fees for its gateway in the form of subscription fees, transaction fees and processing fees. Consult with your bank for the best option.
Additional fees include your Shopify subscription which starts at $19 usd per month, and can increase depending on the Shopify apps you want to integrate.
I know it sounds pricey, but it is such a robust platform that requires no technical work or knowledge of coding to use. You can set up your store and start selling in under an hour.
Trusted by many: Woocommerce
This platform is the most used in the Caribbean. Understandably, it is an open source platform that allows a lot of customization, making it the best platform to build an optimal customer experience without breaking the bank. I recommend using thhis platform if you really want to deliver a unique customer experience. Your startup costs may be a bit high if you need to hire a technical developer to build your platform, but the remainder of your fees will be hosting fees that start from as low as $2.99us a month (Siteground).Other fees also include payment gateway fees set by your bank.
Perfect for Beginners: Ecwid
Ecwid is a fantastic option for beginners diving into the world of online business because it’s incredibly user-friendly, affordable, and flexible. It lets you quickly set up a professional-looking online store without needing any technical skills. Plus, you can integrate it seamlessly with a personal Paypal account to get paid immediately . Ecwid has a forever free plan and the paid plan boasts more ecommerce features to optimize your store.
Importing comes with some legalities. Here’s how to stay on the right side of the law:
Trinidad and Tobago Business Resources: The TTBizlink website https://info.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade-procedures-landing-page provides a wealth of information on trade processes, restricted items, and the entire import process. Familiarize yourself with these regulations before placing any orders.
Consult a Customs Broker: A customs broker can navigate the import process for you, ensuring your shipments comply with regulations and arrive smoothly. Remember: Don’t underestimate the power of clear and accurate product descriptions. Your customers deserve to know exactly what they’re buying!
Bonus Tip: Build Your Brand with Private Label Products
Want to stand out from the crowd? Consider private labeling! Source generic products from your chosen supplier and add your own unique branding and packaging. This allows you to control the narrative and potentially earn higher profit margins. Turn your online store dream into reality! By combining these tips with your hustle, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect import products and building a thriving online business.
Happy Selling!
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