The development of technology and universal access to the Internet have made e-commerce one of the fastest growing industries in Poland. Online stores are extremely popular, and starting your own e-commerce business is becoming more and more accessible to everyone. If you dream of having your own online store but don't know where to start, this guide is for you. Learn how to start your own e-commerce business and promote it effectively.
Development of e-commerce in Poland
The value of the e-commerce market in Poland is constantly growing, and online shopping is becoming more and more popular. According to research, in 2021 as many as 77% of Poles used online shopping. The most popular product categories are clothing and accessories, footwear, cosmetics, books and electronics/home appliances. Online shopping is very popular due to its convenience, simplicity and wide selection of products. Moreover, most e-consumers visit Polish websites, which offers great opportunities for local sellers.
Become an online businessman in 5 simple steps
Step 1: Choose the legal form of your business
The first step to starting an e-commerce business is choosing the appropriate legal form. You can decide to run a sole proprietorship or a company. It is also possible to conduct sales as part of an unregistered activity if the revenues do not exceed a certain limit. It is important to thoroughly understand the requirements and obligations of your chosen legal form and consult with a lawyer or tax advisor.
Step 2: Select a sales location
The next step is to choose the right sales place. The best option is to set up your own online store, which will allow you to build your brand and present products in line with your vision. Your own online store also gives you greater control over the sales process and allows you to avoid additional intermediation fees. You can also consider selling on auction sites and marketplaces, which allow you to get started quickly but have their own restrictions and commissions. It is also worth considering multi-channel sales, i.e. selling both in the online store and on other platforms.
Step 3: Buy a domain
To start selling online, you will need your own domain, i.e. the Internet address where your store will be available. The domain should match the name of your store and be easy to remember. You can purchase a new domain or find an available domain on the domain exchange. Remember that your domain should be properly configured to redirect users to your website.
Step 4: Take care of the assortment
After setting up an online store, you need to ensure that you have the right assortment. If you don't have your own products, you can cooperate with suppliers or use the dropshipping model. With dropshipping, you don't have to store the goods or deal with shipping - the supplier takes care of it for you. It is also worth considering the possibility of selling your own products, e.g. handicrafts or unique items that will attract customers' attention.
Step 5: Take care of promotion
Even the most attractive online store will not bring profits without effective promotion. That's why it's important to take care of the marketing of your e-commerce business. There are many ways to promote, both paid and free. You can use Google Ads and Facebook Ads, optimize your website for SEO, run a blog or YouTube channel, use social media and much more. It is important to know your target group well and adapt your marketing strategy to their needs and preferences.
What e-commerce platforms can you choose?
To set up an online store, you will need the right e-commerce software. There are many platforms that offer tools for building and managing an online store. One of the popular options is the SaaS (Software as a Service) platform, which allows you to quickly launch an online store without the need for extensive technical knowledge. Open-source platforms such as PrestaShop and Magento are also popular, but require more technical knowledge and involvement in setting up and maintaining the store. It is also possible to create dedicated software that will be precisely tailored to your e-commerce business, but this is more costly and time-consuming.
In addition to your online store, there are many other e-commerce sales channels that can help you reach more customers. One of the popular sales channels are marketplaces such as Allegro, Empik Marketplace or Morele. Marketplaces allow you to sell on their platforms in exchange for a certain commission. Another popular sales channel are price comparison websites such as Ceneo, which allow customers to compare prices and make a purchase directly from the platform. Don't forget about social media such as Instagram, Facebook or TikTok, which can be an effective tool for promoting your e-commerce business.
Set out to conquer the Internet
Starting your own e-commerce business can be an exciting challenge. The key to success is proper preparation and understanding various aspects of online sales. The choice of legal form, place of sale, product range, e-commerce platform and marketing strategy are key factors to take into account. Also remember that e-commerce is a dynamic industry that is constantly developing, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and adapt your activities to the changing needs of customers.