E-Commerce Store Alternatives Business Owners Can Try for Free
Whether you’re a startup or a small business owner, you’ll agree with me that having an e-commerce store/ website is very important for business. An e-commerce can help broaden your brand in ways beyond imagination.
What are the benefits of having an e-commerce store?
1. An E-commerce is like a 24-hour sales person
Unlike humans that close up shop, your e-commerce website will be there 24 hours. And people can shop and visit all round the clock, without you being there to coordinate the shopping process.
2. It Increases your Brand’s Visibility
If you’re thinking of expanding your brand’s outreach, an e-commerce store the way to go. With a well-optimized website, your brand’s chances of being found through SEO will increase. The more your brand comes up in the search engine, the more likely people are to buy from you.
3. It is a healthy option these days
With the inception of the Corona Virus, physical contact is not advisable, right? An e-commerce website is the best way to ensure this. There is absolutely no need for physical contact, as the entire transaction will be done online.
4. It is convenient
Another great thing about an e-commerce website is the ease of doing business. The consumer doesn’t need to go through the hassle of physical buying, and can shop from wherever, whenever. You the seller, also have the convenience of making sales right from the comfort of your home.
Now, that we have established that an e-commerce store is important? What if you can’t afford one just yet?
Well, keep reading. Because I have compiled for alternative e-commerce stores that are free, and are resourceful. Ready? Let’s start.
1. Paystack Commerce
Recently, Paystack launched an e-commerce store, packed with resourceful tools complete with product links, where you can add images, vides, prices, GIFs and lots more. It also comes with easy delivery options, an inventory/ order tracker, and lots more. The best part? It comes at Zero cost. Yes, it’s absolutely free.
To get started, click here
2. Flutterwave Store
Flutterwave store also launched a store in light of the COVID-19 occurrence to encourage people to #keepthelightson seeing as business owners might have a hard time bouncing back. This store is absolutely free, and convenient. Want to register? You can try it here
3. Visa.com
Visa.com.ng also launched an amazing e-commerce store that business owners can get for free, plus an additional $200 in advertising. Fantastic right? I agree too. You might want to give it a try
4. Whatsapp Catalogue
This isn’t really an e-commerce store, but the catalogue option gives you the opportunity to get your products, along with their prices all in one place. And with the addition of a catalogue link, it’s much more easier to have your potential customer glance through all your products and make a selection. No stress, no hassle.
We recently had a hands-on, practical session on how to setup your Whatsapp Catalogue. The session was hosted by one of our talented Bellafricana Members, Dara, (Founder of Just Journal Ng)
Guess what? Almost all in attendance had their catalogues up and running. That’s the essence of a community you know? Having members who are willing to share and uplift one another because of the strong belief that we rise by lifting others. That is simply the heart of Bellafricana.
PS: We also have lots of useful resources on the Bellafricana Membership Platform which all business owners could really use. You can access it once you become a member of our amazing family. To sign up, click on this link here
Which of these tools have you tried, or will be willing to give a shot? I’ll love to know.
