Why your business should be selling online.
This page will explain why you should either create an ecommerce website for your business or why you should consider creating an ecommerce business, The UK continues to have one of the largest online shopping communities that is forecast to grow year on year as more retailers make the leap to ecommerce.

If you haven’t started the path to online sales, and unless there are improvements in town centres and on the high street, drawing in more shoppers to your stores, then more and more people will take to shopping online. As the age group of the population changes, younger people who have grown up in an online world will start shopping online. Which is a shame since shopping can be a social experience, that said, then both should be catered for.
In addition you are catering for customers who are unable to reach your store due to mobility issues or location.

I will produce a PDF version of the process for download. Watch for the download button to arrive right here. Or join the mailing list.
Introduction.
In the United Kingdom, online retail sales have experienced significant growth in recent years. As of November 2024, internet retail sales accounted for approximately 26.2% of total retail sales in Great Britain. Statista
In terms of monetary value, the total retail sales in the UK for the 12 months leading up to November 2024 were £467 billion. British Retail Consortium
This information indicates that online retail sales contributed significantly to the overall retail market during this period.
The trend towards online shopping has been steadily increasing, with eCommerce revenues in the UK expected to have an annual average growth rate of 12.6% by 2025. Trade.gov
This growth reflects the UK’s position as one of the leading eCommerce markets globally.
If you are strongly considering WordPress for you business, social or personal website, then please view my post “Is WordPress the right Choice” before you make that final decision.
The value of e-commerce sales in the UK over the last five years.
Graph here.
- In 2020, UK online sales saw significant growth, increasing by 36%, marking the highest annual growth since 2007. Trade.gov
- In 2022, there was a decline in e-commerce sales by 7.2%, likely due to market corrections post-pandemic. Statista
- The figures for 2023 and 2024 are projections, with 2024 expected to reach £177.11 billion, the highest level since 2021. eMarketer
These figures highlight the dynamic nature of the UK’s e-commerce market, with significant growth during the pandemic, a subsequent correction, and a return to growth in recent years.
Please note that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on the source. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting official sources such as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is recommended.
Online security.
In this section I will cover the concerns you may have concerning your business security in an online world.
Coming in the next day or two.
What does online shopping offer the retailer or prospective ecommerce business owner.
Online shopping offers retailers numerous benefits, including:
1. Expanded Reach
- Access to a global customer base, breaking geographical boundaries.
- Ability to serve customers 24/7, regardless of time zones.
2. Cost Efficiency
- Lower operational costs compared to maintaining physical stores (e.g., rent, utilities).
- Reduced need for large staff numbers in physical locations.
3. Customer Insights
- Collection of valuable data on customer preferences, behavior, and purchasing habits.
- Tools for analytics and reporting to optimize sales strategies and inventory management.
4. Marketing Opportunities
- Easier implementation of digital marketing strategies like SEO, PPC, and email campaigns.
- Ability to target specific demographics through personalized ads and promotions.
5. Scalability
- Easier to scale operations as business grows without significant overhead costs.
- Flexibility to introduce new products quickly.
6. Enhanced Customer Convenience
- Options like multiple payment methods, home delivery, and product reviews increase customer satisfaction.
- Faster transactions compared to in-store shopping.
7. Competitive Advantage
- Staying competitive in an increasingly digital retail environment.
- Ability to innovate with features like virtual try-ons, chatbots, or subscription models.
8. Diversified Revenue Streams
- Opportunities for upselling and cross-selling through recommendations and related product suggestions.
- Additional income sources from partnerships or affiliate marketing.
9. Brand Building
- A professional online presence enhances credibility and brand recognition.
- Engaging content, blogs, and social media integration build trust and loyalty.
10. Adaptability to Market Trends
- Ability to quickly adapt to changing consumer demands and shopping habits.
Online shopping allows retailers to modernize their business models, improve efficiency, and offer a seamless customer experience, making it an essential component of retail in the digital age.
Now I will provide information about creating your online ecommerce presence.
1. Choose Your eCommerce Platform
Select an eCommerce platform based on your needs, technical skills, and budget. Some popular platforms are:
- Shopify: User-friendly, hosted solution with many templates and features. The Shopify Blog has all the information you need.
- WooCommerce (for WordPress): Highly customizable and cost-effective but requires more setup.
- BigCommerce: Scalable and powerful for large stores.
- Magento: Advanced platform for developers, suitable for large enterprises.
2. Get a Domain Name and Hosting
- Domain Name: Choose a unique domain name that reflects your brand.
- Hosting: If you’re using platforms like WooCommerce or Magento, you’ll need to purchase web hosting (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround). Shopify and BigCommerce provide built-in hosting.
3. Plan Your Store Structure
- Categories: Organize your products into logical categories.
- Pages: Include essential pages such as Home, Shop, About Us, Contact, FAQ, and Privacy Policy.
- Payment Gateways: Decide on payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
- Shipping Options: Define your shipping rates and options based on regions.
4. Design Your Website
- Choose a Template: Most platforms offer customizable templates or themes.
- Custom Design: You can hire a designer or developer for a more personalized look.
- Mobile-Friendly: Ensure your website is responsive and works well on mobile devices.
- UX/UI Optimization: Make it easy for users to browse, search, and checkout.
5. Add Products
- Product Descriptions: Write compelling and SEO-friendly product descriptions.
- Images: Use high-quality images with multiple angles.
- Pricing: Set competitive prices.
- Inventory Management: Ensure your platform can handle stock levels and notify customers if products are out of stock.
6. Set Up Payment & Shipping
- Payment Gateways: Set up gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or any regional payment method.
- Shipping Zones & Rates: Configure shipping options by geographic location or order size.
7. Install Essential Plugins and Features
- SEO Tools: Improve your website’s search engine visibility (e.g., Yoast SEO for WooCommerce).
- Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track user behavior.
- Security: Install SSL certificates for secure transactions and use security plugins.
- Customer Reviews: Allow product reviews to build credibility.
- Social Media Integration: Link your store to social media accounts for easy sharing.
8. Test Your Website
- Functionality: Ensure the cart, payment gateway, and product pages work smoothly.
- Browser and Device Compatibility: Test your site across different browsers and devices.
- Checkout Process: Complete a test purchase to ensure the checkout process is seamless.
9. Launch and Market Your eCommerce Store
- SEO: Optimize your website content and products for search engines.
- Content Marketing: Create a blog or other content that attracts potential customers.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list and send newsletters or promotions.
- Social Media Advertising: Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram for targeted ads.
- Google Ads: Run paid search campaigns to drive traffic.
10. Maintain Your Store
- Inventory Management: Regularly update product availability.
- Customer Support: Provide multiple channels for support (email, live chat).
- Website Updates: Ensure your site is updated with new features and security patches.