how to start ONLINE SELLING AND ECOMMERCE business in kenya – easy steps

This article is about how to start ONLINE SELLING AND ECOMMERCE business in Kenya. Starting an online business or e-commerce in Kenya has never been easier. Assuming you already have an online presence and internet connection, you only need to have a business plan that is appealing to the potential online buyers. The good news is that your won’t be reinventing the wheel. Brands like Jiji, Jumia, Kilimall etc have been in the game already. Today we tell you how to sail successfully in the ocean of ecommerce in Kenya.

what is ecommerce or online business in kenya?

E-commerce, or online business, is like having a store on the internet. Instead of going to a physical shop, people buy things and services online, often through a website or app. It’s where you can shop for clothes, gadgets, order food, and more, all from the comfort of your computer or phone. It’s like bringing the mall to your screen!

how to start ONLINE SELLING AND ECOMMERCE business in kenya

Explore the Market:

Begin by learning about the online market in Kenya. Figure out what people want, who your customers are, and what your competitors are up to.

Make a Business Plan:

Write down your business plan. This plan should explain what you want to sell, how you’ll price it, how you’ll let people know about it, and how much money you think you’ll make.

Get Legal:

Pick a Unique Name:

Choose a cool and special name for your business. Make sure the name matches your website’s name.

Choose Your Online Shop:

Decide on the website where you’ll sell your stuff. You can use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or others. Pick one that works for your budget and skills.

Build Your Website:

Create your online store. You can get a website developer to help, or use easy website builders found on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

Accept Payments:

Set up ways for people to pay you securely. In Kenya, this often means connecting with mobile money services like M-Pesa and Airtel Money and card payments. Talk to payment experts to help with this.

Get Stuff to Sell:

Find products to sell. You can make your own, get them from suppliers, or use dropshipping, where someone else handles the products and shipping for you.

Show Your Products:

Create nice listings for your products with good descriptions and clear pictures. Make sure your prices are competitive. Use tricks to make your products show up in online searches.

Keep Track of Stuff:

Use a system to know how many products you have and when you need to get more.

Deliver Orders:

Work with reliable delivery services to send products to customers quickly and safely. Write down a clear plan for how you’ll deliver to customers.

Help Customers:

Give customers great service. Let them contact you easily, answer their questions quickly, and handle any problems or returns nicely.

Advertise Online:

Make a plan for how you’ll tell people about your online store. This could be by showing up in online searches, paying for ads, using social media, or sending emails.

Be Social:

Be active on social media to connect with your customers, share news, and run ads to get more people interested in your stuff.

Stay Safe:

Make sure your website is safe, so customers’ information and payments are protected. Get an SSL certificate for your website.

Manage Orders:

Be efficient in processing and sending orders to customers, so they get their stuff on time.

Keep Quality High:

Always make sure your products are good quality and meet customer expectations.

Grow Your Business:

As your business gets bigger, think about expanding what you sell, reaching more people

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