Tag: Build an online business

The Big Guys: Amazon, Shopify, and eBay

Let’s talk about these big platforms first. Imagine them as gigantic malls in the online world. Amazon, the Godzilla of them all, has millions and millions of people strolling around every day. When you set up shop there, you’re putting your products in front of these massive crowds. It’s like having a shop in the busiest street of the internet.

Then there’s Shopify, a bit like a fancy bazaar. It gives you a space to set up your own little shop, decorate it your way, and sell your things. It’s not as crowded as Amazon, but it’s got its charm and value. Shopify takes care of the technical stuff so you can focus on what you’re good at—selling your awesome products.

And finally, there’s eBay. It’s like an online auction house. People bid, and the highest bidder takes the treasure. If you have unique items or things that could spark a bidding war, eBay is your stage. I don’t work with eBay so for this blog post, eBay will stay at bay. (Pun intended.)

Why Hang Out With These Big Shots?

First off, they bring the customers to you. Amazon alone has more people than you can count, wandering around with their wallets out. Or ready to click on the “Add to Cart” button. It’s like having a billboard in Times Square, but even better because people can buy right there.

They also handle the nitty-gritty stuff. Imagine if you had to deal with every single payment, shipping detail, and customer service request. It’d be chaos! But these giants have systems in place. They take care of the payments, process the orders, and deal with the customer headaches. You just focus on what you love—your products.

And oh, they’re like marketing wizards. They have tools that can make your products shine. You can run ads, show up in search results, and even track what people are clicking on. It’s like having a team of little helpers working 24/7 to get your stuff noticed.

But—and here’s the secret—you can’t rely on them entirely.

Why? Because Your Website is Your Superpower

Having a shop in a big mall is cool, but you need your own secret lair too. Your website is like your Batcave, where you’re the superhero of your story. A place where people can get to know you and fall in love with your style of service or product. Here’s a good read on Succeeding online in the digital world.

**1. Brand Power: You’re walking down the street, and you see two cafes. One is a familiar chain, and the other is a cozy little place with its own vibe. Which one would you choose? Your website is your cozy little place. It’s where you tell your story, show off your style, and make a connection with your customers. It’s how they remember you in the vast online world.

**2. Ultimate Control : Ever heard the saying, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”? That’s your website. You have full control. Want to change the colors, showcase a new product, or run a crazy promotion? You can do it on your terms. No need to follow someone else’s rules.

**3. Customer Love: On your website, you can give your customers a VIP experience. You can personalize things, send special offers, and make them feel like they’re part of an exclusive club. It’s like having a personal handshake with every customer that walks through your digital door.

**4. Data, the Silent Hero: Your website is a goldmine of information. You can see what people are looking at, what they’re ignoring, and what makes them click “buy.” This data is pure gold for growing your business. It’s like having a map of your customer’s mind.

**5. Escape the Competition Jungle: On big platforms, you’re in a jungle with lots of other sellers. On your website, you’re the king or queen of your domain. You don’t compete for attention on a crowded shelf. You are the shelf. Your products take center stage without distractions.

So, How Do You Use Both?

It’s a delicate dance. You set up shop on Amazon, Shopify, or eBay to reach the masses. They bring in the crowd, handle the tough stuff, and give you a platform to shine. But, and it’s a big but, you drive them to your secret lair—your website.

Here’s the Game Plan:

1. Set Up Shop on the Giants: Create your accounts, list your products, and get ready for the crowd.
2. Brand Your Space: Make your shop on these platforms look and feel like you. Use your logo, showcase your unique selling points, and stand out in the crowd.
3. Direct Traffic to Your Website: In every package you send, slip in a little card with your website’s address. Run promotions on your website that customers won’t find anywhere else. Make your website the place to be.
4. Tell Your Story: Your website is where you tell the story of your brand. Why did you start? What makes your products special? People love a good story, and it’s what makes them remember you.
5. Build Your Email List: Use your website to gather emails. These are like golden tickets to your business. You can reach out to your customers directly, no middleman involved.

Remember, it’s not a battle between giants and your own website. It’s a PARTNERSHIP. The giants bring in the crowd, and your website keeps them coming back. It’s a recipe for success in the big, wide world of online business. Here is a great short and to the point podcast episode on Online Business Made Easy: Using E-Commerce Giants & Your Own Website | Episode 242

Embrace the giants for their reach and tools, but don’t forget the power of having your own space online. It’s where you create a brand, connect with customers, and call the shots. So, suit up, set up shop, and let the online adventure begin!