The ultimate 50+ point checklist for your e-commerce project (blog + free ebook with bonuses)

Starting and running an e-commerce business isn't for everyone. While it's relatively easy to start an online business these days, transforming your business into something valuable requires significant behind-the-scenes effort.

The online business world today is so oversaturated that navigating it can be quite challenging. This checklist will serve as your go-to resource for maintaining your work rhythm and motivation. 

My name is Adam, a software developer and e-commerce enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the e-commerce world. I've built and transformed multiple e-commerce businesses into entities that truly matter, and I've helped business owners like you prepare for the online journey you've always wanted to achieve.

Nowadays, there are endless opportunities to start your online business. Each one of them has one goal in the end - SALES!

Let's set things straight from the beginning. If you hopped into the online business world with the vision of a "Get Rich Quick (GRQ)" scheme, I'm sorry, but this resource might not be for you. There is no GRQ scheme in online business, or in any business venture you might start.

Sooo… After a few demotivating words, let's pump up your motivation and lets find out if this path is right for you.

To be successful in your online business (or any other business), you need to develop the mindset of a profitable business owner. If you're ready to work consistently and diligently towards your goals, there's no reason you won't achieve them.

I've been there too. I've experienced a lot of pain during my e-commerce journey, but let me tell you one thing: the feeling of witnessing your first business successes is indescribable and something I wish for each of you. That's the fuel that will keep you motivated and consistent.

Okay, let's cut this prologue and dive into the topic you came here for, right?

This checklist will be divided into several categories, covering both technical and psychological aspects. By the end, I assure you, you’ll get what you're looking for – pinky promise!

I'll assume that you've already found your niche and product and have a basic plan, as I won't be covering these topics this time. If you already have your online store up and running, that's great! You can use this checklist to thoroughly review your online store.

1. Psychology & motivation

Let's start with your mindset, mental state, and motivation.

1.1 They are lying with $10k/month side hustles with 5 hours of work per week

I'm sorry to discourage you, but do you really believe you can make $10k a month with affiliate marketing in your first week? Or with a miraculous dropshipping store? Or any other business explained in a 20-second social media video? Let's be true: the only thing that will lead you to success is hard work, consistency, and using your failures as stepping stones for success.

1.2 Keep up your motivation

There is one common trait among successful business owners. It is their ability to stay motivated, even when things aren't going well. Find your own way to remember why you started, what you aim to achieve, and why you need to keep going.

1.3 Plan

Plan your days and weeks ahead. Use a planner or diary to track your progress and set goals for the upcoming days. Reward yourself with small ”gifts” for your achievements and analyze the parts of your plan that weren't successful, learning from them and converting them into strengths.

1.4 Consistency

Consistency is the key pain point leading to success. Maintaining consistent effort, especially when you can't see immediate results, is pretty challenging. But with motivation, self-discipline, and consistency, results will surely come I swear! Creating a planner or diary really helped me and many of my clients with consistency and motivation!

1.5 ... and more inside free e-book

These are the psychological pain points I've encountered over and over again during my journey. By keeping these tips and strategies in mind, you'll begin to notice changes in your mindset and motivation almost immediately.

Stay motivated, and let's continue with the theme of Branding and Consumer Awareness.

 

2. Branding and consumer awareness

2.1 Define your brand identity

This step could be crucial for your business. It's the first thing your future customers will experience and remember. Clearly and warmly articulate what your brand stands for, including its values, personality, and unique selling propositions. This forms the foundation of your brand.

2.2 Build an ideal buyer persona

Write down everything about your ideal buyer, from demographic details to behavior patterns, motivations, and goals. Be as specific as possible and get creative! The more detailed and accurate your buyer persona, the more effectively you can tailor your marketing to meet the specific needs, preferences, and challenges of your target audience.

2.3 Be consistent with your Brand messaging

Your brand will be presented across multiple channels and touchpoints. Whether it's social media, blogs, your store, ads, or other channels, you need to maintain consistency in your brand messaging. This includes visual elements like logos and colors, as well as the tone and style of communication.

2.4 Create quality content

Producing valuable, relevant, and engaging content can position your brand as a thought leader in your industry. This might include blogs, videos, podcasts, and infographics. Prioritize creating valuable content for your consumers, as it plays a significant role in getting your brand recognized.

2.5 ... and more inside free e-book

Branding is a crucial part of building social awareness. Be creative with it, but don't get stuck on that; you can also develop your branding building blocks during your journey.

In these two chapters, I focused on more theoretical topics. Now, let’s dive into more advanced stuff.

 

3. Strategic Marketing and Sales Techniques

3.1 Content is king

I mean yes, it's really true. Until you have a high budget for paid ads, content marketing is your best choice. I've seen business owners without any copywriting or SEO skills build amazing audiences and communities just by creating really high-quality, engaging, and educational content. Create and share your content everywhere: blog posts, e-books, guides, social media, etc.

3.2 Focus on social media

You've probably heard this many times. Recent studies indicate that a substantial percentage of web traffic, often ranging from 20% to 40%, is directed to e-commerce sites from social media platforms. This underscores the pivotal role this channel should play in your marketing strategy.

3.3 Build trust

Building trust in marketing is a crucial point for long-term success. Almost every aspect of your business can influence your online trust. Whether it's website user experience, design, transparent payment methods, clear and detailed product information, or clear return and refund policies and so on. Care about trust; by building social trust, you will be able to establish long-term relationships with your customers.

3.4 ... and more inside free e-book

In the upcoming chapters, I will focus on my favorite topics. As a software engineer and web developer, the next topics will be tailored to your website and technical implementations.

In the free e-book, you will find 7+ more main chapters, in which I will talk about website optimisation tips, building perfect product pages, tips for creating converting landing pages, building trust and much more. 

Don't forget to grab your free e-book, packed with bonus content, to continue your journey towards ecommerce excellence.

Here's to elevating your online business with knowledge, strategy, and a touch of creativity!