In today’s digital age, establishing an e-commerce small business has become increasingly popular among entrepreneurs looking to expand their customer base, increase sales, and drive brand awareness. According to the U.S. Census, online retail sales accounted for 15.4% of total sales in 2023, highlighting the growing importance of e-commerce in the business world. For new entrepreneurs looking to venture into the world of online retail, seeking guidance and support from experienced mentors can be invaluable.
One such resource available to entrepreneurs is SCORE, a nonprofit organization that provides free mentoring services to small business owners. SCORE mentors like Dean Swanson emphasize the benefits of e-commerce, such as expanding customer reach and boosting sales. Swanson explains, “Even if you only sell a small part of your products or services online, it can attract attention to your company.” This insight can help entrepreneurs determine if an e-commerce strategy is the right fit for their business.
For some small business owners, the shift to selling online was a necessity, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stacey Kohler, CEO of Kiddy Crawler toy company, found herself pivoting to online sales on platforms like Amazon to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. With the help of her SCORE mentor, Ezzy Dabbish, Kohler was able to navigate the complexities of establishing an online presence and monitor the progress of her Amazon sales channel effectively.
In addition to understanding the benefits of e-commerce, entrepreneurs must also focus on providing a seamless customer experience on their online platforms. SCORE mentor Adam Torkildson stresses the importance of optimizing websites for mobile devices, fast loading speeds, and intuitive navigation to enhance the shopping experience and drive conversions. Connie Estey, owner of Seawalk Custom Florals, prioritizes exceptional customer service in her e-commerce business, emphasizing convenience, quality, and value for her customers.
SCORE offers a range of resources to support small business owners in their e-commerce journey. Entrepreneurs can access free self-guided courses like “Getting Started with E-commerce” to learn about selling platforms, customer service, inventory management, and more. For those looking to sell on Amazon, the “Amazon Seller Success Series 2024” provides guidance on setting up a seller account, listing products, and leveraging Amazon’s resources for business growth.
Entrepreneurs can also benefit from working with a SCORE mentor who can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process of establishing an online business. By requesting a mentor through SCORE’s website, entrepreneurs can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience to help them navigate the complexities of e-commerce and achieve their business goals.
In conclusion, with the rise of online retail sales and the increasing importance of e-commerce in today’s business landscape, entrepreneurs can leverage the resources and expertise of organizations like SCORE to establish successful e-commerce small businesses. By understanding the benefits of e-commerce, focusing on customer service, and accessing valuable resources and mentorship, entrepreneurs can position themselves for growth and success in the digital marketplace.
