Seven tools you need to launch an e-commerce business

In today's digital age, starting an e-commerce business has become an enticing venture for entrepreneurs around the globe. With the convenience and accessibility of online shopping, the potential for growth and success in the e-commerce realm is vast.

The market for e-commerce is available in Africa due to rising internet penetration and mobile phones. As of December 2022, there are about 122 million internet users and 40 million smartphone users in Nigeria alone. So the potential for an e-commerce business is enormous.

However, diving into this competitive market requires more than just a great product or service. Like a traditional business, there are systems and structures that enable a business to run efficiently. Rather than depend on people and physical resources, you can use apps and computer software to run your e-commerce business.

But to navigate the e-commerce landscape successfully, you need to arm yourself with the right tools and strategies. Here are some essential tools required to launch and run a thriving e-commerce business.

1. E-commerce platform

The first step towards building an online store is choosing the right e-commerce platform. An e-commerce platform is the software that an e-commerce store uses to take care of customers' needs, from product pages to order fulfilment.

Since most users will make their orders from their mobile phones, it's essential that the platform selected is robust and user-friendly. Some e-commerce business owners build their own websites from scratch.

However, you can also build on pre-existing e-commerce stores like Amazon, Shopify, eBay or Nigerian-focused stores like Jumia, Jiji, Konga, etc.

2. Payment processing Gateways

A core pillar of any successful e-commerce business is a fast, reliable and secure payment gateway. Your customers need to feel confident that their payment information is protected during transactions.

Popular payment gateways like Paystack, Flutterwave, and Fincra offer secure payment processing, fraud protection, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms. By providing a range of payment options and ensuring the security of your customer's financial data, you build trust and encourage repeat business.

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3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System:

Businesses exist to serve customers, so fostering long-term relationships with your customers is crucial. This is why you need a functional Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool.

A CRM tool helps you manage customer interactions, track leads, and automate marketing campaigns. By capturing customer data and analysing buying patterns, you can personalize your marketing efforts and offer targeted promotions.

Popular CRM systems like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho CRM provide a centralised database for customer information, allowing you to provide exceptional customer service and drive customer loyalty.

4. Analytics & Tracking tools

Analytics and tracking tools measure user behaviour, performance trends, and return on investment (ROI). Such tools are great to achieve plenty of goals, ranging from increasing the number of sales to improving how your website is performing.

With the right tool, it’s easier to make informed decisions that potentially increase sales and reduce costs. By analysing data, you will be able to figure out the purchasing habits and behaviours of your customers. This ensures customer retention.

One tool that is popular for tracking such data is Google Analytics. This enables you to identify and test certain variables. You can analyse the data received from these tests to maximise your business efficiency.

5. Internal communication tool

E-commerce tools can also be beneficial for the inner workings of an online business. Internal communication tools are software that helps companies manage employee communications.

These tools can help streamline communication between managers and employees, or between employees themselves. This could mean anything from having a dedicated space to communicate with employees to a platform to streamline project management tasks. Some nifty communication tools include Slack, Coda, Monday.com

6. Content creation

Digital content rules the internet, but actually creating it can quickly become overwhelming. You start with an idea, and end up changing it altogether during your research—it’s easy to get lost.

Content creation tools help you to produce compelling visuals, written content, and multimedia elements that captivate your audience and effectively convey your brand's message. Some content creation tools you’ll find valuable include Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Grammarly, Adobe Premiere Pro, Hootsuite and Buffer

7. Account management software

Accounting softwares will help you keep up with the exhausting and time-consuming task of crunching numbers and managing your books. Whether you’re selling within your local area, nationwide, or around the world, tracking your finances can feel like a full-time position.

Accounting and tax mistakes can be detrimental, so skipping steps or rushing the process isn’t a choice. Accounting software programs help online store owners track all transactions that take place on their websites.

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This tool allows store owners to manage available inventory and determine sales expenses, profit margins, and other vital details, such as accounts receivables, tax payable, invoicing and overhead expenditure.

Closing thoughts

To succeed in your e-commerce business, having the right tools is as crucial as a deep understanding of the market, so you can enhance your operations. By targeting the right audience, using effective marketing strategies, and providing exceptional customer service, your business can establish a loyal customer base and achieve sustainable growth.