Are you starting a new business and want to create a free online store for your business? If yes, then do not fret; this article will help you know the best way of creating a free website. However, before going into the details of how to get a free website, let’s discuss the importance of an online store and having a website.

Importance of Online Stores for a Business

Having an online store has become more important than it has ever been for a business. If you are selling your products in a brick-and-mortar store, then you need to have an online store as well. Not only that but if you want to start a new business, it is wise to present it digitally along with a physical store. The pandemic has changed the way people used to shop. It has increased online shopping by a significant percentage, and it is not going back. Hence, it is wise to have an online store.

Furthermore, having an online store allows you to target a wider customer base. While having a physical store, you can only target potential customers in that area. In contrast, when you have an online store, you can target customers not only around the whole city but the whole country and even worldwide. So, whether you are a wholesaler or a retailer, it would be best to have an online store.

Benefits of having an online store include but are not limited to;

• Wider consumer-base
• 24/7 availability
• Cost-effective
• Affordable marketing
• Flexibility
• Convenience

Why do You Need to Have a Website?

When deciding to sell online, you have various options, i.e., a marketplace, social media, and a website. However, having a website is the best way to present your business. You can further market your website through marketplaces and social media to promote your business. The following are the benefits of building a website for your online store;

• Having a website strengthens your brand
• Having a website helps you understand your audience better
• You to customize your online store per your requirements
• A website allows you to market your brand cost-effectively
• It does not have any reach limitations
• It offers a higher profit ratio

Hence, it is wise to build a website for your online store. It will provide you with a better return on the time and money you invest.

How to Create a Free Website for Your Online Business?

There are many options available in the market to build a customized website for your business. You can hire a professional web developer to build a website from scratch through coding. You also have the option to hire a company to provide you with a better custom-made website. Moreover, you have the option to create your website by yourself. Further, you have two options to create your website on your own. You can go for coding (if you are familiar with it), or you can opt for a website builder.

If you opt for a web developer or software development company, it will cost you a lot of money. They will charge hundreds of dollars for building a custom website. Not only that, but they will charge you hundreds of dollars monthly for maintenance. So, the ideal option is to do it by yourself. However, coding can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort. Hence, the best option is to go for a website builder.

There are various website builders available for you to choose from. Some of these website builders a free, and some are paid. However, if you want to create a free website, you need to opt for a free website builder. But free website builders come with tons of cons. A few cons of using free website builders include,

• A limited number of pages
• No custom domain names
• Branding of the website builder
• Limited customization options
• Restricted features
• No Secure Sockets Layer

Limited Number of Pages

Being able to create a limited number of pages is not an option, especially in the case of an online store.

No Custom Domain Names

If you want to strengthen your brand, you need a custom domain name. It will make a good impact on your customers.

Branding of the Website Builder

The branding of a free website builder leaves a bad impression on customers. Hence, it is not the best thing to have on your website.

Limited Customization Options

If you want to stand out from the competition and retain your customers, you need a unique website. It is only possible through customization.

Restricted Features

Free website builders offer restricted features that worsen the customer experience.

No Secure Sockets Layer

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is one of the most important features to improve customers’ trust. No SSL means losing a lot of customers.

So, with these cons of free website builders, it is not a wise decision to build a free online store using such builders.

If a free website builder is not the right option, then how to create a free website? Well, here is the perfect option for you to build a free website. Running a business requires an accounting system, a POS system, and inventory management software. All you need to do is find a reliable accounting system that offers an e-commerce website builder. There are companies offering the option of building your website for free using a reliable website builder along with their software.

These website builders will provide you with all the features of a paid website builder.

Create a Free Website Today

So, if you are on the lookout for a free online store, then all you need to do is choose accounting software that offers a free website builder. The software will help you streamline your business operations, and you will also get a free website.

3S Cart is one of the best free website builders that comes with SMACC. SMACC is a one-stop solution for all your accounting and business management needs. So, get your SMACC account and manage your business efficiently while getting free access to 3S Cart. 3S Cart comes with a wide range of unique and attractive templates. You can choose any of these templates and then customize them per your requirements.

Things to Consider While Building an Online E-Commerce Store

Do you want to enhance your sales and reach a wide customer base? If yes, then going for an e-commerce store is the best way to do that. It will not only help you reach more customers but also improve your sales. Having an online presence is much more effective than having a few brick-and-mortar stores in different cities. Through the online presence of your business, you can reach millions of customers with just a little effort.

What is an E-Commerce Store?

E-commerce involves buying and selling products through an online platform. An E-commerce store is a platform where businesses sell their products and customers buy them. These online stores are the best way to enhance your sales and profits. However, most of the sellers often start their business with a brick-and-mortar store and then move to the online ones. Moreover, there are even some business owners who do not go for online selling.

Benefits of an E-Commerce Store

If you are selling products and want to increase your sales, then the best way to do that is through an online store. E-commerce stores are getting more and more popular with each passing day. They offer various benefits. The benefits you can get from these stores include but are not limited to;

• Fast busing and selling process
• Low set-up and maintenance costs
• Reach to a wider customer base
• Flexible
• Convenience for customers
• Numerous payment methods
• Ability to operate from anywhere
• 24/7 Availability to customers

Online stores offer various other benefits as well, including better cash flow, affordable advertisement, and many more. Thus, it would be best to have an online presence for your business. It helps you take your business to new highs and get more sales.

Considerations When Building an Online Store

When it comes to online stores, you need to consider a few things. It will help you build an effective and reliable store that can help you present your business in a better way. Here are a few things that you need to consider while building your store.

Types of E-Commerce Stores

When it comes to the types of e-commerce stores, they vary depending on different factors. In this era of technology, various types of online shops are available in the market. Regardless of what kind of products you sell or what business model you follow, you will find a store specifically for your business. Here are the types of stores to help you find one that suits your business needs and can help you achieve your goals.

Types of Online Stores with Respect to Business Models

Different online stores are available with respect to the business models. Here are the types of stores by business models;

• Business-to-Business (B2B)
• Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)
• Consumer-to-Business (C2B)

Types of Online Stores with Respect to Website

Different online stores are available with respect to e-commerce websites. Here are the types of stores by the type of e-commerce website;

• Individual brand website (one seller)
• Online retailers (select number of sellers)
• Marketplaces (multiple sellers)

These are a few types of online stores available in the market. If you are thinking of building an online store for your business, you can consider these types. However, it is wise to ensure that the type of store you choose meets your business requirements.

How to Build Your Store?

Once you have decided which type of store you are going to build, the next thing is how to build your store. Well, to build your e-commerce store, you have three options.

• Hire a Web Developer
• Hire a Web Development Firm
• An Ecommerce platform

Hiring a web developer or a web development firm is not a bad option, but hiring them has a few drawbacks. The first and foremost drawback of hiring them is the cost that you will have to pay. They charge a lot of money for developing a website, especially for an e-commerce website. Furthermore, you will be dependent on them to make the website. Although you will be able to customize the store, you will not get what you actually need.

In contrast, opting for an e-commerce platform offers you flexibility while being cost-effective. These platforms will help you build an online store with no hassle. From the interface of the store to every little detail, you can personalize everything through an e-commerce platform. Hence, it is wise to choose an e-commerce platform and turn your dream into reality.

Which Platform to Choose for Your Online Store?

When it comes to e-commerce platforms for online stores, you will find numerous of them available in the market. However, it would be best to ensure that the one you choose is reliable, and offers customizability with a wide range of options and minor details. 3S Cart is one of the leading, easy-to-use, and most trusted e-commerce platforms offering reliable and effective solutions for online stores.

3S Cart offers custom domains, product management, marketing, and various other options with reliability. A wide range of templates is available for you to choose from, and you can customize them according to your requirements. Furthermore, 3S Cart also offers Android and iOS apps for your brand. So, do not wait and build your online store with 3S Cart.