Starting an eCommerce side hustle is an attractive option for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or test the waters of online business, eCommerce offers exciting opportunities. This guide from GritGlobal will walk you through the essential steps to launch and expand your own eCommerce venture, turning your passion or expertise into a thriving online business. From choosing your niche to scaling your operations, these strategies can help you succeed in the competitive world of online retail.

Understanding eCommerce Side Hustle

An eCommerce side hustle is a part-time online business venture that allows you to sell products or services alongside your main job. It leverages digital platforms to reach customers, offering flexibility and low startup costs. 

This model enables entrepreneurs to test business ideas, generate additional income, and potentially grow into a full-time enterprise. Success often hinges on finding the right niche, effective personal marketing, and efficient operations management.

How to Choose a Side Hustle

A well-chosen side hustle has the potential to evolve into a lucrative full-time career. To determine if a side hustle is suitable for you long-term, evaluate its alignment with your interests, financial impact, and compatibility with your schedule.

Passion and interest alignment – Does the side hustle align with your interests?

After a full day of work, you’ll need motivation to focus on your side project. Opt for a business that excites you, whether it’s a specific niche like gardening products or a business model such as social media content creation. Your enthusiasm will help you prioritize your side hustle over leisure activities.

Financial viability – Is the side hustle financially viable?

Most eCommerce side hustles require an initial time investment before generating revenue. Start by establishing a demand for your product or service. As you progress, assess the profitability of your business to ensure your efforts are worthwhile.

Schedule compatibility – Does the side hustle fit your schedule?

With work, family, and daily responsibilities, finding time for a side hustle can be challenging. If you have a busy schedule, choose a flexible business model that allows you to complete tasks in small, manageable chunks during your free time.

Involvement level – Passive or hands-on: What’s your style?

Side hustles vary in the amount of attention they require. Some, like affiliate marketing websites, need significant upfront work but less day-to-day management. Others, such as pet sitting, demand constant attention. Decide whether you prefer a side hustle that requires ongoing involvement or one that allows for periodic bursts of effort.

How to Set up Your eCommerce Side Hustle on BigCommerce

Source suppliers

Research reliable suppliers for your chosen products. Consider factors like quality, cost, and shipping times. You need to look into wholesalers, manufacturers, or even create your own products. It is best to ensure your supplier can meet demand and maintain consistent quality, then build a relationship with them to negotiate better terms as your business grows.

Select a reliable drop shipper

If using dropshipping, you must select a reputable service that integrates with BigCommerce. Compare shipping speeds, costs, and product range and look for providers with good customer service and easy returns processes. Popular options include AliExpress, Oberlo, or Spocket. It is best to test their service before committing to ensure reliability for your eCommerce side hustle.

Set prices

Then, calculate your costs, including product, shipping, and platform fees. You can research competitor pricing to position yourself competitively. In addition, consider using a pricing strategy like cost-plus or value-based pricing. Don’t forget to factor in profit margins and be prepared to adjust prices based on market demand and performance.

Build a strong brand

The next thing you must do is to develop a unique brand identity that resonates with your target audience. It is best to choose a memorable name and define your brand values. Craft a compelling brand story that connects with customers. Consistency is key – ensure your brand voice is uniform across all touchpoints, from your website to customer communications.

Design a logo

A simple, memorable logo will represent your brand, with colors and fonts that align with your brand identity. The logo should look good in various sizes for different applications. Consider hiring a professional designer or using tools like Canva for DIY designs to make it versatile and timeless.

Create your online store

BigCommerce’s user-friendly platform is wonderful for setting up your store with a theme that matches your brand aesthetic. You can customize your storefront, add products, and set up payment gateways. It also needs optimizing for mobile users. Ensure your navigation is intuitive and your checkout process is smooth to maximize conversions.

Write engaging content

Engaging product descriptions will highlight benefits and features. In addition, you can create an “About Us” page to share your brand story and start a blog to provide valuable content for your audience. Use SEO best practices to improve visibility and consider adding customer reviews and FAQs to build trust and provide information.

Take photos

High-quality product photography is an investment that effectively showcases your items. You should use a mix of lifestyle and studio shots to give customers a clear idea of your products. Creating short videos or 360-degree images can provide a more immersive shopping experience.

Let the world know

A well-developed marketing strategy is essential to promote your eCommerce side hustle. You should utilize social media platforms, email marketing, and content marketing to reach your target audience. Considering paid advertising options like Google Ads or social media ads can boost visibility and drive traffic to your store.

Handle Logistics and Customer Service

Efficient order fulfillment processes and clear customer service policies are crucial. You should respond promptly to inquiries and resolve issues quickly. Using automation tools for order processing and customer communication can help streamline operations as you grow.

Monitor Performance and Optimize

Regular analysis of your store’s performance using BigCommerce’s analytics tools is important. You should track key metrics like sales, conversion rates, and customer behavior. These insights can be used to optimize your product offerings, marketing strategies, and overall user experience to drive growth.

Scale Your Business

As your side hustle grows, you should look for opportunities to expand. This may include adding new product lines, exploring different marketing channels, or entering new markets. Continuous improvement of your operations and customer experience will help build a sustainable and scalable eCommerce business.

Tips For Starting An eCommerce Side Hustle on BigCommerce

Successful eCommerce ventures often rely on several key strategies. Drawing from personal experience, here are some valuable insights for thriving in the online marketplace:

• Know Your Niche – Focus on areas you understand well. Your expertise in a specific field can give you a real edge over competitors who are just chasing trends.
• Try, Try Again – Don’t be discouraged if your first idea doesn’t take off. Success often comes after testing several products or concepts. Each attempt teaches you something valuable.
• Grow Smart – Scaling your eCommerce side hustle takes time. Be patient and reinvest wisely. Instead of throwing money at random ads, stick to a solid business plan.
• Set a Schedule – Consistency is key. Even with a day job, try to dedicate a few hours each week to your eCommerce business. Create a work schedule and stick to it.
• Keep Learning – The eCommerce world changes fast. Stay informed about new trends, tools, and best practices. Your ability to adapt and evolve with the industry can make a big difference.

How Atom8 Helps You with Starting An eCommerce Side Hustle on BigCommerce

Atom8 is your go-to automation solution. This all-in-one app streamlines operations, saving you precious time and boosting sales. Trusted by leading stores, Atom8 simplifies BigCommerce Automation, allowing you to focus on growing your business. With features designed for complete store automation and revenue optimization, Atom8 from GritGlobal has become an indispensable tool for new and expanding online businesses.

From managing inventory and processing orders to updating product information, Atom8 efficiently handles repetitive tasks that can bog down a budding entrepreneur. By implementing time-saving workflows and streamlining operations, this powerful app scales with your business, supporting you every step of the way. Start your eCommerce journey with a robust ally that not only simplifies your day-to-day operations but also contributes to your store’s success and growth.

In Conclusion

By following this guide, you’re taking the first steps towards online business success. Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key to turning your side hustle into a thriving eCommerce business. As your store grows, consider leveraging automation to streamline operations and boost efficiency. BigCommerce Automation app offers complete BigCommerce automation solutions that can help optimize your revenue, time, and operations. Contact us today and discover how the tool can benefit your eCommerce side hustle.