Shelley Barrett began her business venture in online retail seven years ago with ModelCo, an Australian beauty brand that combines cutting-edge creativity and technical innovation to create premium quality tan accessories and cosmetics. Recognising that the digital space is constantly changing is important in managing a successful online business. For Shelley, being able to adapt to the fast pace of online retail and to the technologies currently available is essential.
“You need to be innovative and open to change, as well as one step ahead of the competitors,” she says.
Shelley takes advantage of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to drive traffic to her website. She says that the key to a successful eCommerce website is to make it simple, efficient and convenient. Customers should be able to find and buy products with limited click-throughs so that they benefit from the ease of online shopping. Shelley’s top five tips for those looking to start selling online are:
- Know your market and the way they like to shop
- Do your research – what works in your industry online? What doesn’t?
- Stay ahead of your competitors – never stop innovating or creating something new!
- Make it simple – online shopping is about convenience
- Give your loyal customers a reason to come back
