Entrepreneurial Insider: E-commerce Businesses
Every month, WGVU with Shelley Irwin hosts our Entrepreneurial Insider where we talk with local small business owners about important business topics and trends happening in the market place. You’ll also discover resources that GROW offers to those who want to start their own business, or are looking for tips to improve their business. This month we welcomed Tova Jones, Owner of Luv Jones Plus Size Boutique, www.luvjonespb.com.
As most people know, e-commerce is a term for any type of business, or commercial transaction, that involves the transfer of information across the Internet. While you might think of Amazon or EBay as e-commerce websites, there are thousands of online stores that sell solely online – and don’t have a retail location.
Tova Jones started Luv Jones Plus Size Boutique, available exclusively online. “I started this business because I saw something missing in the market place. There were not a lot of fashionable options for me out there as a plus size woman, so I saw it as a business opportunity. I started Luv Jones in November, just about two years ago. And we’re still going strong.”
Starting an online business isn’t always easy.
It can be intimidating if you’re not sure about technology or websites. The great news, as Tova shared with us, is that you don’t have to be a programmer or a developer to create your own site.
First things first, Narrow Down Your Niche
You want to narrow down your product offering. Finding that niche and unmet needs in the market are where opportunities are endless. For Tova Jones it was plus size clothing, which didn’t have a lot of options.
- Know which products you want to sell
- Know what is trending, and is it sustainable
- Do market research to make sure it’s the right product mix for you, that you have a passion to sell it for a long time.
What If You’re Not a Web Developer?
These days there are a lot of options out there. You don’t have to hire a web designer right away, if you’re not afraid to try a few things on your own first. There are other online tools where you can create your own website. A few options are Wix, WordPress, even GoDaddy offers e-commerce site options.
Tova shared, “When I first began I used WIX and learned a lot. They have lots of resources in there that you can learn from. Yes, it took some time, but I was able to figure it out on my own. Now that the site has been live for two years, we’re working on version 2.0. For this site we are using a web designer to make the site a little more professional and unique.”
How Has GROW Helped Your Journey?
Jones has utilized training and resources from GROW as she’s built her business too. She’s attended our training classes to create and solidify her business plan, as well as get more ideas to continue marketing her business. She also finds networking opportunities with other like-minded, entrepreneurial women and those who support them. When asked about GROW, Tova said, “If you haven’t been, you should go. Especially if you’re just starting out.” She added this tip for small business owners, “Never think that any business idea is too big for you. Make a plan and go for it.”
For more information about Luv Jones Plus Size Boutique visit them online at www.Luvjonespb.com
If you’d like more information on our training classes and other small business resources, please contact us today.
