Launch Online Store for Mums: Step-by-Step Guide

From Mummy Guilt to Marketplace Magic: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your First Online Store

Hey there, lovely Femmeprenistas! Ever dreamt of having your own online shop, a place to showcase your brilliant creations or curated collections to the world? A place that’s totally YOURS, where you set the rules & the hours, fitting perfectly around the beautiful chaos of family life? Honestly, I know I did! It can feel like a huge leap, right? I get it. Between the school runs, the never-ending laundry pile, & trying to remember where I put my keys (again!), the thought of adding "tech wizard" & "e-commerce guru" to my already overflowing mum-brain can be, shall we say, a tad daunting.

But what if I told you it doesn't have to be? What if, instead of overwhelm, you felt empowered – excited, even – about the possibility of building your own online empire, brick by virtual brick? Imagine, that’s an online shop, your brand, your offers, all there serving your purpose!

Let’s face it, juggling Motherhood and Entrepreneurship is a skill in itself. One minute you’re negotiating a truce over who gets the last biscuit, the next you’re crafting a killer marketing strategy (sometimes while cleaning up a spilled juice masterpiece, let’s be real!). It's really funny because I remember one time trying to record a training video, my absolute focus on delivering killer content, when my toddler daughter decided my brand-new Ruby Woo MAC lipstick was the perfect tool for redecorating the living room wall. It totally derailed my filming schedule and I had to scramble to clean up the “masterpiece” before it became a permanent installation! Moments like these, though hilarious in hindsight, are a constant reminder of the juggle we navigate as mum-entrepreneurs. Finding ways to create systems and manage these delightful interruptions is a non-negotiable part of building a business that truly works with our lives, not against them. But it’s these real-life moments that make the journey so unique, so relatable, & ultimately, so rewarding. Because, darling, when we embrace the juggle, magic happens.

This post is your practical, step-by-step guide to launching your first online store, designed specifically for ambitious mums like us who want to make their mark on the marketplace without sacrificing precious family time. We'll cover everything from choosing the right platform to setting up shop, all while keeping it simple, fun, & totally doable. Remember, we’re aiming for smart work, not just hard work, aligning beautifully with our Flair & Flow principles to build a business that FLOURISHES.

Choosing Your Perfect Platform: Shopify vs. Etsy

First things first, you need to choose your online home. Two of the most popular platforms for beginners are Shopify & Etsy. Each has its own flavour, so let’s find the perfect fit for your unique business.

• Shopify: Think of Shopify as your own personal kingdom. You have complete control over the look & feel of your store, from the colours & layout to the functionality. It's like building your dream house from scratch - you get to choose everything! It’s brilliant for building your brand & creating a truly unique online experience. However, it does require a bit more tech-savviness & ongoing maintenance, like tending a beautiful garden. I’ll be honest, when I first started, the sheer number of options on Shopify felt totally overwhelming. I spent weeks tweaking the theme and fiddling with settings, only to realize I was focusing on the wrong things. It's really funny now, looking back, but at the time, it felt like a monumental waste of time. I really wish I’d focused on getting my core offer clear first & then building the site around that, which is exactly what I help my clients do now. It's all about working smart, not just hard – a key principle for any busy mum, right?

• Etsy: Etsy is more like a bustling marketplace, a vibrant community of makers & creators. It's fantastic for getting your products in front of a built-in audience of eager shoppers, especially if you’re selling handcrafted or vintage items. It's simpler to set up than Shopify, like setting up a stall at a craft fair, but you have less control over the overall branding & design.

Which one’s right for you? Honestly, it depends on your goals & the type of products you’re selling. If you’re passionate about building a strong brand identity & want complete control, Shopify might be your perfect match. If you’re eager to get started quickly & tap into an existing community, Etsy could be your ideal marketplace. The question really comes down to, will Etsy allow your Flair to shine through or do you need the full kingdom that Shopify offers?

Setting Up Shop: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the fun part! Let’s get your store up & running. Don't worry, we'll keep it simple & jargon-free.

1. Niche Clarity & Product Perfection: Before you even think about platforms, get crystal clear on your niche. What problem are you solving? Who is your ideal customer? What stage are they at in their entrepreneurial journey – are they a Foundation Builder just starting out? & what makes your products truly special? This clarity is key. Feeling a bit lost? Our Spark Program (specifically designed to help Foundation Builders like you gain clarity & validate your brilliant ideas) might be just what you need. You can learn more here: https://www.femmeprenista.com/spark. You know it's true, having that laser focus from the outset is invaluable. Remember my own early venture, Nisbett & George? One of the biggest lessons I learned was the critical importance of niche clarity before investing significant time and energy.

2. Platform Power Up: Once you've chosen your platform (Shopify or Etsy), it’s time to create your account & choose a shop name that reflects your brand's personality. This is where your Flair shines!

3. Product Parade: Now, let your products take centre stage!
   

   • Add stunning, high-quality photos that showcase your products in the best possible light.

   • Write compelling descriptions that highlight the unique benefits and features, focusing on the value they bring to your customer.

   • Set accurate pricing that reflects the true worth of your creations. Don't undersell yourself, darling! Remember, pricing confidently is a crucial part of building a sustainable business.

4. Payment Prowess: Set up your payment gateway. This is the system that allows customers to securely pay for their purchases. Most platforms offer integrated options, making it super easy.

5. Shipping Savvy: Decide on your shipping strategy. Will you offer free shipping, flat-rate shipping, or calculated shipping based on weight & location? This can be a bit of a puzzle, so keep it simple to start.

6. Legal & Tax Time (Don’t Panic!): I know, the words “legal” & “tax” can make even the most seasoned entrepreneur’s eyes glaze over. But don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. Get familiar with the basic legal requirements & tax regulations for your location. You can find helpful resources on the https://www.gov.uk/browse/business UK government's business advice section, or explore affordable online courses like Relevant Affordable Online Course specifically designed for small business owners. For more in-depth guidance, consider consulting with an expert. Remember, building a sustainable business means having a solid foundation, even if the details seem a bit dull.

Mindset Magic: Overcoming the Overwhelm

Launching an online store is a journey, not a race. There will be bumps in the road, moments of self-doubt, & maybe even a spilled cup of tea or two (or three!). But that's okay. Embrace the journey, celebrate the small wins, & remember your "why." Remember, too, that sometimes progress is not linear! Just like my own journey – four kids, a PhD, and building Femmeprenista – it’s been a winding path, but taking ownership of my pace and celebrating each step has been key.

Here’s a quick 3-step checklist to help you tackle overwhelm & stay focused, inspired by my own bumpy ride (trust me, there were tears & plenty of chocolate involved!):

1. Daily Affirmation Boost: Start each day with a powerful affirmation like, "I am capable & resourceful. I am building a thriving online business that aligns with my vision." Repeat it out loud, write it down, & truly feel it.

2. Visualize Your Success: Take 5 minutes to close your eyes & vividly picture your dream online store buzzing with happy customers. Imagine the feeling of seeing those first orders come in – pure magic, right?

3. One Small Win a Day: Celebrate even the tiniest victories, like setting up your payment gateway or writing a compelling product description. This keeps your momentum going & fuels your motivation.

Launching Your Dream: From Idea to Reality

You’ve got this! You've built your shop, stocked your virtual shelves, & silenced the inner critic. Now it’s time to share your brilliance with the world!

• Soft Launch Love: Consider doing a soft launch with a small group of friends or family to get initial feedback. This can help you iron out any wrinkles before the big reveal. Just like testing a new recipe on your family before serving it to guests – invaluable feedback, right?

• Marketing Magic: Spread the word about your new online store! Share it on social media, email your list, & tell everyone you know (and their dog!). Seriously, word-of-mouth marketing is still incredibly powerful, especially when you're just starting out.

• Celebrate the Journey: Launching your online store is a HUGE accomplishment. Celebrate your hard work, your resilience, & your unwavering belief in your dream. Pop the champagne (or the herbal tea, if that’s your vibe) & celebrate YOU!

Ready to turn your online store dreams into reality? Feeling like you could use some extra support and guidance on your journey as a Foundation Builder? Our Launch Programme is specifically designed to help you launch confidently and get those first paying clients. Find out more here: https://www.femmeprenista.com/launch.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?

Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community

We'd love to welcome you!