Interested in Opening a Shop on Online?

 It's Not Easy, but It's Worth It!

Here are some tips I learned:

1.  Determine your passion

You want to open a side business that excites you and put forth the effort it will take to launch and strive. Rather than look at trends, niches, and other suggestions, pick a niche you enjoy working in. Some people will advise you to pick a less competitive niche, but I suggest not working on the competition.

As suggested by Sabri Suby, think about a store you would be a customer of. I love to wear sweatshirts and T-shirts. I also love graphic design. My highest value is kindness.  When I combined these loves, I started a niche selling T-shirts.

2.  Work on your Brand

As I stated online, you want a consistent brand for your business. However, be flexible, as your brand may change over time. I started with "Real Talk by Kelli" on YouTube, thinking I would speak on life.  

As I explored my passions and realized I was happy designing, I decided to open a t-shirt shop.  I loved "Real Talk" because it spoke to being authentic and true, and I started my brand with "Real Talk T-shirts by Kelli."  

As time passed, I discovered this was not memorable or related to T-shirts.  I then came up with Joyify Tees.  I love this brand because it speaks to the heart of my personality and what I want to give to others.  I want to spark more joy in the world.  I wanted to use colors that brought me joy in the logo.  When developing your brand, develop something that excites you, as you will have this brand throughout the business.

3.  Decide where to house your shop

I decided to use Shopify, Etsy, and Teespring. I will write more articles about the benefits of each.   While Etsy charges a listing fee and fee when others buy your product, the set-up and use are remarkably easy for setting up your store.  Here is a link to my shop on Etsy:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/joyifytees.  

Shopify is more difficult to navigate, but you have more choices and freedom in being in charge.  Once you get used to using it, it becomes easier.  Visit my shop to see the differences between Shopify and Etsy: https://joyifytees.com/.

I love Teespring because it easily applies your design to multiple products. I just changed my Teespring link to https://realtalktshirts.creator-spring.com/, so I need to update it. 

4.  Consider tools that will help you create or design your product

I use kittl.com, canva.com, and Paint 3D to help in my designs.  While it is tempting to design and put these products in your stores straight away, there are many things I learned that you want to consider first.  I will discuss what I learned about each online shop I created in upcoming blogs.

5.  Get organized

Having ADHD, my files and documents were everywhere. I highly recommend using OneNote to organize your business.  I set up sections like Brand, Etsy, Social Media, Tasks, Budget, and Blog.  You can easily link to files, insert pictures, record Brand colors, and have all of the information at your fingertips. Having a Social Media section allowed me to create pages for all my accounts with their links.

6. Establish key items for your business

Consider buying a website domain, getting your business email, and establishing an LLC or starting as a sole proprietor. Many apps, including Google Workspace, can assist you.  Create a business plan (note to self).

7.  Remain flexible and self-compassionate

You may not get everything right in your start-up, but that is okay.  Consider it a learning process.  I guarantee what I know today is way more than I knew in December when I first started.  Enjoy the journey!