How do I get more customers into my retail store?

We use the Zenith Method™ to help you increase visibility, attract the right foot traffic, and turn browsers into buyers. Most of our clients see an increase in traffic within weeks of implementing the strategy.

What kind of retailers do you work with?

I coach independent retailers across the UK — from gift shops and clothing boutiques to lifestyle stores and homeware brands. If you run a physical store or sell in-person and want more sales, I can help.

Do I need a big budget to grow my retail business?

No. Most of my clients grow without spending heavily on ads. We focus on connection, storytelling, customer experience, and systems that increase sales organically and sustainably.

What makes Samuel Chapman different from other business coaches?

I’ve built and sold multiple six-figure businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores, and I specialise in real-world retail, not theory. My coaching is personal, practical, and proven — rooted in results, not fluff.

Want to Start an E-Commerce Business? Here’s My Honest Advice

How to Start an Online Store, Best Tips for E-Commerce Success

Want to Start an E-Commerce Business? Here’s My Honest Advice

If you’re thinking about starting an e-commerce business, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is it worth it? How do I start an online store successfully? or What should I know before launching an e-commerce business?

The truth is, e-commerce is one of the best opportunities for product-based business owners, but it’s also competitive and requires smart strategy. Many people jump into e-commerce thinking it’s an easy way to make money, only to struggle with low sales, expensive ads, and inventory problems.

I'm Samuel Chapman – Small Business Coach, and I’ve helped product-based entrepreneurs launch and grow successful e-commerce stores. In this guide, I’ll share my honest advice on what it really takes to succeed in e-commerce, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What You Need to Know Before Starting an E-Commerce Business

1. Choose the Right Product & Niche

Avoid selling generic products that everyone else is selling.
Look for a niche with demand but not oversaturated competition.
Solve a specific customer problem or offer a unique experience.

2. Validate Your Idea Before Investing Too Much

Sell a small batch of products first to test demand.
Use pre-orders or dropshipping to avoid overstocking.
Ask your ideal customers for feedback before launching.

3. Your Website & Branding Matter More Than You Think

A slow, confusing website will lose you sales.
Invest in high-quality product photography and compelling descriptions.
Make checkout simple and fast—too many steps will kill conversions.

4. Organic Traffic Takes Time—Have a Paid Ads Strategy

SEO and social media are long-term strategies.
Running Facebook, Instagram, and Google Shopping ads can bring quicker results.
Start with a small ad budget and test what works.

5. Customer Retention Is Just as Important as Customer Acquisition

Getting new customers is expensive—focus on repeat buyers.
Use email marketing, loyalty programmes, and upsells to increase lifetime value.
Offer excellent customer service to build trust and referrals.

Want a personalised e-commerce launch strategy? Book a free discovery call today! Book Now

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching an E-Commerce Business

Step 1: Choose Your E-Commerce Model

Dropshipping – No inventory needed, but lower profit margins.
Print-on-Demand – Custom designs, low upfront costs.
Private Label – Build your own brand but requires inventory.
Handmade & Custom Products – Best for artisans and creators.

Step 2: Pick the Best E-Commerce Platform

Shopify – Best all-in-one solution.
WooCommerce (WordPress) – More customisation, requires setup.
Etsy – Great for handmade and vintage products.
Amazon & eBay – Large marketplaces with built-in traffic.

Step 3: Set Up a High-Converting Website

Use a clean, mobile-friendly design.
Have clear product descriptions, pricing, and high-quality images.
Add trust signals like customer reviews and secure payment options.

Step 4: Market Your Store & Attract Customers

Use SEO & content marketing for long-term growth.
Run social media ads and influencer partnerships.
Build an email list from day one.

Step 5: Optimise for Repeat Sales & Growth

Offer discounts and loyalty rewards for returning customers.
Use upsells and bundles to increase order value.
Get customer feedback and keep improving.

Need help launching your e-commerce business? Book a free discovery call today! Book Now

Common Questions About Starting an E-Commerce Business

1. Is It Too Late to Start an E-Commerce Business?

No! E-commerce is still growing, but you need the right niche and strategy.
Differentiate yourself—don’t just copy what everyone else is doing.

2. How Much Money Do I Need to Start an Online Store?

You can start with as little as £100-£500 for a basic website and small inventory.
More investment is needed if you want custom branding and advertising.

3. How Long Does It Take to Make Money with E-Commerce?

If you market it right, you can start making sales in weeks.
Long-term success comes from consistent marketing and customer retention.

4. Should I Sell on My Own Website or Marketplaces Like Amazon & Etsy?

Your own website gives you full control and higher profits.
Marketplaces bring instant traffic but charge fees.
Do both for maximum reach and sales.

Need expert advice on launching an online store? Book a free discovery call today! Book Now

Who is Samuel Chapman?

Samuel Chapman is a leading business coach for e-commerce entrepreneurs, helping online store owners, product-based businesses, and market stall sellers launch and scale profitable e-commerce brands. Having grown his own businesses to multiple-six figures, he now teaches business owners how to start, market, and grow online stores successfully.

If you want expert coaching to launch and grow a successful e-commerce business, book a free discovery call today.

Book Your Free Discovery Call Here

Get Your Extra FREE Resources Here

Discover Samuel's Book Here

Want to Start an E-Commerce Business? Here’s My Honest Advice

Want to Start an E-Commerce Business? Here’s My Honest Advice

What You Need to Know Before Starting an E-Commerce Business

1. Choose the Right Product & Niche

2. Validate Your Idea Before Investing Too Much

3. Your Website & Branding Matter More Than You Think

4. Organic Traffic Takes Time—Have a Paid Ads Strategy

5. Customer Retention Is Just as Important as Customer Acquisition

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching an E-Commerce Business

Step 1: Choose Your E-Commerce Model

Step 2: Pick the Best E-Commerce Platform

Step 3: Set Up a High-Converting Website

Step 4: Market Your Store & Attract Customers

Step 5: Optimise for Repeat Sales & Growth

Common Questions About Starting an E-Commerce Business

1. Is It Too Late to Start an E-Commerce Business?

2. How Much Money Do I Need to Start an Online Store?

3. How Long Does It Take to Make Money with E-Commerce?

4. Should I Sell on My Own Website or Marketplaces Like Amazon & Etsy?

Who is Samuel Chapman?

Want More Customers Without More Overwhelm?

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