How To Start a Ghost Commerce Business in the UK 2024

Step 1: Product research

Before diving into the world of ghost commerce, conducting thorough product research is an important part of success. Understanding the market and consumer needs is crucial in identifying potential products that will resonate and sell well.

You can use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, and Jungle Scout to identify emerging trends and products with high demand. Understanding your target audience, their preferences, and pain points is also vital in uncovering products that will address their needs.

You could also use social media to find trending products that have a high demand. These products are often easier to sell because people actively search for them. Therefore, you will not need to invest in much marketing or promotion.

When choosing a product or service to sell, you should also consider how easy it will be to automate the fulfillment of the item. Digital products work best for Ghost Commerce because they can be fulfilled through email automation.

Step 2: Choose a platform

When starting a Ghost Commerce business, one of the most crucial decisions you will make is choosing the right platform to operate on. The platform you select will have a significant impact on your ability to effectively manage and grow your business.

It's essential to ensure that the platform you choose offers the necessary tools, integrations, and systems to support the unique requirements of a Ghost Commerce operation.

Tools and Features

The first consideration when choosing a platform for Ghost Commerce is the availability of essential tools and features.

This includes user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, mobile responsiveness, and SEO capabilities. Additionally, consider if the platform offers features such as abandoned cart recovery, inventory management, and easy product listing.

Since ghost commerce heavily relies on creating an immersive digital experience for customers, look for tools like 3D product displays, video support, and virtual try-on options.

Integrations

Integration capabilities are vital for a Ghost Commerce business. The platform should seamlessly integrate with various third-party apps and services such as payment gateways, shipping partners, and marketing tools.

Ensure that the platform makes it easy to integrate with popular CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and social media channels to streamline your marketing and customer relationship management efforts.

Systems for Operations

A reliable platform should provide robust systems for handling orders, managing customer data, and analyzing business performance. Look for features like order tracking, customer database management, and in-depth analytics to gain insights into your business's trajectory.

The platform must also support multiple payment options, manage tax calculations, and provide secure transactions to ensure a smooth and safe shopping experience for your customers.

Scalability and Customization

As your Ghost Commerce business grows, the platform should be able to scale with your operation, accommodating increased traffic, larger product catalogs, and enhanced functionalities.

Customization is also key, as it allows you to tailor the platform to meet the specific needs of your ghost commerce business, ensuring a unique and immersive customer experience.

Step 3: Build an eCommerce site

When it comes to building an ecommerce site for your Ghost Commerce business, there are several fundamental steps that should be carefully considered.

Firstly, the importance of crafting a user-friendly interface cannot be understated, as it serves as a reflection of your brand and plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth shopping experience for your valued customers.

Introducing automated systems into your operations is another key aspect to focus on, with the implementation of a chatbot enabling instant user support, efficient handling of common inquiries, and guidance throughout the customer's purchase journey.

Furthermore, integrating automated fulfillment processes can significantly contribute to the streamlined management of orders, inventory, and shipping, resulting in time savings and a reduction in human errors.

These automated systems not only enhance operational efficiency but also play a pivotal role in delivering a satisfying and hassle-free experience for your customers, ultimately leading to elevated loyalty and increased sales.

To be successful in Ghost Commerce, your brand needs to have a strong online presence. Every Ghost Commerce website should have:

• A user-friendly interface

• Easy navigation

• Appealing visuals

Step 4: Use social media to promote your products

When it comes to promoting Ghost Commerce products, social media platforms can play a pivotal role in reaching potential customers.

TikTok and Pinterest are the best starting points because you do not need a large following to gain traffic.

TikTok's short-form videos are a great way to showcase your products and services in a way that catches the attention of potential customers. You could take this further by reaching out to nano-influencers who could promote products on your behalf.

Pinterest is also a good platform to use because you can link directly from posts, which makes the process of buying your product simple for your customers.

The nature of Ghost Commerce involves intervening with your brand as little as possible. The best way to achieve this is by delegating social media content creations to UGC creators or influencers.

Step 5: Monitor performance

Once you start promoting your products on social media, it will take a few months to start seeing any significant traffic.

However, once you do start attracting customers, it is important to monitor your Ghost Commerce site to see what works and what needs improving.

It can take months, sometimes years, to find the best way to run your business. It is very normal for new business to go through periods or trial and error at first. By doing so, you can create a platform that provides the best possible experience to your customers and converts well.

Remember, you will not make money overnight with ghost commerce. It can take months of consistent promotion and development to see your first sale. This can be disheartening at first however, most businesses see success over time and the initial effort will be worth it in the long run.

Step 6: Register your business

Ghost Commerce business owners in the UK must apply for VAT to stay compliant with UK tax regulations. To apply for VAT, you must register as a limited company.

Registering your business as a limited company in the UK holds significant importance for entrepreneurs looking to establish a formal and legally distinct entity. By opting for this structure, business owners can limit their personal liability, protect their assets, and enhance their credibility in the eyes of investors, clients, and suppliers.

Limited companies offer the advantage of separate legal status, meaning the business becomes its own entity in the eyes of the law. This separation ensures that the personal finances and assets of the business owners are distinct from those of the company, safeguarding individuals in case of business debts, legal actions, or insolvency.

Moreover, incorporating as a limited company can boost the business's credibility and reputation. The "Ltd" or "Limited" designation conveys a sense of professionalism and permanence, potentially attracting more partners and customers.

For ghost business owners seeking to register their enterprises swiftly and efficiently, 1st Formations provides a streamlined process in just four simple steps. By availing of their services, ghost business owners can navigate the complexities of company formation with ease, allowing them to focus on growing and developing their businesses.