Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a pickle and could use some guidance. I run a small family business that’s been online for ages. We make custom items that can be ordered on our website, but lately I’ve noticed we’re making more money from selling accessories we buy in.
I’m thinking about quitting the manufacturing side and focusing only on selling these accessories. Right now, without any ads, we’re pulling in about £1000-£1500 a week with decent profit margins.
My goal is to hit £3k a week in sales before I make the big change. I’ve never really worked with ads before, so I’m a bit lost there.
What I really need is solid advice on SEO and e-commerce. How do you find good freelancers or consultants? Any tips on avoiding unreliable sources?
Also, are there any must-read newsletters or influential people I should follow for more advice?
Has anyone experienced something similar? I’m tempted to drop manufacturing and focus solely on selling, though it’s a safety net I’m hesitant to completely let go of.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!
I’ve been through a similar transition with my own business. Scaling up can be daunting, but it’s often necessary for growth. For SEO and e-commerce expertise, I’d recommend looking into reputable agencies rather than individual freelancers. They tend to have more comprehensive skills and resources. Moz and Ahrefs are excellent for SEO insights, while Shopify’s blog offers valuable e-commerce tips.
As for newsletters, I’ve found ‘Ecommerce Fuel’ and ‘Web Retailer’ to be consistently informative. Regarding influential figures, Andrew Youderian and Steve Chou provide practical advice for e-commerce entrepreneurs.
Lastly, consider diversifying your product range before completely abandoning manufacturing. It could provide a smoother transition and mitigate risks. Best of luck with your expansion plans.
hey there climbingmountain! ive been in ur shoes before. its tough to let go of wat u kno, but sometimes u gotta take risks to grow. for seo stuff, check out neil patel’s blog. hes got tons of free tips. as for ecommerce, shopify has a great blog too. maybe start with those n see where it takes u? good luck with ur biz!
Wow, that’s quite a dilemma you’re in, ClimbingMountain! I can totally relate to the struggle of wanting to grow but feeling hesitant about letting go of what’s familiar. Have you considered maybe phasing out the manufacturing bit gradually instead of dropping it all at once?
As for finding good freelancers, have you checked out platforms like Upwork or Fiverr? They’ve got ratings and reviews that can help you sift through the noise. But honestly, sometimes the best folks come through word-of-mouth. Maybe ask around in some e-commerce Facebook groups?
Speaking of which, have you thought about joining some online communities focused on e-commerce? It’s a great way to network and pick up tips from people who’ve been there, done that. Plus, you might stumble upon some awesome resources or courses that could help you level up your game.
I’m curious, what kind of accessories are you selling? And how are you currently driving traffic to your site without ads? Sounds like you’ve got a pretty solid foundation already!