Ecommers

How to Start an Online Store for Your Handmade Products

Define Your Niche

  • Gifts perppes

  • Personalized handmade products (mugs, keychains, boxes)

  • Organic beauty products or DIY kits

A well-defined niche helps you attract the right audience.


 Set Up Your Brand

Your brand includes:

  • A unique business name

  • Logo and brand colors

  • A clear tagline or brand story

  • Consistent packaging style

  • Social media presence (Instagram/Facebook)

Remember: People don’t just buy your product — they buy your brand experience.


 Choose Your Selling Platform

You can either build your own website or sell through marketplaces. (More on this below 

Must-have elements for your e-commerce site:

 Clear Product Categories

Group your products logically:

  • Gift Hampers

  • Wedding Specials

  • Festival Packs

  • Baby Shower Gifts

Make it easy to navigate.

 High-Quality Images

Use clean, professional photos. Show:

  • Multiple angles

  • Packaging

  • Sizes or variations

  • Real-use scenarios

Photos build trust and excitement.

 Detailed Descriptions

Explain what’s inside each hamper or product, including:

  • Materials used

  • Customization options

  • Delivery timelines

Good content = fewer questions = faster purchases.

 Pricing & Offers

Always display the price clearly and mention any:

  • Offers or bundles

  • Discounts for bulk orders

  • Free shipping details

 Add to Cart + Payment Integration

Your website should support:

  • Online payments (UPI, cards, wallets)

  • Cash on Delivery (if possible)

  • WhatsApp order button (optional for small stores)

 Trust Elements

Include:

  • Customer reviews

  • Return/refund policy

  • Secure checkout icons

  • “As seen on” or media mentions (if any)

These improve conversion rates.


 Best Platforms for Selling Online in India

Now let’s look at your options. You don’t always need a developer to sell online — platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easier.

Shopify

  • Easy drag-and-drop store builder

  • Secure hosting included

  • Mobile-friendly themes

  • Payment gateway integration

  • Monthly fees starting at ₹1,994

Best for: Beginners who want everything ready-made.


 WooCommerce (on WordPress)

  • Free plugin for WordPress

  • Highly customizable

  • No monthly fees, just hosting costs

  • Good for SEO

Best for: Businesses who want flexibility and already have a WordPress site.


Instamojo / Dukaan / Blinkstore

  • Indian platforms for quick store setup

  • Easy for first-time users

  • Good for WhatsApp or Instagram sellers

  • Affordable pricing (some even free)

Best for: Small businesses, solopreneurs, or regional sellers


 Marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho)

  • Big audience reach

  • But high competition and fees

  • Difficult to create brand identity

Best for: Volume-based selling, not niche handmade gifts


 How Gift Businesses Can Sell Successfully on Instagram

Instagram is a game-changer for gift and craft-based brands, especially in Kerala. Here’s how to grow your gift hamper brand using Instagram:

 Use Reels Consistently

Show:

  • Hamper-making process

  • Customization options

  • Unboxing experiences

  • Customer feedback

Reels increase visibility and engagement.


Create a Theme for Your Feed

Use your brand colors and similar editing styles to create a visually pleasing profile.


 Use Hashtags & Geo-Tags

Use hashtags like:

  • #GiftHampersKerala

  • #CustomGiftsIndia

  • #MalappuramBusiness

  • #KeralaGiftIdeas

Always tag your location to attract local buyers.


Use Story Highlights

Create highlights like:

  • Price List

  • Hamper Ideas

  • Testimonials

  • Delivery Info

  • Festive Specials

This acts like a catalog for new followers.


Collaborate With Influencers

Micro and nano influencers in Kerala can showcase your product to the right audience — especially during festivals or wedding seasons.


 WhatsApp Marketing Tips for Product-Based Businesses

WhatsApp isn’t just for chatting — it’s one of the most powerful marketing tools for small businesses in India.

Set Up WhatsApp Business

Create a professional business profile with:

  • Profile photo & logo

  • Business hours

  • Website or catalog link

  • Quick replies for FAQs


 Use Product Catalog Feature

Upload all your products or hampers as a catalog. Customers can browse and order directly via chat.


 Send Updates & Offers

Use Broadcast Lists to send:

  • Festive discounts

  • Stock updates

  • New arrivals

  • Order confirmations

Always get opt-in before sending marketing messages.


 Group Your AudienceSegment by interest:

  • Corporate gift buyers

  • Birthday/Anniversary clients

  • Festival pre-orders

This allows more personalized follow-ups.


Final Thoughts

Starting and growing your handmade business online doesn’t require a big budget — but it does need smart planning and the right tools.

Here’s a quick action checklist:

✅ Define your niche and brand style
✅ Build an e-commerce website (Shopify or WooCommerce)
✅ Use Instagram to showcase and connect
✅ Set up WhatsApp Business for personal marketing
✅ Keep testing, improving, and engaging your audience


 Need Help With Your Online Store?

As a freelance digital marketing expert based in Malappuram, I specialize in helping small businesses like yours with:

  • Website and e-commerce store setup

  • Social media marketing for gifts and handmade brands

  • WhatsApp marketing automation

  • Product photography and reels

  • SEO and blog content creation

 [Contact Me]

Freelance digital marketing expert in malappuram

contact : 7012632763

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