Launching a new online store can be an exciting journey, but one of the most crucial steps is gathering the right content to make your website shine. Having everything ready upfront will save time, minimize back-and-forth communication, and help us bring your vision to life. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you through what you need to provide:
1. Your Logo & Branding
Your logo and branding set the tone for your online store. Here’s what we’ll need:
- Logo: High-resolution files in PNG or SVG format (transparent background preferred).
- Brand Colors: Hex codes for your brand’s color palette (e.g., #FF5733 for orange).
- Fonts: The names and files of your brand’s primary and secondary fonts (or a link to download them).
- Style Guide (if available): A document outlining your brand’s design and tone guidelines.
2. Product Information
This is the backbone of your online store. Ensure you have:
- Product Images: Clear, high-resolution photos (minimum 1200x1200px). Provide multiple angles and lifestyle shots if possible.
- Product Names: Keep them clear and descriptive.
- Descriptions: Detailed, engaging descriptions for each product. Include benefits, features, and specifications.
- Pricing: Include any discounts or promotional pricing.
- Variations: Details for size, color, or material variations (e.g., Small/Medium/Large, Blue/Green/Red).
- Stock Keeping Unit (SKU): Unique identifiers for each product.
- Categories & Tags: How products should be grouped (e.g., Men’s Clothing, Accessories, or Bestsellers).
3. Website Copy
Your website’s text content sets the tone for your brand and helps with SEO. Here’s what we’ll need:
- Home Page Headline: A compelling tagline or intro to capture visitors’ attention.
- About Section: A short story about your brand—who you are, what you sell, and why you do it.
- Product Categories: A brief description for each category to help users navigate.
Policy Pages:
- Shipping Policy
- Returns & Refunds Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- FAQs: Answers to common customer questions about your products, shipping, or policies.
4. Images & Graphics
High-quality visuals are key to creating an attractive store.
- Banner Images: Large, eye-catching visuals for the homepage (e.g., seasonal promotions or hero banners).
- Lifestyle Photos: Show your products being used or styled.
- Icons or Graphics: Any custom elements like icons or badges you’d like to use.
5. Social Media Links & Contact Details
Make it easy for visitors to connect with you.
- Social Media Profiles: Links to your Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or other platforms.
- Contact Information: Business email, phone number, and physical address (if applicable).
6. Payment Gateway Details
Your payment gateway is what allows you to accept payments online. Provide:
- The name of your preferred gateway (e.g., PayFast, PayGate, or Stripe).
- API keys or credentials for integration (we’ll guide you on how to find these).
7. Shipping Details
Let’s make sure your customers know what to expect:
- Shipping Regions: Where do you deliver (e.g., local, nationwide, or international)?
- Rates: Flat rate, free shipping thresholds, or region-based pricing.
- Courier Details: If you’re working with a courier company, share their requirements.
- Delivery Times: Estimated timeframes for shipping.
8. Additional Content for Personalisation
Want to stand out? Here are some optional but impactful extras:
- Testimonials or Reviews: Customer feedback to build trust.
- Gift Wrapping Options: Details if you offer special packaging.
- Promotions: Upcoming sales, discounts, or coupon codes.
- Wishlist Feature: If you want users to save favorite items.
9. Technical Details
Finally, don’t forget these essentials:
- Domain Information: Your registered domain name (e.g., yourstore.com). If you don’t have one, we can assist.
- Hosting Credentials: Login details for your hosting platform (if we’re not providing hosting).
- Analytics Access: If you’d like Google Analytics integrated, provide access to your account.
How to Submit Your Content
Finally, don’t forget these essentials:
- Domain Information: Your registered domain name (e.g., yourstore.com). If you don’t have one, we can assist.
- Hosting Credentials: Login details for your hosting platform (if we’re not providing hosting).
- Analytics Access: If you’d like Google Analytics integrated, provide access to your account.