In our previous article, we discussed the numerous benefits for businesses to have an online store. LINKER.store is an ideal platform for anybody who wants to start selling online. It is easy to use and doesn’t require you to have any prior knowledge of setting up a webstore. All you need to have is your product information. The platform is absolutely free for SMEs; you only have to pay the payment gateway and logistics charges that are guaranteed pre-negotiated best rates for GlobalLinker members.

Getting started

The first step is to setup your store, where you will select the basic settings for your store such as URL, address, logo and theme to be displayed. 

• URL: Just like if anybody wants to visit your office they need your address, a website needs a web address or url. On LINKER.store you can select your choice of a free url. Eg. https://yourstorename.linker.store
  Pro Tip: Make your URL as short as possible and intuitive -- one that easily suggests to your customers what you offer. You must avoid using names that infringe on an existing trademark. In case the URL of your choice is already taken, try adding a prefix or suffix. 
  
  

• Logo & Favicon: A clear and recognisable logo is a must-have to build your brand. Click on the placeholder to upload the logo.
  Pro Tip: In case you don’t have a perfect logo that defines your brand, you can get one created using GlobalLinker's SME Design Services.
  
  
• Theme: LINKER.store has a variety of customisation options. A theme lets you customise the homepage and colour scheme of your website. The homepage can consist of a combination of banner images and featured products. Each theme allows you to choose from a predefined layout and arrangement of homepage elements.
  Pro Tip: You are free to try different themes and select one that best suits your business. You can change the themes at any point in time.
  
  

Catalogue
For customers to be able to find the products easily, you need to organise your products into intuitive categories and sub categories. LINKER.store allows you to create Categories, Filters and Product variants to enable a smooth shopping experience for your customers. It becomes very important to get your product information arranged before you start adding these online. Once you have added your products, you can further classify products into the Featured Products or Best Selling Products section on the homepage.
Pro Tip: You can download the guide sheet to arrange the information beforehand. Before promoting your website, get the layout and information tested by family and friends for honest reviews of your website.

COD Payment Gateway Setup
Just like you have POS swipe terminals, this application allows your customer to make payments right on your website. Payment gateway option available on LINKER.store is ready to be activated with zero setup fees. It facilitates all payment functions (payments, refunds, etc), is PCI compliant and brought to you at best possible transaction rates. If you enable Cash on Delivery, you can either fulfil this yourself or get it delivered by our shipping partner.

Logistics (Courier) Setup
LINKER.store’s shipping partner, Vamaship, allows you to initiate and track your shipments right from your Seller Dashboard. It supports PAN India deliveries and shipping charges are negotiated at best rates available.

Banners

You can upload banners that showcase promotional offers or Feature Products/ Categories on your store. Each banner can be linked to the respective category/ product page on your website. This can lead customers into purchasing trending products. 

Pro Tip: Keep updating your banners regularly to showcase your products and pique the interest of your customers. You can leverage festive banners and have special discounts to promote sales. GlobalLinker’s SME Design Services is a convenient way to get your bespoke banners created. Just share your requirements with us.

It’s time to take your business online with LINKER.store.

Sign Up for a free account.