If you’re new to e-commerce marketing is likely to be the most intimidating part of the process overall. You’ve got your product (or your concept), sure, but how do you make anyone even see it, let alone buy it?
Early on, when I started assisting new ecommerce marketers, one of the most common phrases I’d hear was “I’ve got something to sell but have no idea how to sell it.” That’s what this guide is for. Don’t try to do everything all at once. In truth, an ideal starting point usually involves getting a few right out of the gate, not all of them.
This is how I would lead a newbie to start ecommerce marketing from scratch, without making it sound too textbook-like or technical.
Ecommerce Marketing Is Not Optional, Even from Day One
Selling online isn’t so much about having a nice site or listing the greatest offer. If people have no idea you’re out there, all of that is for nothing. Ecommerce marketing fills in the gap between your product and your consumer. It brings in demand, establishes credibility, and gets people to buy, whether they intended to or not.
The marketing accomplishes for you what keeps you audible in a world in which everyone seems to be yelling. Whether you’re selling second-hand jewelry or recycled dog toys, you’re not alone. But properly done, even a modest-sized business can sound bigger than it is. That’s the power of knowing how to position your offer.
Starting with TikTok: Not Hype, But Strategy
I’ve seen beginners blow hundreds of dollars in advertising without getting one single sale. And I’ve seen students become an overnight sensation after posting one ten-second product video on TikTok and selling out stock. Of course, not everyone becomes an overnight sensation but that’s not even relevant.
What TikTok offers is exposure. It’s the friendliest marketing platform for beginners today because authentic content still holds weight. If your product fills in a gap, surprises people, or just appears cool, TikTok gives you space to demonstrate so without needing an immense budget.
That said, gaining traction at the outset is tough. Especially when your initial videos get lost. For beginners, using a TikTok growth service can assist in getting in front of more eyes earlier and build social evidence to get other viewers to watch. What I recommend usually is for those who have already been posting quite frequently and can’t seem to get seen in the first place.
While TikTok isn’t magic, it is an awesome place to get started, especially for beginners who have to become ecommerce marketers in one night.
You Don’t Need an Expensive Store, You Need One That’s Clear
I’ve seen one student spend three weeks planning her shop and one day crafting product descriptions. That’s usually a mistake. People do not shop because your shop is attractive, people shop because it makes sense.
As you get started, keep clarity ahead of beauty. Your website marketing is driving traffic, sure, but they’ll exit your site if clarity isn’t there. What serves you?
- A homepage that displays what you’re selling, up front
- Product Pages That Answer Real Questions
- Trust indicators, e.g., reviews (even if you have to write them in stages)
Shopify and WooCommerce software do not take long to set up, yet the secret lies in how well your website tells your product’s story. My personal advice is always to test it out on someone who’s never seen your brand. If they do not get an idea of what you’re selling within 10 seconds, you need to reorganize.
The Uncool Truth That SMS and Email Still Matter
Some of the newer players think email is “dead.” It does feel ancient next to TikTok and Instagram. But in ecommerce marketing, email and SMS are the channels that generate revenue for you once someone becomes aware of you.
You do not need an entire funnel to get started. Simply have a simple welcome email and abandoned cart reminder. That will restore lost sales and build a connection with customers.
Mailchimp or Klaviyo is perfect for beginners. And really, one can get started with 2-3 emails. Don’t over-design, keep it basic. One of my own students had simply put “Hey, forgot something?” in one of his abandoned cart emails, and performed better than those fancy templates.
Track or Drown: Learning from the Numbers
Ecommerce marketing is not an isolated incident. It is an exercise in trial, learning, and adaptation. And without measuring, one is only speculating.
- What should beginners track?
- Click-through rate of ads or contents
- Conversion rate on product pages
- Cost per click (CPC) while conducting paid campaigns
And you do not have to use expensive tools, either. Native Shopify insights in TikTok’s Analytics and Google Analytics can get you started. That is what I tell customers: if something is not driving you to make a purchase, it is noise.
One of my former students skipped weeks of their analytics, only to learn they had one video driving most of their traffic. They doubled down on that format, and it made an enormous difference. That’s the kind of direction ecommerce marketing should give you direction.
FAQs
How much should I spend when I first start ecommerce marketing?
Start small, between $50–$100 is enough to test platforms like TikTok or Instagram. Focus on content and organic reach before diving into heavy ad spend.
Can I succeed in ecommerce marketing without any social media?
Technically yes, but it’s significantly harder. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer free exposure, which is incredibly valuable for beginners.
What if I don’t get sales right away?
That’s normal. The first phase of ecommerce marketing is often about learning what works. Use that time to refine your message, test different content styles, and talk to potential customers.