Shopping Platforms & Marketplaces

A lot has changed in the past few decades. Everything we used to consume via physical media (books, CDs, DVDs) is now available at the click of a button on a computer. Not to mention, a “computer” can now mean a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Movies, videos, songs, and books are now “digital content”—essentially long lines of computer code that render as text, still images, audio, and video.

Digital content creation is a big industry, and it covers everything from entertainment to digital marketing. Here’s a rundown of the many forms of digital content small business owners can use to their advantage, plus tips on how to create digital content of your own.

What is digital content?

Digital content refers to any information existing in a format that computers can process. More specifically, digital content includes software (such as computer programs and mobile apps), visual content (such as digital photos, videos, and animations), audio content (like music and podcasts), and text (including emails, data sets, and blog posts). The proliferation of digital content in the internet age has changed how people share and create content—and even who those creators are.

As an example, think of video content. In the analog era, directors filmed movies on long reels of film and edited that film using manual tools like knife blades to splice film reels. Distributing those movies typically involved mass-producing physical tapes, which were shipped to cinemas and consumers.

Digital technology has upended all of that. Now directors can film, edit, and deliver their movies using digital cameras and computers. Since digital hardware tends to be much cheaper than film cameras once were—and some of the software is literally free—it has democratized the filmmaking process, allowing more creators to enter the entertainment industry.

8 types of digital content for small businesses

Here are 8 types of digital content to consider creating:

1. Text-based content. The category includes blog posts web visitors read for free, ebooks consumers pay for, white papers (long-form written pieces that explain products or promote solutions), press releases, and datasets. Written content is especially helpful for website SEO purposes.

2. Visual content. Visual digital content can simplify complex information and grab attention quickly. The category includes photos, infographics, illustrations, memes, and presentations.

3. Video content. Videos reign supreme in the digital world and they’re prioritized on social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok. From short social media clips to long-form documentaries and feature films, content creators can use videos to entertain audiences, educate, and send messages to their audience.

4. Audio content. Podcasts, audiobooks, and livestreams are great for consuming information on the go. It’s also a great way for users to engage with brands even when their visual focus is elsewhere.

5. Social media posts. Social media content refers to short updates, images, and videos shared on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

6. User-generated content (UGC). User-generated content includes customer reviews, social media posts, comments on those posts, and user-created videos and podcasts. UGC may not have the same brand voice that characterizes the content you make in-house, but it serves as social proof to curious shoppers and can increase engagement with your brand.

7. Interactive content. This category includes quizzes, polls, surveys, augmented reality (AR), and gamified experiences. When properly coded and optimized, interactive content can serve as a tool to collect valuable customer data, which you can use to generate new product and marketing ideas.

8. Email marketing content. Newsletters and promotional emails offer a targeted way to connect with your audience directly and keep them informed whether they include embedded content from your website (such as a blog post or a video) or exclusive content not found elsewhere.

How to create digital content

1. Determine the content’s purpose
2. Understand your audience
3. Draft your digital content
4. Review your content
5. Publish and promote your content

Digital content can be valuable to your target audience if it engages potential customers and gets them excited about your brand. With this broad goal in mind, here are some steps to guide your content plan:

1. Determine the content’s purpose

Establish objectives for your digital content. Are you trying to raise brand awareness? Social media content may serve you best. Are you trying to educate prospective customers and bring more traffic to your website? Populate your website with educational articles. Or are you aiming to create paid digital content that is a money-maker in and of itself? It might be time to start that blog you’ve been dreaming about.

Understanding what you’re trying to achieve when you broadcast digital content will help you narrow down the forms it should take.

2. Understand your audience

To make your digital content effective, determine who you’re making it for. Host focus groups, survey existing customers, look at competitor content, or research consumer behavior trends to grasp your target market’s needs, preferences, and pain points. Doing this research upfront will also help you determine where to showcase your content. If your audience is mostly made up of Gen Z beauty product aficionados, for example, you’re most likely to reach them on TikTok or Instagram. Meanwhile, business-to-business (B2B) companies would be better served sharing their think pieces on a platform like LinkedIn.

If it’s helpful for you to have a clear character in mind as you make each new piece of content, create buyer personas (fictionalized characterizations of your ideal customers) to help inspire new ideas.

3. Draft your digital content

Whether you decide to create content for your website or social media accounts, take the time to think strategically about what will best serve your audience and content goals. Prioritize ideas that stand to have the greatest impact on your business and broader content strategy. Plenty of free tools exist that creators and marketers alike can use for keyword research and blog post ideas; use these tools to help determine which topics have staying power (evergreen content) and which are more likely to lose relevance quickly (topical content).

If you’re creating the content yourself, gather the content creation tools you’ll need to complete the piece—whether it’s photo editing tools for social media posts or a grammar checker for a blog post—and set a deadline for completing your first draft. If you’re hiring a content creator, give them a detailed outline or design brief that clearly defines your expectations.

4. Review your content

Regardless of the format, all your digital content should reflect a consistent brand voice and visual aesthetic. Maintaining a consistent brand voice will help boost brand recognition whether your audience encounters your content on your website, YouTube channel, or social media platforms. Review your draft for words or turns of phrase that might not reflect your brand accurately. Ensure social media posts work together cohesively and mirror the style of your ecommerce site.

Use this stage to optimize your content for search engines as well. Search engine optimization (SEO) involves including relevant keywords, writing helpful and concise meta descriptions, and including descriptive language in alt tags for images. For all content that appears in a long-form written format, ensure it’s structured in a way that’s easy to digest. Taking these steps will make your content easier for search engines to index and, as a result, easier for your audience to find.

5. Publish and promote your content

If you have multiple pieces to publish, space them out and use scheduling tools to post at optimal times for your target readers, viewers, or listeners. If you’re posting on multiple platforms, consider posting at different times according to audience preferences. For example, the best time to post on Instagram might be mid-morning, while your TikTok audience is more likely to engage with posts in the afternoon.

Once your content goes live, track its performance using analytics tools. You can use free tools like Google Analytics to see how your content is performing, though Shopify users may prefer the platform’s built-in analytics tools. Monitor metrics like page views, engagement rates, conversion rates, and social shares.

Engage with your audience through comments, forums, or community groups. Encourage discussions and gather feedback to improve future content. Engaging with prospective customers in the comments is a cost-effective way to raise awareness and promote a conversation about your brand—particularly on social media. Not everyone will respond to the content your company puts out, but if you focus on engaging the potential customers most likely to convert, it’ll be well worth the time and effort.

Online shopping allows consumers to easily access a massive global marketplace, and businesses can sell to customers worldwide while reducing overhead expenses. The downside is online customers can’t physically interact with products—which can increase the barrier to purchase and make it difficult for companies to deliver memorable brand experiences. 

Augmented reality marketing technologies can help. “When people have the intent to shop without physically being able to touch and see a product, the more options you can give them to create that confidence [the better],” says Sarah Sheldon, senior director of global ecommerce and digital at fashion brand Rebecca Minkoff. 

To replicate the in-person shopping experience, the fashion retailer uses augmented reality, which encourages engagement and boosts conversion rates. “Customers can examine our products from every angle,” Sarah says. “The option to view products in augmented reality helps them get a better sense of quality, size, and other details that matter.” 

Learn about augmented reality marketing, how it benefits brands, and how innovative companies are using it to increase conversion rates and deliver memorable brand experiences in digital spaces.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is any technology that layers digital elements over a physical environment. Users view AR information on a screen (such as a mobile device’s camera viewer) or through smart glasses or an AR headset.

Augmented reality is similar to virtual reality (VR), but it’s not the same: While virtual reality immerses users in a fully digital environment, augmented reality technologies combine digital information with real-world inputs. For example, you can use VR to access the metaverse, and AR to layer an image of a couch over footage of your living room. 

Benefits of using augmented reality in marketing

Augmented reality marketing is the practice of using AR technology to support a business’s marketing efforts. It can boost brand value, increase engagement, and drive sales. Here’s how adding AR into your digital marketing strategy can benefit your business: 

Greater brand recognition

AR experiences create buzz, which can help digital marketers reach new potential customers

and improve brand perception among target audiences. One 2022 study found AR campaigns tripled brand awareness compared to traditional marketing tactics. 

Increased engagement

AR technologies can also boost customer engagement and encourage shoppers to spend more time interacting with brand materials. In 2023, GUESS Eyewear launched an AR campaign that included a virtual try-on feature that increased the brand’s engagement rate by 44%. 

AR marketing strategies can also improve customer experience, which can encourage referrals and boost sales: Research shows that 93% of consumers want to use AR to find and purchase products and 40% are willing to pay more for the products marketed through AR.

Higher conversion rates

AR technology can support every stage of the sales cycle—but tools that replicate in-store shopping experiences are particularly effective at the conversion stage. AR applications like virtual try-ons and in-room viewing can encourage customers to spend more time with products and increase purchase confidence, raising conversion rates and driving sales.

For example, fashion brand Rebecca Minkoff found that consumers were 65% more likely to purchase a product after interacting with it using AR technology.

More informed purchasing decisions

AR technologies can also help customers make better purchase decisions, which can boost customer satisfaction and decrease returns rates. AR can be a particularly valuable tool when a purchase requires a customer to visualize a product in a certain space or relative to another item. 

Gunner Kennels, for example, saw a 40% increase in conversion rates and a 5% reduction in return rates after incorporating AR technology that helps customers pick the right kennel size by displaying selected products next to pictures of customers’ dogs.

Ways to use augmented reality in marketing

Technological advances are making AR marketing more flexible and cost-effective—and companies are leveraging AR capabilities to provide exceptional experiences to customers. Here are five common marketing use cases:

Virtual try-ons

Augmented reality solutions allow users to virtually try on makeup, hairstyles, and clothing items—and research shows that over half of consumers across all age groups want this type of AR experience. 

For example, makeup giant Sephora lets customers demo products through its Virtual Artist app. Virtual try-ons can also eliminate the need for brick-and-mortar stores to hold large physical inventories at multiple locations: Customers can use AR applications to try products in colors or styles that aren’t in stock at the location they’ve visited.

Augmented branding materials

You can also use QR codes to add virtual components to your marketing material, such as a business card or brochure. You can attach QR codes to brand collateral and prompt interested users to scan printed materials for additional information.

Virtual in-home visualization 

AR visualization can prove valuable for context-dependent purchases like paint colors, home décor, and furniture. Allowing users to display an image of an item or design choice in the intended location—such as the customer’s home or office—can decrease the barrier to purchase and lead to more informed buying decisions. 

Augmented showrooms

Augmented showrooms incorporate digital components into a store’s physical location. For example, a customer might point an AR viewer at a car on a showroom floor to access AR features like virtual spec sheets or take a virtual tour of key features.

Experiential marketing

Experiential marketing is the process of using unique branded experiences—such as pop-ups, events, or installations—to meet your customers where they already are. Augmented reality experiences are a natural fit for this strategy: They’re interactive, unexpected, and relatively easy to install in high-traffic locations.

In June 2020, Seltzer company BON V!V placed QR codes on murals in downtown Los Angeles and San Diego. Users scanned the code to access a virtual vending machine that instructed them to pick their favorite seltzer flavor and provided directions to the nearest brick-and-mortar carrier of BON V!V products or let them order online. Users spent an average of two minutes interacting with the AR experience, and the campaign generated a 58% click-through rate to BON V!V’s custom-branded maps.

Examples of augmented reality in marketing

There are many ways to use AR to support your marketing and sales strategies. Get inspired with these five innovative AR marketing campaigns:

Pepsi’s AR bus shelter

In 2014, Pepsi created a branded virtual experience that transformed the inside of a bus shelter window into an AR interface, layering images of robots, asteroids, and flying saucers over the real-life London street. The Pepsi campaign generated an estimated 385 million earned media impressions (due to people sharing videos and press coverage) and corresponded with a 35% increase in sales compared to the same period in the previous year.

Mercedes’ AI assistant

Auto industry giant Mercedes combines artificial intelligence with AR, using the two cutting-edge technologies to increase post-purchase satisfaction and boost loyalty. The company’s app-based assistant, Ask Mercedes, interprets and responds to questions using an AI chatbot and functions as an augmented manual: Users can scan the dashboard to view an overlay of digital information that takes the place of the car’s traditional paper manual. 

Gucci’s virtual sneaker try-on

In 2019, Gucci added an AR feature to its mobile app that enabled users to demo products from its Ace sneaker line. Customers could view shoes from different angles, and the app included a built-in photo-capture tool that encouraged them to share their images on social media platforms. The AR campaign made Gucci one of the first luxury brands to embrace virtual try-on and generated a 300% increase in online sales.

Vodafone’s interactive game

Telecommunications company Vodafone uses AR for Elf and Seek, an interactive game that doubles as the company’s holiday marketing campaign. Players use their phones to capture digital elves, and can win prizes through the Vodafone reward program, VeryMe. More ethan 245,000 people played the game in 2022, and Vodafone effectively used the campaign to create social media buzz, rewarding customers for posting with the #ElfandSeek hashtag. 

Arhaus

Arhaus’s AR-powered room visualization tool lets shoppers view products in their intended locations—such as the user’s bedroom, living room, or office. While Arhaus needed to adjust the number of the furniture fabric choices (from 800 different fabrics for a sofa to 20) when they moved online, they didn’t have to worry if customers or trade clients weren’t able to visualize how furniture might appear in a given space. Coupled with the ability to meet virtually with an interior designer, the furniture company increased both sales and customer loyalty by offering an ability to use AR to place furniture in a home or office.

Online shoppers return products all the time for all sorts of reasons—it’s the wrong size or color, it doesn’t fit, or maybe it’s just plain broken or defective. For some, it’s simply not what they were hoping it’d be. As a business owner, it’s crucial to learn why items are returned so you can improve your product and ensure your return process runs smoothly.

Implementing proper return merchandise authorization can save your customers added frustrations. Learn more about how these systems work and why they’re a must for every ecommerce business.

What is return merchandise authorization (RMA)?

Return merchandise authorization (RMA) is the process a business puts in place for returning items to its online store. Depending on company return policies, customers may return a product if it is defective, no longer needed, or not what they were hoping for. An RMA system also facilitates repairs and returned item tracking.

Return processes can operate in different ways, but a great RMA system keeps an accurate account of returned items so you can handle restocking fees and warranties while keeping your customers satisfied. Tracking your consumers’ buying habits through the RMA process gives you critical data on which items have the highest return rates. In doing so, you’ll have a clear understanding of what needs improvement in your products and their features.

What is an RMA number?

Return merchandise authorization numbers are issued for every returned item. They are used to track the item during the return process. By assigning RMA numbers, companies can quickly manage inventory and maintain clear customer communication.

RMA process

1. The customer initiates a return
2. The item receives an RMA number
3. The customer receives return instructions
4. The customer ships the item
5. The company assesses the returned product
6. The company issues a refund or replacement

You can create a distinct RMA process that fits the needs of your business and its target consumers. The following steps can help get you started:

1. The customer initiates a return

Customers initiate the RMA process by entering a return request via email, phone, or a portal on your business’s website. Your organization can ask customers about the reason for the return, details on the product’s quality, any possible defects, and whether they would like a replacement, refund, or store credit.

2. The item receives an RMA number

After the customer begins the return process, your business can issue a return merchandise authorization number for the product. By assigning this unique identifier, you can monitor the status of the return, confirm that you’re processing the correct item, and provide updates to the customer.

3. The customer receives return instructions

Your business may include a prepaid label and a drop-off location, and inform the customer of how many days they have to send the item back.

4. The customer ships the item

The customer sends the item to the business’s distribution center and awaits a refund. Keep communication pathways clear by notifying customers when you or your fulfillment center receives the package.

5. The company assesses the returned product

Once the product arrives, your business can notify the customer of the receipt and you can begin evaluating for any reported damages or wear and tear.

6. The company issues a refund or replacement

This step ensures customer satisfaction by confirming they receive money back promptly and accurately. Notify the customer that you’ve issued their refund and let them know how long it will take to receive their money or replacement product.

Benefits of RMA process for ecommerce

The average return rate for ecommerce businesses is almost 17%—notably higher than the average 10% return rates at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Beyond ensuring customer satisfaction, a great RMA system can benefit ecommerce businesses in a host of ways, including:

Improves products

The RMA process shows which products meet customer expectations based on their return rate. By surveying customers on the reason behind their returns, you can collect this data and evaluate if you should make changes to your product lineup, quality control, suppliers, shippers, or even inventory itself.

🌟How well do you know your customers? This guide can help you craft an effective survey that gets you actionable customer satisfaction and market research data.

Provides customer behavior data

What your customers return and how often they return products is information you can use to understand them better. Are they looking for a particular feature or benefit from your product? Is there an unmet need you can address in the future?

Unlocking this kind of customer data will help you discover what is most important to your customers. If you use this knowledge to improve your products, you can improve customer satisfaction.

Cuts down on future returns

Although your business may lose money with each returned item, paying close attention to returns can help you reduce future losses. Many customers might return an item if the product description is inaccurate or something is defective. Addressing these issues and fixing them can help decrease returns.

Increases the probability of sales

According to USPS, 92% of consumers are more likely to buy again if the return process is easy. Customers feel more comfortable if they know the return policy offers conveniences such as prepaid labels or convenient drop-off locations. Your business can make more profit by simply establishing a smooth RMA system.

Best practices for RMA

To help streamline the return process, follow these best practices:

Automate your RMA process

Automate the return process with services like Shopify Flow so the experience is fast and efficient for customers. If customers receive automatic communication once you receive their item or issue their refund, it will improve customer experience and encourage future shopping.

Establish a detailed return policy

Set customer expectations at the beginning by creating a return policy that covers every possible circumstance, from defective items to products damaged in the shipping process. Make this policy easily accessible by including links to it in your website footer and FAQ page, and clearly explain what the customer should expect if they need to make a return.

🌟Make policy returns easy for you and your customers by using Shopify’s free return policy generator.

Ensure accurate product information

Provide detailed information about your products to decrease the probability of returns. This includes using high-quality photos and writing thorough product descriptions that mention the materials, sizing, and dimensions.

Incentivize customer reviews

Reviews help shoppers make informed purchasing decisions and reduce the risk of buyer’s remorse. Incentivize and encourage product reviews by offering discounts to verified customers who leave reviews. Make it easy for customers to leave positive reviews by integrating a product review app.

Minimize damage in transit

Consider how your product packaging design can help prevent damage during transit. Use bubble wrap, foam sheets, and fragile labels to keep your product safe and intact, reducing the chances of returns due to damage.

Stay vigilant against fraud

Unfortunately, return fraud does happen and costs your business money, but your RMA system can help track suspicious activity from serial returners. Some point-of-sale systems—like Shopify POS—help you monitor who is making excessive returns and track the items they’re returning.

A fierce independent streak is an essential ingredient in launching and sustaining a startup. But it’s just as important to recognize and capitalize on the benefits of a dynamic startup community or ecosystem.

Data shows startups are most successful when run from within robust startup ecosystems, like the San Francisco Bay Area. Even though San Francisco and Silicon Valley are the most famous examples of these sorts of communities, entrepreneurs have plenty of other options as well. So what elements should an entrepreneur look for when setting out to put down roots? Why opt for a San Francisco, a Boston, or a Bangalore over a small town? What qualities and resources should you consider?

Let’s explore the answers to these questions and more, so you have all the information you need to start thinking about where your startup might thrive.

What is a startup ecosystem?

A startup ecosystem is a dynamic network of people and organizations offering resources that contribute to startup success. 

There’s a strong case for setting up in a specific geographical location with a renowned local startup ecosystem. More often than not, location is key—major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Shanghai boast access to critical networking opportunities and funding sources that other smaller cities and suburbs don’t.

But the elements of a startup ecosystem can—and often do—come together in virtual spaces and online communities like social media sites, internet forums, and mastermind groups. With the rise of remote work and international teams, it’s possible to develop a truly global startup ecosystem.

Elements of a startup ecosystem

A viable startup ecosystem is quite intricate. To thrive, it requires the right combination of some essential components. These elements can include:

Many other startups and entrepreneurs

Competition and diversity make for a rich and bustling startup ecosystem. Cities with at least 1,000 local startups promote healthy competitiveness, dynamic entrepreneurial culture, and mutually beneficial exchange of innovative ideas. Top-performing startup ecosystems like New York City boast more than 25,000 startups.

Skilled local talent

It’s no coincidence startups historically have chosen to set up shop in popular, world-class cities. The competition to attract top talent is fierce, and the best and brightest want to work in cities that are also pleasant and stimulating to live in. 

A good ecosystem will have access to these software engineers, salespeople, and product managers—and the work these professionals produce will benefit from the high quality of life they experience off the clock.

Tech-focused educational institutions

Universities with strong technical programs benefit startup ecosystems in two major ways. First, every year a new crop of highly coveted tech talent hits the labor market. And second, universities like Stanford, Caltech, MIT, Tsinghua, and École Polytechnique are hotbeds of research and innovation. 

These hallowed halls can and do inform the ideas explored in their surrounding ecosystems. They sometimes even offer their own funding and facilities for local entrepreneurs to take advantage of.

Incubators and accelerators

A thriving startup ecosystem boasts a wide array of entrepreneurial support organizations like business incubators and startup accelerator programs. These offer a vital combination of networking opportunities and small-scale funding for entrepreneurs. They’re a valuable early stage fertilizer for any startup ecosystem.

Coworking spaces

For early stage startups, coworking spaces are an affordable office space option that simultaneously offer a variety of networking resources. Entrepreneurs in coworking spaces get to work side by side with other entrepreneurs, fostering network growth and healthy competition. Additionally, coworking spaces often host supportive community events to facilitate sharing ideas and keeping each other motivated.

Networks of experienced mentors

Expert mentoring is a key ingredient in successful startup ventures. Advice from founders who’ve traveled the startup journey before helps new founders establish credibility, build vital industry relationships, move forward efficiently, and avoid potentially costly mistakes.

🌟Looking for a mentor? Discover how to find a business mentor and learn why every entrepreneur can benefit from having one.

Investors and financing

No matter where a startup is located, one reality remains steadfast: Entrepreneurs need money to grow their ventures. To launch and run a successful startup, founders need regular access to angel investors and funding organizations (banks, venture capital firms, etc.) who are willing to take risks on new businesses. 

Often, you’ll find these investors and organizations in major cities. While cold-emailing is often the main method of fundraising, face-to-face networking events can give entrepreneurs a major leg up. 

Government resources

Certain city, state, and even national government organizations offer initiatives, tax breaks, and sometimes direct funding to attract entrepreneurs and startups to their respective locales. 

For example, the state government of Massachusetts offers a variety of small business grants designed for new startups. The Dutch government’s Enterprise Agency offers a well-known innovation credit scheme. And in some instances, even the foreign diplomatic offices of some countries offer funding opportunities abroad—such as this US-backed entrepreneurship program in Brazil.

How do startup ecosystems develop?

The startup ecosystem lifecycle is a framework developed by Startup Genome for classifying startup ecosystems based on maturity. There are a range of external and internal factors that affect development. 

Each specific development stage has its drawbacks and benefits—relatively lower and higher barriers to entry, different levels of competition, and so on. Knowing an ecosystem’s lifecycle stage can help determine whether it boasts the right resources and financial climate for your startup. The phases of different startup ecosystems are:

Activation phase

In the activation phase, a startup ecosystem may not have much in the way of a robust investor or talent network. It will usually have fewer than 1,000 startups. To move out of the activation phase, organizations typically focus on identifying strong, distinct industries in the community and develop programs to accelerate ideas and startups in these fields.

Globalization phase

During the globalization phase, a startup ecosystem will boast up to 2,000 startups and a few eye-catching exits (sales of startups or IPOs) in the $100 million range. These exits attract more entrepreneurs, investors, and other funding providers to the area. 

To move out of the globalization phase, entrepreneurs start to focus efforts to better control ecosystem processes, build bridges with colleagues in more established ecosystems, and help local ventures extend global reach. 

Attraction phase

Startup ecosystems in the attraction phase usually have more than 2,000 startups, and unicorn valuations or exits above $1 billion. These impressive buyouts, plus fewer resource gaps, attract even more resource inputs (like talent and investment capital) to the region, which in turn focus on big-market disruptions. 

Moving out of the attraction phase into the final phase of the startup ecosystem lifecycle entails filling what few success-factor gaps remain and continuing to attract talent. This can be achieved by working with government support to favorably influence external factors and the supportive environment, such as reducing regulatory barriers to immigration.

Integration phase

A successful startup ecosystem that reaches the integration phase will boast more than 3,000 startups. Ecosystems at this phase are deeply embedded in the global market and may even have footprints in multiple integration-phase startup communities (offices in San Francisco, New York, and Shanghai, for example). Integration-phase ecosystems focus on influencing national and global policies that foster continued economic growth at home and around the world.

Benefits of startup ecosystems

The benefits of operating your startup in a startup ecosystem are many, and these advantages flow not only to the startup itself but to its employees and the surrounding community and local markets.

• Business benefits: A startup ecosystem can provide businesses with tax incentives, access to a skilled workforce, and proximity to major funding providers.

• Employee benefits: Startup ecosystems provide workers relative job security (qualified employees can easily find new work), competitive compensation, and a high quality of life outside of work.

• Community benefits: Startup ecosystems boast higher employment rates, increased tax income, more tourism, higher living standards, boosted national and international recognition, and an overall more invigorated local economy.

The extent and impact of these benefits will depend largely on the level of active startup ecosystem management at play (from both internal factors and local government).

Search engine optimization without proper reporting is like driving at night without headlights or GPS. You may be moving forward, but you won’t know where you’re going and how quickly you’re getting there. Good visibility helps you course correct and make informed driving decisions.

Similarly, SEO reporting lets you see how quickly you’re reaching your goals and what needs to be fine-tuned. It enables you to assess the results of your SEO efforts and ensure your strategy is on track.

Using the right reporting tools can help clarify how to reach your SEO goals. Learn what SEO reporting tools are and the 10 best tools to analyze and improve your SEO efforts.

What are SEO reporting tools?

Search engine optimization (SEO) reporting tools are platforms or software that help you analyze how well your web content is performing on search engine results pages (SERPs). They do this by tracking and analyzing various SEO metrics, including keyword rankings, organic traffic, your backlink profile, and overall site health.

Some SEO reporting tools are automated and many include pre-built dashboards and templates. They’re ideal for marketers who pull regular, consistent reports. Other tools require manual setup and customization, which allows you to combine data sources. They’re suitable for those who want to dive deeper into analysis or visualize specific data.

Types of SEO reporting tools

There are three main types of SEO reporting tools:

1. Rank tracking tools. These tools monitor your website’s rankings on SERPs over time, compare rankings with competitors, and include ranking analysis by location, device, or search engine.

2. Performance tracking tools. These measure SEO performance metrics like traffic, engagement, conversions, and user behavior.

3. Site audit tools. These crawl your website to identify technical SEO issues like broken links and slow-loading pages to give you a view of your site’s health and which pages need optimization.

Some SEO reporting tools aim to provide all three types of reporting in one place. Others focus on specific use cases. It’s worth noting that SEO reporting can be done through entirely SEO-focused tools or more general marketing tools with SEO features. Whereas small business owners often only need one free SEO reporting tool, SEO professionals often use several different tools.

10 best SEO reporting tools

1. Google Search Console
2. SEMRush
3. Ahrefs
4. Moz Pro
5. Nightwatch
6. Screaming Frog SEO Spider
7. PageSpeed Insights
8. Google Analytics 4
9. Looker Studio
10. Similarweb

Here are the 10 best and most popular SEO-focused tools, including automated and non-automated ones. Using a combination of these will give you a comprehensive view of your SEO efforts:

1. Google Search Console

Google Search Console (GSC) gives you valuable insights into how Google views your website, how users interact with it in Google search results, and how you can improve the technical performance of your site. It includes metrics like clicks, impressions, average SERP positions, click-through rate for specific search terms, and data on which keywords drive users to your website. You can also drill down into specific URLs to inspect their indexing status and submit updated sitemaps for crawling. GSC’s Core Web Vitals is also a valuable feature to help improve elements of the user experience like page load speed.

Price: Free

Features:

• Directly integrated with Google
• Detailed URL inspection
• Technical Core Web Vitals audits

2. Semrush

Many SEO experts consider Semrush to be the most comprehensive SEO reporting tool. It goes beyond SEO, also covering paid search, content marketing, and social media. It reports on SEO data like backlink analysis, keyword rankings, and organic traffic, letting you create customized reports and perform technical audits with actionable recommendations to fix issues. Marketers can combine all of these features to create a comprehensive SEO overview of their business and automate sending it to stakeholders at regular intervals.

Price: Starts at $140 a month

Features:

• Holistic data reporting across channels
• Actionable recommendations from site audits
• Branded and customizable reports

3. Ahrefs

Ahrefs was originally known for its backlink analysis (its name refers to the HTML code for a link: ) and for providing detailed insights into the number, quality, and source of links for you versus your competitors.

Over the years, Ahrefs has grown beyond backlink reporting to offer robust keyword reporting and site auditing features. It lets you monitor keyword rankings over time, including estimated traffic from those keywords and historical data. You can also compare rankings to competitors to uncover keyword and content gaps. Although it’s designed more for research and analysis than reporting, its rank and backlink tracking features make it a useful reporting tool.

Price: Starts at $129 a month

Features:

• Extensive keyword and backlink database
• In depth-analyses and site audits
• User-friendly interface

4. Moz Pro

Moz Pro is Moz’s flagship SEO platform. Moz pioneered backlink analysis by being the first to introduce domain authority (DA), a single score for a website’s backlink profile. Compared to Ahrefs and Semrush, Moz Pro focuses more on usability and acts as a unified reporting solution that simplifies SEO management. This makes it better for a small business owner than an SEO professional. Moz’s reporting is simple and automated but not as flexible as Semrush’s. It’s also not used as much as Ahrefs, Semrush, or Screaming Frog for in-depth technical site audits, but its pricing tiers start much lower.

Price: Starts at $49 a month

Features:

• Lower prices than others
• Ideal snapshot view for smaller businesses
• Robust supporting educational resources

5. Nightwatch

Nightwatch’s most significant feature is its location-based keyword rank tracking, which is valuable for ecommerce businesses that need to improve local SEO for their brick-and-mortar stores. It also includes customizable reporting and visualizations like graphs, charts, and automated alerts for significant keyword changes. Nightwatch can integrate with Google Analytics and Google Search Console for a more comprehensive analysis of the business impact of SEO work.

Price: Starts at $39 a month

Features:

• Detailed, geographical-based rank tracking
• Customizable reporting and visualizations
• Integrates with Google Analytics and Google Search Console

6. Screaming Frog SEO Spider

Screaming Frog SEO Spider is a website crawler primarily used for technical site audits to identify performance and ranking issues. This is an example of a non-automated tool; whereas other tools periodically crawl your site, Screaming Frog will only crawl your website when you ask it to. But this lets it give you a much more robust site audit report.

You can use the tool to generate reports on several possible technical issues, including broken links, duplicate content, missing or duplicate headers and title tags, and image sizes. You can also integrate Screaming Frog with Google Analytics, which lets you run crawls with different user segments or combine crawl data with traffic or behavior metrics to prioritize improvements.

Price: Free or $259 a year for the premium plan

Features:

• In-depth technical analysis with customizable crawls
• Integration with Google Analytics
• Easily exportable reports

7. PageSpeed Insights

PageSpeed Insights is a free tool created by Google to analyze web pages for user experience and performance. Because page speed is a ranking factor, it’s beneficial for marketers to check this every few months to continue making improvements on slow-loading pages. PageSpeed Insights produces a speed score for specific URLs as well as Core Web Vital metrics scores, which include actionable recommendations to address specific issues.

Price: Free

Features:

• Synthesizes complicated technical issues into a single, user-friendly score
• Includes actionable recommendations for solutions
• Aligns with Google’s ranking priorities

8. Google Analytics 4

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a free service offered by Google. It’s designed primarily for smaller ecommerce businesses that only need to track website performance, user engagement, and visitor behavior. GA4 offers reports on all visits to your website, segments them by source, and attributes conversions to the visits. This lets you contextualize your SEO performance by comparing traffic and conversions from organic search to other channels.

Although GA4 doesn’t directly provide site audit or rank tracking, it includes real-time reporting and customizable reports to drill into particular areas and aspects of website performance—such as identifying which landing pages drive the most organic traffic and their effect on conversions.

Price: Free

Features:

• Customizable reporting to understand user behavior and conversions
• Automatic channel segmentation and conversion attribution
• Real-time reporting

9. Looker Studio

Formerly Google Data Studio, Looker Studio is a dashboarding service run by Google that visualizes and reports on data from multiple sources. On Looker Studio, you can create interactive and customized dashboards integrated with tools like Google Ads, Google Sheets, Google Search Console, and more. This means you can view all your SEO metrics in one centralized location, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your business goals. Looker Studio supports live connections, so you get real-time data flowing into reports and custom fields for more specific data analysis.

Price: Free or $9 per user, per month for Looker Studio Pro

Features:

• Customizable and flexible dashboards for centralized marketing reporting
• Lots of integration options
• Real-time functionality

10. Similarweb

Similarweb is a digital intelligence tool that provides insights into website and app usage, traffic sources, and competitors. While Similarweb does have some keyword ranking tracking functionality, it’s best used for benchmarking (comparing your metrics with industry standards) with its robust competitor analysis tools.

Similarweb’s referral reports are also valuable for SEO in analyzing backlinks and understanding their quality and impact. Although Similarweb is a powerful tool, its cost may be a barrier for small businesses, as the Starter plan has limited features.

Price: Starts at $125 per month

Features:

• Strong competitor intelligence and benchmarking
• One of the most accurate data estimates
• Includes Amazon and YouTube keyword research

You’ve probably experienced virtual reality by now: You put on a headset and enter a virtual world that stands apart from the one you live in. Augmented reality is similar to VR in that it lets users interact with virtual objects that don’t exist in the physical world. But unlike virtual reality, augmented reality technology stays grounded in a real-world environment. Essentially, augmented reality works by placing computer-generated objects into an image of the user’s environment.

AR can be a great tool for ecommerce. If you want to show your customer how a new sofa might look in their current living room, an AR device can make it happen. If you want to present a hologram of someone who isn’t actually in the room, AR experiences can bring your vision to life.

What is augmented reality (AR)?

Augmented reality (AR) is technology that blends the real and virtual worlds by superimposing virtual objects over a natural environment. You can see AR examples in ecommerce. AR technology lets users virtually “try on” outfits on a retailer’s website; a user stands in front of their phone’s camera, and the video feed shows them wearing an outfit from the brand. AR can also superimpose an image of a physical object, like a piece of furniture, onto an existing photograph. This makes AR technologies great tools for simulating in-person retail experiences.

How augmented reality works

Augmented reality works by superimposing digital content onto a user’s physical environment. It requires some form of computer hardware to run. For instance, you can use mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to run augmented reality applications. You can also run AR apps on augmented reality glasses and headsets, such as the Apple Vision Pro. Here’s how these augmented reality apps work:

• AR systems capture the surrounding environment. To generate an immersive AR experience, an AR-enabled device like a smartphone, tablet, or AR headset uses its camera and sensors to compile data on its real-world surroundings.
• Artificial intelligence tools scan the data. Using computer vision and object recognition, AI-powered software analyzes the captured data to understand the user’s physical space and position, essentially creating a map.
• AR software renders digital objects. Augmented reality applications then overlay images and video (anything from dragons to coffee tables) onto a view of the real world that’s displayed either on a mobile device screen or an AR headset.

AR vs. VR vs. MR

Augmented reality is similar to virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), but these three digital technologies are not synonymous. Here are the defining characteristics of VR, AR, and MR.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality is a fully immersive experience. In a virtual environment, you tune out the real world and exclusively focus on computer-generated settings, characters, and objects. Virtual realities are particularly popular among gamers.

Augmented reality

The key to understanding augmented reality is recognizing it mostly shows the real world. Yet AR devices nestle virtual objects among real objects and settings. They can do this by leveraging the cameras, light sensors, depth sensors, and microphones on mobile devices and AR headsets. The result is an enhanced version of the real world. Unlike VR, AR does not show fully fictional digital worlds.

Mixed reality

Mixed reality has considerable overlap with augmented reality. The key difference between AR and MR is that mixed reality images adapt as the surrounding environment changes. You might encounter MR in the heads-up displays installed in many high-tech cars. These can project maps and vehicle information onto your windshield. The MR heads-up display adapts as you drive. When you round the corner, the map adjusts to reflect your new location.

Types of augmented reality

The term “augmented reality” can mean different things depending on how people implement the technology. Here are four types of AR you might encounter:

Marker-based AR

Marker-based AR relies on predefined markers, such as QR codes, to trigger the display of digital imagery. It requires scanning and image recognition capability, so it can only function on devices with digital cameras. Marker-based AR is common in the retail sector, and in advertising, education, and other sectors in which a physical object or image can function as a point of interaction. It’s also known as image recognition AR or trigger-based AR.

Markerless AR

Markerless AR does not require a camera to scan for images, barcodes, or QR codes. Instead, it uses a device’s GPS, compass, and accelerometer, among other metrics, to determine the user’s location and orientation. The technology then overlays digital content based on real-world coordinates. Markerless AR is popular in the navigation industry, particularly for interactive digital maps. It also powers location-based games like Pokémon GO, which places virtual objects in specific real-world locations.

Projection-based AR

This type of AR projects digital content directly onto real-world physical surfaces. Essentially, an AR system projects light on a surface. Then, using sensors to detect interactions like gestures or movements, the AR system adjusts the projected image to respond to user behavior. You can find projection-based AR in interactive displays, art installations, and heads-up displays in vehicles. Projection-based AR can also create virtual keyboards on flat tables or interactive gaming interfaces on flat walls.

Superimposition-based AR

Superimposition-based AR systems can replace the original view of an object with an augmented view of that same object. For instance, medical professionals in the health care industry use superimposition-based AR to overlay anatomical structures on a patient’s body. In industrial and manufacturing environments, superimposition-based AR can enable users to view partially finished products in their fully finished forms.

Uses for augmented reality

Augmented reality has many useful applications across an array of industries. Here are a few of the spaces in which you might encounter AR technology:

• Ecommerce. AR enhances the online shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products in their own space or try on virtual clothes.
• Marketing. AR can help marketers create interactive campaigns and product demonstrations. For example, many brands use AR to allow potential customers to visualize products in their own space.
• Customer service. AR-based customer service and tech support can offer an interactive form of step-by-step instructions. Using superimposition-based AR, an application can provide visual guidance for complex tasks.
• Health care. AR technology assists medical professionals in surgeries, training, and patient care through visual overlays and data visualization.
• Gaming. Video game designers use AR to superimpose virtual objects and characters onto the real world (Pokémon GO is a prime example). This creates a new level of interactivity and immersiveness.
• Architecture and interior design. AR lets architects and designers project interactive building plans and interior designs, providing clients with in-depth access and information on a project.
• Education. Interactive AR can bolster lesson plans via the use of interactive visualizations, simulations, and virtual field trips.

The first version of the plain white tee was brought to market by the P. Hanes Knitting Company as part of a two-piece underwear set in 1901. Since then, the t-shirt market has exploded. Now, designing a t-shirt is possible to do from the comfort of your home.

Learn the tenets of shirt design, including how to design a shirt, which printing methods offer the best balance of cost versus quality, and tips for branding and marketing your new t-shirt design business.

How to design a t-shirt

Follow these steps to start designing a t-shirt:

1. Identify your target market
2. Understand different shirt styles and fits
3. Research design trends
4. Select the material
5. Incorporate patterns and textures
6. Create your graphic design
7. Get feedback
8. Choose a printing option
9. Prototype and create mock-ups

1. Identify your target market

Finding a niche is key to launching a successful online t-shirt business and can help you stay focused as you expand your operation. 

Ask yourself these five questions to identify your target market: 

What age group am I speaking to?

Pinpointing the age range helps you create designs and messaging that speak directly to their life stage, interests, and sense of humor.

For example, if you’re targeting millennials, consider designs that play on nostalgia from the ’90s or early 2000s.

What are their passions and hobbies?

When you know what your audience cares about, you can design t-shirts they’ll love to wear. It’s about making something that resonates on a personal level.

Where do they hang out online?

Knowing where your audience spends their time helps you focus your marketing efforts in the right spot. Are they on Instagram? TikTok? Reddit? Meet them where they are.

For example, you might focus your marketing efforts on TikTok if your audience is primarily Gen Z, where short, engaging videos can showcase your designs.

How do they shop?

Understanding your audience’s purchasing habits, like whether they’re impulse buyers or prefer thoughtful, planned purchases, allows you to tailor your promotions and sales strategies to match their buying style.

Plus, once you get a sense of your audience’s preferred social platforms, you also have the opportunity to sell directly to them on social media through tools like TikTok Shop or Instagram Shopping.

What problem are they trying to solve, or what needs do they have?

If you can identify a specific need or problem your audience faces, you can position your t-shirts as their go-to wardrobe basic. For example, if your target audience is hikers, you can consider a design where sleeves are removable so hikers can attach them when it’s cold without having to carry additional clothes. 

Define your buyer personas based on factors like age range, profession, personal values, and income level. Consider your audience’s lifestyle as well. When and where might they wear this shirt? These aspects can help inform your design, cut, and materials.

2. Understand different shirt styles and fits

When designing a t-shirt, you need to understand all of the possible styles and fits to meet your audience’s preferences. Each style offers its own look and feel and helps you create different wardrobes for different seasons. Refer to the following chart for a breakdown of common t-shirt styles and their use cases.

3. Research design trends

Incorporating current design trends into your shirts can help you differentiate your products from those of your competitors. Zazzle and SnorgTees are two online stores that offer insight into custom t-shirt designs. You can review their bestseller categories to see what people are buying. Take note of common themes like darker colors, bold graphics, small logos, and other small details to determine which trends to weave into your design.

4. Select the material

Consider some of the most common t-shirt materials:

• 100% cotton: Cotton fabrics are soft, breathable, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive.
• 100% polyester: A synthetic fabric, polyester is durable, resistant to wrinkles and shrinking, and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for athletic wear.
• Polyester and cotton blends: These blends offer the best of cotton and polyester fabrics, which is why they tend to be more expensive than 100% cotton or polyester fabrics.
• Tri-blend: A blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon, tri-blends are soft and comfortable. Like other blends, tri-blend fabrics are more expensive than pure cotton or polyester.
• Hemp: Made from the fibers of hemp plants, pure hemp fabric can be more eco-friendly and durable than other options, but also more expensive.
• Bamboo: Similar to hemp fabric, pure bamboo fabric is an eco-friendly option that comes with a steeper price tag.

5. Incorporate patterns and textures

Whether you’re aiming for something subtle or a design that really pops, patterns and textures add depth and interest that plain prints just can’t achieve. Think of them as the extra oomph that can make your design memorable and wearable.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Subtle textures: Start with something simple, like a heathered fabric or a slight distressing effect. These textures add a layer of complexity without overwhelming the design. They’re perfect for adding a vintage or worn-in look to your t-shirt.
• Bold patterns: If you want your t-shirt to be a statement piece, go for a bold pattern. Stripes, polka dots, or even geometric shapes can add a lot of character. Just make sure the pattern complements your overall design and doesn’t compete with other elements.
• Layering patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, but do it strategically. Layering a small, repetitive pattern under a larger, more prominent design can create a dynamic look that draws the eye in. Consider combining a subtle background pattern with a striking graphic or text overlay.
• Textures with purpose: Use textures that enhance the theme of your design. For example, a rough, grunge texture can give a rock-band tee an edgy feel, while a soft, watercolor texture might be better suited for a nature-inspired design.

Incorporating patterns and textures isn’t just about making a shirt look cool—it’s about adding depth and personality to your designs, making them more appealing and unique to your audience.

6. Create your graphic design

Decide whether you’d like to produce the design yourself or hire a designer. If you’re going the DIY route, you can make use of user-friendly, free design tools like Canva to design your shirt. More advanced tools, like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, come with a price tag but provide more capabilities. Alternatively, you can find designers of varying skill sets, rates, and experience on freelance talent networks like Behance and Dribbble.

7. Get feedback

Before your design hits the printers, get feedback to gauge the potential response to your design and validate if it will connect with your target audience. Ask trusted friends, family, or peers to check your work for spelling errors, confusing design elements, or anything else that strikes them as off. Honest feedback like this is crucial for any stage in your ecommerce business, but it is particularly useful at the start. 

8. Choose a printing option

All of the following printing options can produce a high-quality shirt, but they each have different price points and unique processes.

Screen printing

Also known as silk screen printing, this method involves pushing ink through a stencil, or screen, onto the fabric. Screen printing is a high-quality method that’s popular and relatively cost-effective compared to other techniques.

Plastisol transfers

Plastisol transfers use heat and pressure to transfer your design from a carrier sheet onto a t-shirt. You can use this method with a wide range of fabrics, and it makes for a durable shirt. However, it tends to be more expensive than screen printing.

Dye sublimation

Somewhat similar to plastisol transfers, dye sublimation involves using heat and pressure to transfer your design onto a shirt. However, the ink is absorbed into the fabric instead of sitting on top. Dye sublimation is typically more expensive than other options, but it’s ideal for producing high-quality, full-color prints on polyester fabrics.

Direct to garment (DTG)

DTG printing is a cutting-edge method to print directly on textiles, making it the most expensive option. It works particularly well with lighter colors and intricate designs.

Print on demand

Print on demand is a fulfillment model that makes the manufacturing, printing, packaging, and shipping of t-shirts possible without having to hold your own inventory. Shopify’s print-on-demand services allow you to sell shirts without keeping, organizing, and monitoring inventory or worrying about shipping. Create designs and an online store all in one place with print-on-demand partners like Printful or Printify.

9. Prototype and create mockups

Before you go full throttle into production, take a step back and prototype your designs. Creating mockups helps you see what your t-shirt will look like in real life and catch potential issues before they become expensive mistakes. A prototype helps you test everything: the fit, the colors, the design placement, and even the fabric choice. Don’t skip this step, especially if you’re planning to sell your t-shirts online, where customers can’t physically touch or try on your product.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality mockup templates that reflect the style and fit of your final product. For example, if you’re selling to a fitness crowd, a mockup on an athletic-fit tee can give customers a better sense of the final look.

Taking the time to prototype and create mockups ensures that what you see on the screen translates perfectly to what your customers will receive. It’s all about delivering a product that exceeds customer expectations—building trust and loyalty from the get-go.

T-shirt design tips

Ultimately, your design is what persuades people to purchase your shirt. Consider these tips to guide your creative process for how to design a t-shirt.

Keep it simple

A cluttered design can overwhelm the eye and detract from your message. Think about iconic t-shirts that have stood the test of time—most of them feature straightforward, clean designs that communicate a clear idea. For example, a single, bold graphic or a short, impactful phrase can often be more powerful than a complex image with lots of text. 

Pro Tip: Before finalizing your design, do the “five-second test”—show it to someone for just five seconds and then ask them to describe it. If they can easily identify the main idea, you’re on the right track.

Limit colors

Using a limited color palette isn’t just about keeping costs down—it’s also about making sure your design is clear and memorable. Too many colors can make a design look busy and may obscure your message. Also, each additional color can increase printing costs, which can eat into your profit margins, especially for ecommerce businesses. 

Pro Tip: If you have a strict budget, stick to two or three colors that complement each other. For example, a simple black-and-white design can be striking and versatile, while a carefully chosen accent color can add just the right pop.

Employ color theory

Color theory, or color psychology, is the idea that certain colors can influence moods. The same goes for t-shirt colors. For example, blue is often associated with trust and calm, making it ideal for designs that aim to convey reliability. On the other hand, red is attention-grabbing and can create a sense of urgency or excitement. 

Use Pantone colors

Consistency is key in t-shirt printing, and that’s where Pantone colors come in. Pantone offers a standardized color-matching system that ensures your design looks the same across different printing methods and materials. This will help you maintain brand consistency, especially if you plan to produce large quantities or use multiple printers. 

Focus on image quality

In most cases, images should be 200 dpi (dots per inch) or higher at full size for custom t-shirt designs. 

Whenever possible, use vector graphics instead of raster images. Vector graphics scale infinitely without losing quality, making them ideal for t-shirt designs. Whether you’re printing a small logo on the chest or a large graphic on the back, your design will remain sharp and detailed.

Consider contrast

Contrast is the visual difference between the dark and light parts of images. Choose high-contrasting colors—like black ink on a white shirt or light ink colors on a dark shirt—if you want a shirt that’s easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.

Pro tip: If your design includes text, ensure there’s enough contrast between the text color and the shirt color to make the words easily readable from a distance. High-contrast colors are an accessibility principle that improves legibility and makes your design stand out more in a crowd.

How to start a t-shirt design business

Starting a t-shirt design business is hard—the market is saturated, and the competition is fierce. So, how do you carve out a space for your brand? It all comes down to nailing the essentials, understanding your niche, and leveraging smart strategies to get your designs in front of the right audience.

Here’s how to get started with your own t-shirt design business:

1. Find your niche

Before you even think about printing your first design, you need to define your niche. The t-shirt market is huge, and without a clear focus, your brand will get lost in the noise. 

Are you targeting fitness enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers, or maybe fans of a specific subculture? The more specific you can get, the better. A well-defined niche not only helps you create designs that resonate with your audience but also makes your marketing efforts more effective.

2. Choose the right ecommerce platform

Once you’ve identified your niche, choose a platform to launch your business. Shopify is an excellent choice for t-shirt businesses because it’s user-friendly and scalable. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to grow, Shopify provides all the tools you need to set up your store, manage inventory, and process payments. Plus, with Shopify’s business integration options, you can easily connect with print-on-demand services to streamline your production process.

3. Design with purpose

Your designs are the heart of your business—they need to speak to your audience on a personal level. This is where understanding your niche really pays off. Every design should be intentional and aligned with the values and interests of your target market. Don’t just follow trends—set them. Invest in a professional designer if your budget allows, and make sure your designs are original and high quality. 

4. Marketing and branding

Your brand is the story you tell through your designs, your messaging, and your customer experience. Build a brand that’s authentic and relatable. Use social media to showcase your designs, engage with your audience, and build a community around your brand. Influencer marketing, email campaigns, and paid ads can also be powerful tools to drive traffic to your store.

5. Test and iterate

Finally, remember that t-shirt design is an ongoing process. Test different designs, marketing strategies, and sales channels. Pay attention to what works and be ready to pivot when necessary. The key to success is staying flexible and learning from your customers and your data.

If you want a shed in your backyard, you can either buy a prebuilt shed, hire a contractor, or purchase plans and materials and build it yourself.

When it comes to ecommerce, using an open source ecommerce platform is a bit like building your own shed. The platform, like the plans and materials for the shed, provides everything you need to develop an ecommerce website while affording the freedom to customize it according to your business needs. The downside is that working with open source software requires special skills and time.

If you have the technical knowledge—or if you hire a web developer—an open source ecommerce platform can allow you to build a user-friendly, scalable online store exactly as you envision it.

What is open source ecommerce?

Open source ecommerce refers to any ecommerce software that provides users full access to its original source code, allowing them to modify and customize the ecommerce platform to meet your needs, and gives them control over your online store’s design and functionality. open source software is typically free to download and use.

How does open source ecommerce work?

The first step to using an open source ecommerce solution is downloading the source code. Most open source platform providers offer direct download links on their websites, although some may require you to sign up for a free membership before downloading. Many platforms are available on an online open source software library, like SourceForge.

Using the code to set up an online store is where it gets more complicated. Although some providers allow retailers with limited technical knowledge to set up a storefront, taking full advantage of an open source solution requires web development expertise. Many small businesses hire web developers for help.

Most open source ecommerce platforms offer apps and extensions that provide additional functionality and customization options. You might add an inventory management application to your site. Users can purchase these through the company’s app marketplace, a multi-vendor marketplace, or a third-party developer. Many open source ecommerce platforms also provide APIs to integrate third-party apps or extend ecommerce functionality.

Because open source software is made to modify, a skilled web developer can customize the platform to meet your needs.

6 best open source ecommerce platforms

1. WooCommerce
2. OpenCart
3. NopCommerce
4. Magento
5. Ecwid
6. Zen Cart

There are many popular open source ecommerce platform options, from shopping cart plug-ins to fully integrated front-end and back-end systems. The following six choices are popular with online business owners for their ease of use and powerful functionalities.

1. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free, open source ecommerce platform designed to work with WordPress websites. The software is a popular choice with ecommerce businesses. It powers 29% of online stores worldwide.

Integrating WooCommerce with the WordPress content management system requires no web development expertise, but customizations require facility with the PHP programming language.

WooCommerce’s features include:

• Over 1,200 themes
• Product sorting
• Tax calculation
• Built-in payment processing
• Multiple checkout options
• Inventory management
• Over 800 extensions
• Marketing tools via plugins
• Customer support for WooCommerce products

2. OpenCart

OpenCart is a small, Hong Kong–based open source ecommerce platform built with the PHP programming language. Like WooCommerce, OpenCart allows users with no technical knowledge to set up a basic storefront using one of the company’s themes.

OpenCart operates on a “core plus extensions’”model, offering fewer built-in features than most competitors. It allows users to add modules to improve functionality, such as multi-store management.

However, most ecommerce store owners still need to download several extensions to meet their needs. The company’s active developer community contributes to a library of over 13,000 extensions.

OpenCart’s built-in features include:

• Over 2,700 themes
• Over 20 integrated payment gateways
• Multi-storefront management
• User roles
• Unlimited products and product categories
• Product filters and sorting
• Multi-currency support
• Integrated shipping
• Recurring orders

3. NopCommerce

NopCommerce is a free open source ecommerce platform based in Russia that serves small and medium-sized businesses and enterprise customers. NopCommerce is based on ASP.Net, a server-side scripting language created by Microsoft that runs on the C# programming language, making it popular with businesses that use other Microsoft technologies.

NopCommerce offers two download versions: a source code version for web developers and a one-click install version for users with limited technical knowledge.

NopCommerce’s features include:

• Content management system
• Over 1,500 integrations
• Mobile-responsive interface
• Multi-storefront management
• Omnichannel selling
• Headless functionality
• SEO-friendly design
• Over 150 developer, hosting, and technology partners

4. Magento

Magento is Adobe Commerce’s popular open source ecommerce platform that offers an extensive list of built-in features. The Magento Marketplace offers over 3,000 free and paid extensions for businesses that require more specific functionality.

Magento has a steeper learning curve than most popular open source platforms. Users with limited technical knowledge will need to hire a web developer to take full advantage of the platform. Magento uses the PHP programming language.

Adobe Commerce’s platform, Magento Open Source, includes:

• Content management system
• Analytics and reporting
• Catalog management
• Search engine optimization tools
• Inventory management system
• Multi-tier pricing
• Mobile-optimized storefront
• International currencies accepted
• Centralized admin for operations management 

5. Ecwid

Ecwid is a free open source shopping cart integration designed to add to a pre-existing website. Ecwid is written in PHP, and some technical knowledge is required to integrate Ecwid with an existing site.

Ecwid works with over 50 payment providers and multiple POS systems. The free version allows two product categories, up to 10 items, and a one-page ecommerce site. Larger stores require one of three paid plans, which start at $15 per month.

Ecwid’s built-in features include:

• Tax management
• Subscription management
• Language detection

6. Zen Cart

Zen Cart is a free PHP-based shopping cart integration. Like Ecwid, Zen Cart requires technical knowledge to add to an existing site. Its built-in storefront is also less user-friendly than many of its competitors, making Zen Cart a better option for business owners who plan to use a web developer for customization than for those looking for a simpler solution.

Zen Cart operates on a core-plus-extensions model and offers over 2,000 free and paid add-ons. Built-in features include:

• Supports multiple languages
• Accepts multiple currencies
• SEO tools
• Reporting and analytics
• Customer group pricing

Open source ecommerce vs. SaaS ecommerce

There are two main types of ecommerce platforms: open source and software as a service (SaaS). SaaS is a cloud-based software delivery method that allows you to access subscription-licensed software online. Shopify, for example, is a SaaS ecommerce platform.

Both these ecommerce solutions can be used to create secure, user-friendly online stores, but differ in fee structure, customization options, and the degree of technical knowledge required for site set-up and maintenance.

Cost

• How they’re similar. While open source software is typically free to download and use, setting up and running an online store using an open source or a SaaS platform will cost money.
• How they’re different. SaaS platforms charge a subscription fee to use their software, which often includes apps, extensions, and hosting costs. open source software is free of charge, but apps and extensions, hosting, and web development often cost money.

Customization

• How they’re similar. SaaS and open source platforms allow for customization, apps, and extensions.
• How they’re different. In theory, open source platforms are infinitely customizable—providing you (or a developer) have the technical knowledge required. SaaS platforms include customization parameters, but options are often more limited.

Display

• How they’re similar. Both SaaS and open source platforms give users multiple display options to determine the look and feel of the user interface. Many also include multiple prebuilt themes, essentially front-end website templates.
• How they’re different. Web developers can manipulate source code to alter any element of an open source platform’s display. In contrast, SaaS platforms allow users with limited technical knowledge to customize displays within set parameters.

Security

• How they’re similar. Both platforms are designed to allow ecommerce businesses to protect customer data and provide a secure shopping experience.
• How they’re different. SaaS platforms provide built-in security safeguards and regularly monitor and improve the software to keep up with the latest technologies. Many also offer PCI compliance, confirming a website securely handles credit card data. open source platforms require users to apply updates, maintain PCI compliance, and monitor site security.

Starting a new company comes with a host of legal hurdles, including your overall business structure. For instance, you may choose to conduct business as a limited liability company (LLC), partnership, franchise, or sole proprietorship.

In many cases, regulations place certain restrictions on the legal name of your business entity, limiting your ability to build a company with a memorable name and marketable brand. That’s where a “doing business as” (DBA) registration comes in handy.

In this article, we’ll discuss the meaning of DBA and the process of changing your company name via DBA filing, plus some reasons small business owners may want to register a DBA for their company.

What does “doing business as” (DBA) mean?

A DBA (short for “doing business as”) is a fictitious business name or trade name that’s different from the legal name under which a business is licensed. In North America, the common designation for “doing business as” is “DBA” or “d/b/a.” In other countries, “trading as” is more common, with “t/a” the abbreviation.

Some states refer to the paperwork required to register a DBA as a “fictitious name filing” or “fictitious name certificate.” To operate under an assumed name, companies must submit an application indicating the DBA name to be used and verify that another business is not already using the name.

Why use a DBA name?

Technically speaking, most businesses are not required to file a DBA in order to operate. However, a DBA name can be useful for a variety of reasons:

• You want to use a better name. If Jane Doe runs a jewelry business as a sole proprietor, she’ll likely want to operate under a more memorable and searchable name that’s related to her industry. A DBA name allows her to do just that.
• You’re expanding. If you’re looking to spin off a unit of your business, introduce a new product that’s unrelated to your current business name, or operate in an area where another well-known business is already using your name, a DBA name can help you make the transition, putting multiple businesses under one legal entity.
• Your bank requires a DBA. Some banks require sole proprietors and partnerships to file a DBA in order to open a business bank account. Having a separate business bank account can unlock business-only perks that help you manage your finances more effectively.
• You’re pivoting your business. If your current line of business isn’t working out, the DBA filing process can help you take your existing business in an entirely new direction—without the need for a separate business entity or new business licenses.
• You want to protect your privacy. Because your business’s legal name is a matter of public record, doing business as a sole proprietor without a trade name can expose your personal name to the world. By registering a DBA name, you can keep your name off official filings and marketing materials, preserving your privacy.

How to choose a DBA name

Best practices for choosing a DBA name are similar to when you’re choosing a name for your business or brand:

• Follow the state’s naming guidelines. Most states prohibit DBA names that include banking or government-related phrases. You’re also not allowed to use “LLC” in your DBA name if your business isn’t structured in that way. Check with your city or county office before filing your name application.
• Make it memorable. Alliteration tends to work well because it’s catchy and memorable. Think of names like “Eli’s Electronics” or “Joni Jeans.” 
• Avoid commonly misspelled words. Your DBA name is what people will recognize you by, so avoid words that are commonly misspelled to help potential customers easily find you online.
• Check it’s not already taken. Check the trademark office, do a domain name search, and confirm that social media handles are available before filing a DBA application. 

Who needs to file a DBA registration?

Some types of businesses must use a DBA name to do business effectively, while other types simply have the option to file a DBA. Here’s what you need to know.

Sole proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are the most common DBA filers. That’s because sole proprietors must register a business under their personal name, which means that without a DBA, their branding options are severely limited.

However, if you are a sole proprietor and use your own name in your legal business name, such as Sue Smith’s Styling Salon, you don’t need to submit a DBA form. You are doing business as yourself—it’s a non-issue.

Partnerships

Like a sole proprietorship, a company with a general partnership business structure is unincorporated, and therefore does not need to register a business entity name with the state. As a result, general partnerships require DBA filing if you want to operate under a fictitious name that’s neither your full legal name nor your partners’ names.

Corporations and LLCs

Unlike sole proprietorships or general partnerships, corporation or limited liability companies (LLCs) don’t need a DBA to operate under an alias, since they’ve already registered a business entity name that’s separate from their personal name as owner. However, if you want to do business under a different name, you have the option to register a DBA just like a sole proprietorship or partnership.

This frequently happens with franchisees, which can’t all operate under the parent company’s or brand’s name. For example, a Delaware Wendy’s franchisee might do business as Brandywine Burgers. 

If a new business unit is formed within a corporation with a slightly different mission or product line, a DBA name could be filed to indicate the different name and the unit’s relationship to the parent company. 

This would be the case if, say, the Veggies R Us corporation decided to spin off its ice cream business, naming it The Cream of the Crop. The Cream of the Crop would need a DBA filing, since the name being used is different from its parent LLC.

When should you file a DBA?

If your business intends to go by an assumed name different from your own legal name, you will need to file DBA forms to make it clear to the state (and your customers) who is responsible for the business and its activities. That is the reasoning behind such forms: making sure customers know the name of the business owner or legal entity behind the company.

Some states require a business owner to renew a DBA name periodically. If you’ve already registered a DBA name, failing to renew it can create serious problems for your brand. For example, if your DBA registration lapses before you can renew, you’ll lose access to the name. If you’ve registered in a state where DBA names don’t have certain legal protections, another business owner could even register as your lapsed DBA name before you get the chance to reclaim it. 

Typically, failing to renew your DBA in time means you’ll need to start the filing process all over again, often costing more to register than it would have to renew. Plus, while your DBA is invalid during that transition period, that could cause disruptions to your business operations, further impacting your finances. 

Where to register a DBA

Most DBA filings are submitted at your county clerk’s office or courthouse. They usually cost anywhere from $25 to $100. Note that you’ll need to file a DBA for every state or city your business operates in. For more information about where to register a DBA for your business, check the SBA website.

When to renew a DBA

Your DBA application isn’t a one-and-done thing. As discussed above, most states require you to renew your DBA and confirm that you’re still using it to trade. This varies from state to state, though the typical renewal period is five years. During your DBA filing process, make sure you get all the most up-to-date information about your state’s registration requirements and renewal period. 

Get started with return management

Watch this video to learn how to create a customer-friendly return policy, share it on your online store, and create a return process that makes it easy to manage returns behind the scenes.

How to write a return policy (+ free return policy template)

Given that about 20% of online purchases will be returned, writing a great return policy is imperative.

The first step to setting up a system to handle returns is formalizing your policy so you can communicate it clearly to your customers. A written return policy allows you to treat all requests the same and avoid the tendency to handle things on a case-by-case basis, which is often less productive and more expensive.

Return policies will vary depending on the logistics of your ecommerce business and the products you sell, but every policy should cover the following basics:

• What items can be returned
• What items can be exchanged
• What products are “final sale” (i.e., non-returnable, non-exchangeable)
• When things can be returned or exchanged (i.e., 30 days from purchase date, with purchase receipt)
• In what condition items can be returned (i.e., lightly worn, with tags still on, original packaging, original condition, etc.)
• What products can be returned for (i.e., store credit, refund, a product of equal value, etc.)
• How to initiate a return or exchange (i.e., an email address to contact or a web page to visit) 

Note: If your store is using other sales channels, be mindful that these marketplaces have their own returns policies. What you state in your retail return policy may not apply if using these channels.

Ecommerce return policy template

Below is a basic return policy template that can be adapted to fit your business. Just replace the bolded text with your own policy and use the lists as a guide to ensure you don’t forget to include any important information:

If you’re looking to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we’re here to help! We offer free returns within 30 days of purchase. You can return your product for store credit, a different product, or a refund to the original payment method.

Please note the following exceptions to our return and refund policy:

Below are some examples of common exceptions: 

• Discounted items are final and cannot be returned or exchanged.
• Returned items must have tags still on and be returned in original product packaging.
• Returned items must have no visible signs of wear or use.

To initiate a return, please complete the following steps:

Your steps should be laid out clearly, linking to relevant pages, such as your online portal.

1. Reply to your order confirmation email to request which products you would like to return.
2. Print the prepaid return shipping label that you will receive by email.
3. Send all items back to us using the label provided.

Additional Information:

The following are add-ons with more information that you may want to include:

• How long it takes to receive your refund, replacement product, or store credit.
• Any shipping fees the customer will need to pay.
• Any return restocking fees the customer will need to pay.
• How you handle lost or damaged returns.
• Contact information for your business if the customer has more questions.

Use our free refund policy generator to create a return policy and build trust with customers.

Where to put a standard return policy

It’s not enough to have a well-written return policy: you must also make sure customers see it before they buy. When talking to a frustrated customer who is trying to return an item marked as final sale, simply telling them they should have read the return policy is unlikely to resolve the issue.

Include links to your return policy in several hard-to-miss places throughout your website to save time going back and forth with customers who did not see the policy. A few key places to list your return policy include:

One great return policy example comes from Chubbies, an online clothing retailer. The brand includes return questions in its website chat window. You can also start a return with one click. 

If the return policy is clearly outlined on your website so it can’t be missed by customers, you’ll set the right expectations prior to purchase. While some customers may be unsatisfied with your store’s return policy, hiding that policy in fine print only leads to a lack of trust.

Strategies for more profitable returns

One unavoidable consequence of a solid return policy and system is that it’s not cheap. Although you can cut down on customer service hours with an app, shipping fees associated with returning a product and restocking fees from getting it back into circulation can still threaten your profitability.

However, there are a few ways to minimize your losses while still offering a great return policy to customers.

1. Turn returns into exchanges

The difference between returns and exchanges is most prominent when looking at profitability. When a customer returns a product for a refund, your business usually loses money on customer acquisition and return shipping costs. Plus, you’ll need to refund the customer any profit made on the original order.

With an exchange, the loss is often less impactful. With strong product margins, offering a replacement product instead of a full refund can keep your business cash flow positive.

A common way to encourage exchanges over returns is by only offering free return shipping if the customer chooses to exchange the product.

2. Offer store credit

Another way to keep losses from a full refund to a minimum: offer store credit.

When presented with the three options above, the choice to get a store credit may be more appealing to those who have not fully sworn off your brand. While the benefits are not as immediate as an exchange, store credit can incentivize customers to spend the same amount (or more) in a later transaction.

Convincing customers to give your brand a second chance with a new order on store credit can also help improve lifetime value, as they are more likely to come back and purchase again if they are satisfied the second time around.

3. Sell product warranties

When a customer chooses to return a product for a refund, one risk a company takes on is whether or not it will be able to resell the item. 

It can take up to two weeks for a product to re-enter stock after a return is initiated, and the time spent in transit and unpacking may leave it damaged. If the product (or its original packaging) is expensive, replacing it might not be an affordable option.

For more expensive items, companies may want to consider selling product warranties to customers. Third-party warranties protect businesses against paying to replace damaged products and avoiding disputes over who is to blame.

Warranties can be sold through an app like Clyde, which can be added to your website to put the decision to protect an order back in the customer’s hands:

Warranties like this can also have the potential to unlock a new revenue stream for your business, since the providers often offer a commission on all premiums sold. That way, your customers are protected for a longer term, and your business collects a little extra revenue instead of paying for damaged goods.

4. Upsell or cross-sell on exchange requests

One ecommerce returns best practice is to upsell or cross-sell on exchange requests. Although exchanges are usually more profitable than returns, their profitability can be narrow depending on the product and its margins. If exchanges are still costly, it might be a good idea to look at upselling or cross-selling on exchanges.

When a customer comes back to your website to use their store credit, there is an opportunity to show them new products they did not purchase the first time around that complement what they’re exchanging for.

If you have a Shopify store, you have access to various apps for showing customers related products at checkout.

Make sure to adjust your shipping policy for returns. In cases where customers cover shipping costs, consider allowing them to add more products to their cart to reach a free shipping threshold. Upselling is also easier when you know the reason for the exchange, and can make a personalized recommendation for a higher priced item that addresses needs that weren’t satisfied on their first purchase.

For example, if a customer is returning a digital camera because it was too heavy, you can recommend a lighter-weight version that might have a higher purchase price but resolves the issue they had with their first order.

Looking at every return as a new opportunity to increase order value by upselling or cross-selling, the incentive to convert more returns into exchanges becomes clear.

Read more: 10 Ways Store Owners Can Prepare for Holiday Shipping Delays

Make the most of your return and refund policy

No matter how much effort you put into your product and customer experience as you grow your business, chances are you will still encounter a few upset customers along the way.

How small businesses decide to deal with these unsatisfied customers is an important factor in the staying power of your brand. A company that figures out a relatively painless shipping strategy to handle return requests is more likely to retain its customers and have them come back and purchase again or, better yet, tell their friends.

Writing a clear return policy that feeds into a well-thought-out return and exchange system—and regularly optimizing it—is a powerful way to cut costs and turn a bad customer experience into long-term profit and customer loyalty.

Illustration by Pete Ryan

Ready to create your first business? Start your free trial of Shopify—no credit card required.

Though augmented reality may seem like a new idea, Wizard of Oz writer L. Frank Baum described a version of the technology in 1901. At the turn of the 20th century, he envisioned a pair of glasses that could display information or visions only to the person wearing them. And though it took more than a century to come to fruition, Baum’s vision of, well, vision has become a reality.

And yet, augmented reality can still seem like wizardry. Using commonplace, everyday tech like mobile devices or less common technologies like smart glasses, you can see 3D objects and digital information as if they were right in front of you. So let’s pull back the curtain on AR technology and cover some practical AR software you can use today.

What is augmented reality software?

Augmented reality software is an app or program that allows the user to place digital information in a real environment. Just as Photoshop allows you to manipulate photos, and just as game development software lays the groundwork for building video games, augmented reality software allows you to create your own scenarios in the real world.

Best augmented reality software

Whether you’re a fashion brand looking to offer a try-on app for a clothing line or a home goods ecommerce business wanting to let potential customers place furniture in their home, or just hoping to create AR-enabled packaging, there are several augmented reality tools and AR development platforms that can meet your specific needs, skills, and price points.

Vossle

If you’re looking primarily for simplicity, Vossle might be the free augmented reality software your brand needs, as there’s no coding necessary for this AR software. 

With a robust free plan and a commercial plan at $99 per month, Vossle offers several key features that work great with ecommerce brands. Think tools like clothing, shoe, and jewelry try-on; gamification opportunities; and even Snapchat-inspired face filters for marketing. 

Zakeke

Zakeke excels when it comes to product customization. If you’re hoping to give your customers the ability to preview aspects of products like color or material, this software is a great choice. It also allows for integration with many ecommerce platforms like Shopify. 

The lowest pricing tier starts at $13.93 per month (billed annually at $71.64), with more robust models starting at $41.93 per month and $104.93 per month.

Unity

Looking to build more advanced augmented reality experiences? Unity is a fully comprehensive platform that can get the job done. 

Best known for game development, it allows users to create all types of immersive AR experiences and real-time 3D content. Unity offers a free version for personal use, but for developers looking for more tools (and real-time remote assistance), the pro plan costs $185 per month. 

This platform is comprehensive. That means a lot of tools and possibilities with advanced features, but a steeper learning curve for beginner users.

Vuforia

Vuforia is an AR SDK (software development kit) that supports both marker-based and markerless AR experiences. In other words, you can use it if you’re designing something that requires an image, QR code, or object (a “marker”) to trigger the AR experience. It’s also a practical and technical software for creating 3D AR renderings of products like furniture.

Powered by the Vuforia Engine, this app offers a slate of tools and abilities, especially when it comes to 3D modeling, face tracking, and real-time image recognition. Vuforia offers a free version with limited features and a full version with pricing available upon request. 

ARKit

ARKit can be just the ticket for AR creation for Apple products running iOS, iPadOS, and VisionOS. Whether you’re planning to allow users to place virtual objects in their homes or offer virtual tours of your physical store, this software lets you create AR experiences that look natural and realistic. The app is free for members of Apple’s Developer Program.

Google ARCore

Google built ARCore with Android in mind. It’s compatible across multiple Android devices and is best for developers working specifically in the Android ecosystem. Gap, Mattel, the NBA, and plenty of other businesses have made the most of this free-use software. 

Google ARCore has many strengths, including light estimation, motion tracking, and depth/environmental understanding. Even though Google ARCore is primarily for Android devices, it can also work in Apple’s ecosystem.

Floori

Some augmented reality platforms are quite broad. They allow the user to build all types of different experiences. In contrast, some AR platforms, like Floori, are meant for specific uses. If you’re looking for an augmented reality platform designed specifically for flooring, Floori can help customers imagine different types of flooring in their home. Contact Floori for pricing.

EasyAR

EasyAR is an advanced AR SDK that has a wide range of uses for AR development. For developers and more advanced users, EasyAR is where to turn if you’re looking for top-of-the-line tracking abilities. It features excellent image, object, plane, and motion tracking. 

EasyAR offers a free personal version, or a Pro edition at $39 per month. It also offers a one-time purchase at $1,399, which allows users to avoid the subscription model all together.

Adobe Aero

From Photoshop and Illustrator to Premiere and Audition, Adobe sets industry standards for just about every form of content creation and editing. Aero is its contribution to the world of augmented reality. The software is free for mobile devices, with a beta version for desktop computers. Available on Creative Cloud, Adobe Aero offers a user-friendly interface that will feel familiar to people familiar with other Adobe products.

Onirix

Onirix is a cloud-based SaaS platform, which means you don’t have to download an app to start building AR experiences. Onirix is fairly intuitive, allowing users to build AR apps and publish them in one place. Whether you’re developing augmented reality apps for Apple or Android mobile devices, Onirix is built to work with smartphones. A starter account runs around $50/month, while the professional tier begins at $334 per month. 

ARToolKit

For developers more inclined toward open-source applications, ARToolKit has been around since 1999. Available for download on Windows, Linux, and macOS, it allows for broad customization. Since it’s open-source software, it’s always free and has an online community dedicated to helping users build on the underlying technologies. 

The biggest businesses operate with speed and efficiency, and it’s not because they have armies of workers toiling away at manual processes like updating sales ledgers and writing shipping labels. Their secret? They replace manual tasks with business process automation tools. 

Thanks to dramatic advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic process automation, computers and robots can handle many business processes, from onboarding new employees to customer relationship management. 

If you’re looking to automate business processes in your own organization, learn what types of business automation might be right for you.

What is business automation?

Business automation is the process of automating routine manual business operations with computer and robotic systems. Companies use these business automation technologies for repetitive tasks, freeing workers to focus on other responsibilities, such as strategy or client relations.

With advances in process automation software, software robots can perform many routine tasks like data entry and billing. If you run a small business, business automation tools can help you operate with a leaner staff or reallocate employees to new initiatives—especially those that require a human touch to succeed.

Benefits of business automation

Here are ways automated processes can lead to better business outcomes:

Increased efficiency

Workflow automation completes tasks in the correct order while meeting deadlines. Since many automation tools require minimal human intervention, they let workers focus on more important tasks and complex processes. For instance, if automation software takes on repetitive HR processes like employee onboarding, your human resources department can spend more time on things like conflict intervention.

Cost savings

When you turn your business process management over to software and machines, you can save money without sacrificing operational excellence. You can operate with a leaner workforce, which cuts down on payroll expenses. 

At the same time, an automation tool often reduces data errors that can happen when humans perform repetitive tasks. For instance, automation software can help businesses comply with regulations and maintain compliance and audit trails, all while avoiding mistakes that may be expensive to correct.

Enhanced decision-making

If you study your existing processes, you can flag inefficiencies and improve your workflow orchestration. Automation tools can assist with this through process mining, which is when tools extract valuable data about your core processes, such as how many times you communicate with a customer over the course of a sale.

This data can guide your decision-making. Perhaps you’ll revamp the sales process to allow more self-service options. Or maybe you’ll leave your existing process untouched because sales keep improving. No matter what you decide, data from various automation tools can help you lead with confidence.

Improved customer experience

You can steadily communicate with your customers. For example, you can automate repetitive tasks within a customer relationship management (CRM) system, such as sending automated messages to shoppers or updating customer information. 

Business automation can also boost customer satisfaction by tailoring sales and marketing efforts to individuals. By leveraging marketing automation tools, you can personalize marketing efforts and deliver relevant content to target customers.

Improved employee satisfaction

Automation can streamline employee onboarding processes, making it easier for new employees to get up to speed. Automation can also help existing employees. For instance, an internal communications system can send automated messages to relevant employees while leaving out people who don’t need to receive them. This keeps stakeholders in the loop while showing other team members that you value their time and won’t waste it with irrelevant emails.

Scalability

Automation can help businesses scale their operations more easily. When machines handle workflow management, it becomes easier to take on more clients, open new locations, and expand services.

4 types of business automation

Business automation describes several transitions from human work to automated machine-based work. You may find that one of these automations suits your needs while others are less relevant to your work. Here are the four main types of business automation: 

1. Basic automation

Basic automation involves automating simple rules-based tasks, such as data entry, pre-planned emails, and appointment scheduling. Basic automation doesn’t require advanced AI software or significant human intervention.

2. Workflow automation

Workflow automation concerns the flow of work between different departments or individuals within an organization. For instance, you could use workflow automation to expedite the approval process for purchase orders, streamline the onboarding process for new employees, or generate a client distribution list.

3. Intelligent automation

This more advanced form of automation involves using AI and machine learning to automate complex tasks related to decision-making and problem-solving. Business users can leverage the vast automation capabilities of AI to achieve better business outcomes. They can use AI to analyze data, process customer service requests, or oversee vendor management.

4. Business process management automation

Business process management (BPM) automation involves automating entire business processes, from end to end. For example, you could automate your entire supply chain process, from procurement to delivery, or your entire sales process, from lead generation to closing deals. Such a dramatic digital transformation could lead to different business models within your company.

4 examples of business automation

1. Marketing campaigns
2. HR onboarding
3. Invoice processing
4. Customer support

Here are four potential scenarios in which automated processes transform business operations:

1. Marketing campaigns

A marketing team can use AI tools to automate email campaigns, social media posts, and targeted advertisements. The team sets specific business rules within the platform, such as sending welcome emails to new subscribers or promoting certain products based on customer behavior. This marketing automation not only saves time but also ensures marketing messages reach the right audience at the right time.

2. HR onboarding

An HR department can automate its employee onboarding process using a centralized HR management system to send welcome emails, schedule orientation sessions, and provide necessary training materials. This reduces manual work for HR staff and helps maintain a consistent onboarding experience.

3. Invoice processing

A finance department can turn to automation software to improve its invoice processing workflow. The system can automatically approve invoices under a certain amount, flag those that need managerial approval, and match invoices with purchase orders and delivery receipts. This automation minimizes errors and speeds up payment processing.

4. Customer support

A customer service team can implement an automated ticketing system to manage customer inquiries and support requests. The AI-powered system prioritizes tickets based on urgency and customer status, assigns them to relevant support agents, and sends acknowledgment emails to customers. By centralizing these tasks on a single platform, customer support workers can respond quicker to inquiries, improve customer satisfaction, and ensure they don’t overlook any ticket.

The Jetsons, a classic 1962 animated show, told the story of an average family living in the year 2062. It imagined a fantastical future with jet packs, video phones, and robotic assistants that help kids with homework and know how to bake a cake.

Several of the show’s predictions have come to pass. Now, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, robotic assistants are a reality. ChatGPT can help ecommerce businesses with a wide range of tasks and improve productivity. Learn how to properly instruct ChatGPT with successful prompt engineering to help your business save time and produce high-quality assets.

What are ChatGPT prompts?

ChatGPT prompts are the text requests you input into the request field of the artificial intelligence (AI) tool. These text prompts are usually requests for information or instructions to produce a specific asset.

Well-written prompts provide the AI with the context and instructions it needs to craft a response. Prompts generally include background information, example text, and formatting instructions.

Tips for writing effective ChatGPT prompts

The process of crafting AI instructions—for ChatGPT and other AI models—is known as prompt engineering. Following best practices for engineering will improve the quality and accuracy of ChatGPT’s responses. Try these tips to start crafting awesome ChatGPT prompts:

Include context

Provide context to help ChatGPT deliver specific, relevant outputs. For example, the prompt “tell me a short story” will generate a broad, generic response. The prompt “write a bedtime story for my six-year-old nephew who loves dragons and trains,” will lead to a more tailored output.

Guide the tone

If you’re using ChatGPT to generate a written asset—such as a blog post or business email—include instructions to guide the tone of the writing. For example, when prompting a blog post, you could tell the model to use “conversational language with a sense of humor.” For a business email, on the other hand, you might instruct it to “write in a formal, professional tone.”

You can also guide the tone by referencing known writing forms, such as “in the style of a cover letter” or describing the target audience with a line like “for an audience of teens and tweens.”

Describe the desired format

Include formatting instructions to generate relevant answers. For example, specify in your prompt if you want ChatGPT to produce instructions written as a lengthy explanation or a step-by-step list. Consider including a desired word count to instruct the length of the output.

Use examples

Provide examples to help ChatGPT understand your desired output. Including writing samples in your prompt can guide both the tone and style of the response. If you provide the model with a sample of your existing marketing copy it will do its best to imitate your brand voice, helping you maintain a consistent tone.

Review and refine the output

Refine your prompting strategy as you go. If your initial instructions don’t yield a satisfactory response, try rewording your request or prompt ChatGPT to edit its response. Ask for adjustments with a prompt such as “rewrite it in a conversational tone” or “reformat the information as a list.”

Always verify that ChatGPT delivered an accurate response before publishing the information or acting on its advice.

9 ChatGPT prompt examples for ecommerce

1. Write SEO copy
2. Create a blog post
3. Write product descriptions
4. Brainstorm creative ideas
5. Draft social media posts
6. Craft customer service responses
7. Research marketing strategies
8. Analyze performance data
9. Generate internal assets

You can use ChatGPT or other large language models (LLMs) to generate assets, enhance communications, and conduct research. The following use cases and sample prompts can help your business operate more efficiently and inspire your own prompts:

1. Write SEO copy

AI tools can generate copy to support your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Include the target keyword and information about formatting when writing SEO prompts. For example:

• Generate SEO-optimized copy for a landing page marketing spicy pickles. The primary keyword is “pickles.” Emphasize the product’s unique selling points: It’s small-batch and uses natural flavors.

• Write a meta description for a blog post about Golden Retriever coat maintenance. The primary keyword is “Golden Retriever coats.” The post includes tips on buying the best brushes and what shampoo to use.

• Create an SEO-optimized title, H1, H2s, and H3s for a blog post about vintage Lego kits. The primary keyword is “vintage Lego.” The post includes tips on where to buy vintage Lego sets. Headings should be structured to optimize keyword density.

• Write an SEO-optimized press release announcing the launch of a self-cleaning microwave. The primary keyword is “microwave.” Include a call to action.

• Send me a list of keywords to target for an SEO-optimized blog post about candle-making tips for beginners.

2. Create a blog post

Support your content marketing efforts by asking ChatGPT to help with creative writing. Blog content prompts often include the subject matter and any key points. For example:

• Write a blog post explaining how to upcycle old t-shirts into a quilt. Include step-by-step instructions.

• Write a 400-word blog post explaining the health benefits of eating spinach. Include three easy, kid-friendly recipes that use spinach.

• Discuss five common myths about Golden Retrievers. Explain why they are false. Write in the style of an educational blog post.

• Write a blog post arguing that a hot dog is not a sandwich. Use informal language and reference famous events related to hot dogs.

• Write an 800-word blog post about how to plant an herb garden for an audience of first-time gardeners in North America. Include a list of all the tools that you’ll need.

3. Write product descriptions

Save time by using a generative AI tool to draft product descriptions for your merchandise. Provide the model with a description of your product, including its key features. For example:

• Write a product description for Carlye’s Premium Golden Retriever shampoo. Highlight that it uses organic ingredients, detangles fur, and leaves coats shiny.

• Write a 100-word product description for a luxury skin care product fridge. Emphasize that it is made from the highest quality stainless steel and has a sophisticated, elegant design.

• Write a product description for Grandma Rose’s Toffee Crunch cookies. Focus on the sentimental, emotional appeal of the product and mention that it is based on Grandma Rose’s original recipe.

4. Brainstorm creative ideas

Use ChatGPT to generate ideas for a business project, letting it help you brainstorm ideas for content marketing, product names, or sales strategies. For example:

• Suggest ideas for 10 advertising campaigns for an ecommerce company selling kitchen supplies. Include five ideas for retargeting existing customers.

• Discuss 15 ways that an ecommerce company can increase brand awareness. Focus on low-cost strategies.

• Suggest 10 ways for a small ecommerce company to generate leads.

• Generate 20 blog post ideas for an ecommerce company that sells gourmet pickles. Include potential SEO keywords.

5. Draft social media posts

Use ChatGPT to create social media marketing assets designed to help you develop a strong online presence. Mention the social media platform you’re using and explain the subject of your post in social media prompts. For example:

• Write a search-optimized description for a YouTube video demonstrating how to wash a Golden Retriever. Include a call to action asking viewers to subscribe to the channel.

• Write a script for a 30-second TikTok video about active listening. Write from the point of view of an education professional.

• Write a caption for an Instagram post about the best spinach recipe. Use powerful language that evokes emotions.

• Create a short, engaging X post promoting a 20% flash sale on metallic rain boots. Mention that there is a limited supply.

6. Craft customer service responses

Generative AI can support your customer service team. Consider using ChatGPT to draft responses to customer inquiries or help customer service develop guidelines. For example:

• Write a customer service script for dealing with difficult customers. Include advice about conflict de-escalation and emphasize the importance of customer satisfaction.

• Write a polite customer service email responding to a customer inquiry about a missing shipment. Explain that the customer service team will locate the item or issue a refund and thank the customer.

• Generate an email responding to a customer requesting a return. Include explicit instructions about returning the item in its original packaging. Use professional language.

• Draft an email responding to a customer who inquired about a job application. Instruct them to contact human resources and mention the job title. Use professional language.

7. Research marketing strategies

In addition to creating assets, AI can be a powerful research tool. Asking ChatGPT for information can help your team make well-informed strategy decisions. For example:

• Why is conducting market research important for small businesses? Answer in the form of a bulleted list.

• What are the differences between Google Tag Manager and Magic Pixel? List the pros and cons of each tool.

• Generate a list of strategies for optimizing the sales funnel in an ecommerce setting. Include examples of companies who have improved their sales funnel and explain how they did it.

• List 11 potential strategies for converting potential customers for an ecommerce business. Include content marketing and paid advertising strategies.

• What type of research should ecommerce companies provide to the sales team? Explain how data helps the team increase sales.

8. Analyze performance data

ChatGPT can analyze and interpret datasets, organize information or spot trends, and highlight specific data points that stand out as outliers. ChatGPT can analyze data so long as you upload it in the following file formats:

• Excel (.xls / .xlsx)
• Comma-separated values (.csv)
• PDF (.pdf)
• JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)

After uploading the data, write a specific prompt. For example:

• Analyze sales data from last quarter. Identify the highest and lowest-selling products.

• Analyze our returns data for the past month. Determine which categories have the highest rate of returns.

• Summarize our product reviews from the past six months. Highlight any themes related to product performance and pull out the most commonly used words.

9. Generate internal assets

Consider using ChatGPT to enhance your professional communications, write code, or create presentation assets, such as data visualizations, with just a few clicks. For example:

• Write a follow-up email reminding all employees to RSVP to the company Halloween party. Use a friendly, professional tone and include a few Halloween puns.

• Generate a text-based Excel sheet showing the heights of different dog breeds.

• Write a company-wide email to inform staff that we’re hiring a social media manager. Remind them to refer potential candidates via the HR portal. Use professional language.

• Write Python code that uses inventory data to send an alert message to the product team when inventory is low.