Introduction
Relying only on Shopee or Lazada limits your ability to build a unique brand identity. To truly control your customer’s experience and own your data, you must start a brand.com site. This is your digital headquarters, a place where you can tell your story without being compared to a hundred other sellers on the same page. Whether you are a small startup or an established SME, having your own webstore is the key to Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) success.
Choosing Between Shopify and WooCommerce
The first decision you make when you start a brand.com site is the platform.
- Shopify:This is the easiest way to start. It is a hosted platform, meaning they handle security and speed. It is perfect for those who want a “set it and forget it” experience.
- WooCommerce:This is a plugin for WordPress. It requires more technical setup but offers 100% control. It is ideal if you want to customize every single detail of your store without monthly fees.
Optimizing the Customer Journey
When you start a brand.com site, you need to ensure the shopping experience is frictionless. This starts with the checkout. In the Malaysian market, customers expect to see FPX and local e-wallets. Integrating Billplz or Chip as your payment gateway is essential. These providers offer a familiar and secure interface that reduces cart abandonment.
Integrating Logistics and Syncing Inventory
You shouldn’t manage your website in a silo. To effectively start a brand.com site, you should use Zetpy to sync your website inventory with your marketplaces. This prevents “overselling” and keeps your stock levels accurate. For delivery, connecting your site to Delyva allows you to automate fulfillment. When a customer orders from your site, the shipping label is generated automatically, saving you hours of manual work.
Driving Traffic with AI Insights
Once the site is live, the challenge is getting visitors. You must run digital marketing campaigns to drive traffic. To ensure your ad spend is efficient, use Laksana.ai to analyze which products on your site are performing best. This data-driven approach ensures that when you start a brand.com site, it becomes a profitable revenue stream rather than just a digital brochure.