How Many Sales with Profit Should You Project Before Hiring a WordPress Developer for Your E-commerce?

Starting an e-commerce business on WordPress requires careful planning and strategic decisions, especially when it comes to hiring a developer. This article will help you navigate the critical juncture of projecting sales and profitability before deciding to hire a professional.

Understanding the Basics of E-commerce on WordPress

To begin your e-commerce journey on WordPress, you need to choose a suitable theme. OceanWP is an excellent free theme, but there are also numerous premium options available on ThemeForest. Additionally, you will need to install and configure the WooCommerce plugin, which provides the necessary store functionalities. If you are proficient in design and development, you can build and set up the site yourself. However, if you lack the skills or have a busy schedule, hiring a professional developer might be the best choice. A well-designed, professional, and responsive website is crucial for gaining the trust and serious consideration of potential customers.

Financial Planning and Initial Sales Targets

The cost of developing a WordPress site, including hiring a developer, can be significant. To cover the total cost, you should plan for at least five times the amount you would spend on development, plus the expenses for running the site for about a year. This financial planning can help you set realistic goals for sales and profits.

Many experts advise against using WordPress if your main concern is security. Despite that, it's important to focus on actual sales figures rather than projections. If your projections do not translate into real cash flow, your business may face financial challenges. For instance, investing $1 million in developing a site without achieving a million in sales during the first year would be a significant financial loss. Instead, consider starting small with a cheap hosted store and gradually scaling up.

Setting a Reasonable Sales Goal

When it comes to the sales goal, it's important to ensure that every item sold brings a profit. This means avoiding situations where you sell items without making a profit. Remember the mantra: 'I will never sell a single item ever without making a profit on the sale.' This should be part of your daily routine, reinforce it in the morning and evening.

While it's reasonable to expect some initial sales with no profit, be cautious. Maximumly, you should expect no more than 10 sales with no profit. Keep your initial budget high to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

Investing in Phased Development

Viewing the development as an investment is wise. The return on e-commerce development can be unpredictable, like many other projects, including game development. The only way to increase your chances of success is through trial and error. The reality often differs from your expectations, even after thorough research. Before starting the project, you should evaluate whether it stands a chance of success.

Decide whether the project should be small or large from the outset. If it can be small enough, you might handle it yourself, or you can hire a developer. I suggest breaking down the e-commerce project into phases. In the first phase, introduce fewer functions to save costs and release the project quickly. After its release, assess which areas need adjustments and improvements.

Define what you hope to achieve in each phase besides setting sales targets. By doing so, you can keep your goals clear and achievable. This phased approach can help you manage costs effectively and gather valuable insights before a full-scale development.

By carefully planning your sales projections, understanding the financial implications, and employing a phased development strategy, you can make informed decisions about hiring a WordPress developer for your e-commerce project. Remember, the key is to prioritize profitability and cost-effectiveness throughout your venture.

Do you have any other questions about e-commerce, WordPress development, or sales projections? Feel free to ask!