More and more people are switching to an organic diet. If you are producing organic products this is the moment to expand your business. And the best way to do it is to start an online store. Yes, it is not something common to sell food online but if you promise to deliver organic products to the doorsteps of your clients, you can make sure that you will reach the same popularity Starbucks has. Regardless of the type of organic products, you want to sell to your clients, before starting an online business you will need to follow some steps. You already know what to sell; you have the products in your garden, now you only have to learn how to reach your audience.
Get the needed licenses and permits
It is a little difficult to understand the regulations for selling organic products and perishable goods. The regulations differ according to the region where you intend to start the business. Here we offer you information about the basic laws all online food stores should check.
You should start by checking the local food laws to understand better what permits and licenses you to need. The main food laws imply you to:
- Have your kitchen inspected at least once a year? The health department from your state will have to do the inspection.
- Get the needed permits from your local government
- Get a state business license
- Do not allow pets or other animals in the kitchen
- Have proper storage for all the products
Once you check the above rules and you are sure that you meet the requirements, you will have to get the needed certifications and permits for your business.
You will have to get training in order to become a certified food handler. You need knowledge to properly handle the products and to know at what temperatures to store them. In case you intend to sell cooked food, you will need to get a permit for your kitchen and make sure that space meets all the food safety laws. In addition, do not forget to get a license for your business.
Decide what packages you will use and how you will label them
If you thought that, the regulations above are the only ones you will have to worry about, we have some extra ones. All food companies need to have their products placed in packages with the right labels. All the products you sell should include a label that offers complete information about the organic food you sell. It should include the net quantity, the weight of all the ingredients used to prepare the product, the name of the supplier if you have used some ingredients you have not produced yourself, and a complete list of the allergens contained.
In case the products you sell are perishable, you need to write this term on the package and to label it as fragile. Considering that you sell organic products, it is important for the packages to be eco-friendly. Also, do not forget that you will have to collaborate with a shipper that is specialized in transporting food products.
Set up your online store
In order to reach a wide audience, you need to set up an online store. It is an easy thing to do because you do not need advanced computer skills to do it. The best place to start is to check some articles that have as subject Drupal vs WordPress and understand what content management system works better for you.
WordPress is one of the most known content management systems on the market and people use it to create blogs, applications, and web content. If you will choose to set up your online store in WordPress, you will be able to customize the designs and to manage your media content the way you consider suitable.
Drupal is a content management system framework that allows you to reach your audience across numerous channels. You can offer your audience a great digital experience if you choose this tool. Use a top platform when setting up your online store because it will offer you features you will need to attract clients. Using help of the companies in this field is highly recommended, so check Outliant and see which options are they offering.
Hire an influencer to create blog content for you
After setting up your store, you need to drive traffic to the webpage and the most effective way to do it is to associate your brand with the name of an influencer. When you create the online store, you have to make sure that you include a blog section and social media buttons. It is free to write on your blog and to share content on social media channels. If you collaborate with an influencer, you will convert their followers into your followers. Some influencers ask a certain fee for promoting your brand for a limited period, while others prefer to get free organic products. It is a trend among influencers to adopt a green life, therefore you have great chances to associate your name to the one of a famous influencer if you will provide them organic food.
Every time you write a blog, you should mention the name of the influencer and attach photos of the person using your products. Share all the blogs, you post on your website, on social media and use specific hashtags to promote the content.
When you offer products to the influencer to create digital content you should ask them to take pictures of the most popular product you have on sale.
Another great idea is to have a pet as your brand ambassador. You will show your audience that you not only that promote healthy eating, but your brand is also an animals’ rights supporter. If you do not have a pet, it is the moment to adopt one, share their evolution on social media to help your clients establish a connection with the brand ambassador. Do not forget, you should not bring the pet in the kitchen or storage space, you should take pictures outdoor the premises of the business. Order the pet custom clothes with your logo on them and take it pictures with baskets full of organic products, it will bring you more clients that you have expected.