How to Launch an Online Store in Just 3 Steps

You’re a business owner, which means you're the CEO, cashier, packer, marketer, and everything else you need to be for your business.Somewhere in between your endless to-do list, you’ve probably thought: “Should I be selling online?”

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? We’ve made it so easy, there’s really no reason not to.

After hearing from thousands of business owners about how tough it can be to get online, we created iK Webstore. It’s a smart, simple way to reach more customers and sell more; while you sleep.

Now you can have your own online store live in minutes and start selling to customers anywhere, anytime.

But first, why should you be selling online?

Because that’s where your customers are shopping.

More and more South Africans are reaching for their phones or laptops when they want to buy something, whether it’s groceries, gifts, or services. In fact, more than 70% of South Africans shop online and around 90% of online shoppers say they use their smartphones to browse and buy.

Think about your own habits: When was the last time you Googled a product or scrolled through Instagram and ended up buying something? That’s your customers too. They want convenience, speed, and the ability to shop from wherever they are.

If your business isn’t online, you’re invisible to these customers. Imagine you run a clothing store in a busy town, but someone just down the road can sell to that same customer through their online store. Who do you think they’ll choose if the product and price are similar?

Selling online means you’re open 24/7, giving people the freedom to browse and buy whenever it suits them even outside your regular business hours.

So, what's next? Let's see how we can get you online without having to jump through hoops to get there.

What is iK Webstore?

iK Webstore is your quick and simple way to start selling online. It’s designed to get your products or services in front of customers 24/7 (no matter where they are), all while keeping things easy to manage on your side.

Here’s what you get when you create your iK Webstore:

A unique store name and URL that puts your business front and centre online.
Unlimited product/service uploads, so you can showcase your entire range with detailed info and up to three images per item.
Custom branding options like your logo, banner and social media links to make your store truly yours.
Flexible delivery and collection settings to fit your business needs and your customers’ preferences.
Built-in policies on shipping, refunds, and support, so your customers feel confident buying from you.
Real-time order alerts and iK Dashboard to track sales, view customer details, and manage orders.

And all of this is free for now so you can try before you buy. Once this free period is over, it’ll only be R99 per month to keep your iK Webstore live. No sneaky costs, just a set fee to keep you online.

How to build your iK Webstore in 3 simple steps

Your iK Webstore is your digital shopfront and setting it up is much easier (and cheaper) than opening up a physical one.

Step 1: Build your store

To start, you’ll need to:

Log in to your iK Dashboard.
Head over to the left-hand menu and click on “Store”, then select “Webstore.”
Scroll down, then click “Explore.”
Time to name your store! This name will also form part of your unique store URL, so pick something memorable and relevant to your business.
Once you've got your name and URL sorted, hit “Next” to continue.

Your online store is officially taking shape! Once you start adding products to your iK Webstore, you’ll be open for business.

Step 2: Adding products and services to your iK Webstore

Now, let’s get your catalogue ready so customers can see and shop your products anytime.

Click “Add product.”
Give it a name, add a short description, and upload pictures to help it stand out.
Add the price, and any relevant options like size or variations if applicable.
Then, click “Add” to save the item to your Catalogue.
Repeat this step to add as many products or services as you need.
Next, choose which of your items you want to display on your iK Webstore. Simply select your featured products, then click “Save and continue.”

You've created your iK Webstore, stocked your virtual shelves and now your iK Webstore is nearly ready to meet the world.

Step 3: Personalise and take your iK Webstore live

Now, for the fun part:let’s make your store your own. This is where you can add your logo, banner image, social handles and delivery info.

First, upload a banner image and add in some banner text.
Then fill in the “About us” section to tell customers a little bit about your business.
Add in your social media handles so customers can follow your business wherever you are.
Add your store details like your business address and contact details so that customers can get in touch easily.
Then choose how you want to get your products to your customers – delivery, collection, or both.
Review and accept the store policies about delivery, refunds and support, and the Terms and Conditions.
Click “Preview” to get one last look before you make your store live.
Looks good? Hit “Publish” and make it live!

Your iK Webstore is now ready to share! Post the link on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and start selling online in minutes.

iK Webstore: The store that never sleeps

You’ve already done the hard work of building your business, finding your customers, and putting in the hours. But what happens when the lights go off and the doors are locked for the day?

Nothing… unless you take your store online.

With your own iK Webstore, your business never sleeps. It’s open after hours, over weekends, and even during holidays. Customers can browse your products while waiting in traffic, lounging on the couch, or scrolling through Instagram at midnight.

And the best part is that it doesn’t take a tech wizardor a big budget to get started. In just a few easy steps, you can create a sleek online store that’s mobile-friendly, secure, and ready to take payments from anyone, anywhere.

So, whether you run a side hustle, a stall, or a brick-and-mortar shop, go further with an iK Webstore that works when you can’t.