The 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Online Store (And How to Actually Get It Right)

Let’s Get Real For a Second…

How to start an online store sounds exciting—until you actually start. Then it's like falling down a rabbit hole of platforms, products, payment options, shipping stress, and a million tabs open on your laptop.

I know because I’ve been there. I launched my first store with zero planning, rushed decisions, and blind optimism. Spoiler: it didn’t go well. But here's the good news—you don’t have to learn everything the hard way like I did.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter tutorial. It’s a brutally honest list of what I got wrong, what I’ve seen others mess up, and what you can (and should) do differently.

1. Trying to Sell “Something” Without a Clear Idea

We've all had that thought: “I'll just sell something online.” But “something” isn’t a plan. It’s a guaranteed way to waste time and get zero sales.

What to do instead: Ask yourself three questions:

• What problem does your product solve?
• Who exactly is it for?
• Why would they buy from you instead of someone else?

If you can't answer that, pause and figure it out. It’s worth it.

2. Picking a Platform Because It’s Popular

Your best friend uses Shopify. Your cousin swears by Wix. So you pick one… randomly. Not great.

What to do instead: Test a few. Look at fees, features, how easy it is to use, and if you get support when things break. Mall Gran México Export is actually built for people who aren’t tech pros—it gives you a store that’s already set up.

3. Treating Product Listings Like an Afterthought

I once uploaded products with no descriptions. Just a name and price. That’s it. Want to guess how many sold?

What to do instead: Write like a human. Highlight what makes your item awesome. Mention who it’s for, how they’ll use it, and even what problem it solves. Don’t just throw it on a page.

4. Not Checking How It Looks on a Phone

Here’s a quick test: open your site on your phone right now. Easy to navigate? Can you read everything?

What to do instead: Make sure the buttons are big. Keep text short and punchy. Menus should be simple. More than half your visitors will be mobile—don’t lose them.

5. Forgetting to Actually Tell People What to Do

You’d be shocked how many stores don’t say “buy now” or “add to cart.” People don’t like guessing.

What to do instead: Use clear calls-to-action (CTAs). Not “learn more” — try “grab yours now,” or “start saving today.” Make the buttons stand out. And yes, make sure they work on mobile too.

6. Only Accepting One Payment Option

Once had a customer who messaged me, ready to buy. But my store didn’t take their card type. They left. Never came back.

What to do instead: Offer variety: cards, PayPal, bank transfers, even local payment methods if you can.

7. Thinking Shipping Is Just “Slap on a Label and Go”

Shipping isn’t an afterthought. It’s a huge part of the customer experience.

What to do instead: Pick carriers that are reliable and not overpriced. Be upfront about delivery times. And use tools or platforms—like Mall Gran México Export—that already have shipping figured out for you.

8. Ignoring Google Altogether

Your store could be gorgeous, fast, and functional—but if it doesn’t show up in search? You’re invisible.

What to do instead: Learn basic SEO. That means:

• Use product titles that people actually search for
• Write meta descriptions that make people click
• Don’t forget alt text on images

You don’t need to be an SEO nerd—but you do need to be visible.

9. Skipping the Trust-Building Stuff

If your site looks half-finished or sketchy, people bounce. Fast.

What to do instead: Add a real contact page. Show testimonials (even if they’re just from friends at first). Use clear policies. Avoid broken links and typos. Make visitors feel safe.

10. Never Looking at the Numbers

I used to avoid Google Analytics like it was math class. Big mistake.

What to do instead: At least check which pages get visitors, where people drop off, and what products people click on the most. Insights = growth.

Don’t Overcomplicate This

If you’re feeling overwhelmed on how to start an online store, you’re not alone. I wish someone had handed me this list when I started.

So if you want:

• A store that’s already set up
• SEO and mobile design handled
• International shipping without the stress

Join the community that’s redefining Mexican e-commerce.

Quick Questions on how to start an onlin

How do I sign up for Mall Gran México Export?

Go here: Join Now. It’s free to start, and you don’t need to be a tech expert.

What do I get if I join?

A complete store, tools to export, and built-in marketing and shipping support.

Do I need to code anything?

No. Seriously.

Can I just use Instagram or WhatsApp?

You can, but an online store makes you look more legit and saves time in the long run.

What if I don’t have products yet?

Start with reselling or dropshipping. You don’t need to invent something to get started.

Will people find me on Google?

They will—if you give Google something to find. That’s where SEO comes in.

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• Mexican Brands You Need to Know in the Global E-Commerce
• Online growth: Why Mexican brands must digitalize for 2026
• Top 10 Best-Selling Mexican Products Around the World