In an internal interview conducted by Digital Strike's parent company, Grata Software, we spoke with our Founder, Rey Ortega, an experienced entrepreneur and technology consultant. With over ten years in the field, Rey has been instrumental in helping businesses grow through automation and innovative software solutions.

As the founder of Grata Software, a consulting company, Rey supports all types of businesses, including online store owners, to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and successfully expand their businesses. His expertise in sales strategies, automation tools, and artificial intelligence allows him to clarify the often complex world of online selling and fulfillment for entrepreneurs.

​During this insightful Q&A session, Rey addresses common questions entrepreneurs face navigating the e-commerce landscape. We've condensed his answers, but you can watch clips of his complete answers on the @digital.strike1 Instagram account. Whether you are just starting out, seeking improvements in your operations, or preparing to scale your business, his insights from the digital commerce frontier will be invaluable.

Q: What are the key steps to starting an online store or sales funnel?
Rey's Answer: First, figure out who your customers are. It is crucial to understand what they need or want, especially in areas like health, money, or relationships. Once you know your audience, choose a product or service that meets their needs. Work with reliable suppliers to include their products in your store, and select automation tools to help make your operations smoother.

Q: How do I choose a platform for my store?
​Rey's Answer: Each platform has its advantages. Shopify is great for a larger store with many products and is easy to use. ClickFunnels is excellent for guiding customers through the purchasing process when selling one or two items. WooCommerce on WordPress offers maximum flexibility but requires a bit more technical know-how.

Q: When should I start using automation in my business?
Rey's Answer: You should start automating once you have established clear, working systems. This way, you can use tools that reflect these systems. Automation can be applied to email campaigns, tracking inventory, or customer service, helping to save time and reduce manual work.

Q: How can I identify and fix problems in my sales process?
​Rey's Answer: Problems usually come from inefficiencies in your data. Keep an eye on important metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and where customers drop off. Use tools to analyze this data and implement solutions, like automating repetitive tasks, which can help improve your operations.

Q: What elements make a sales funnel effective?
Rey's Answer: A successful sales funnel provides a smooth shopping experience, addresses customer concerns, and clearly shows the benefits. Use engaging text, appealing visuals, and targeted offers that speak to your audience. Incorporating upsells and bonuses can enhance customers' perceived value.

Q: How can I effectively deal with shopping cart abandonment?
​Rey's Answer: Customers often abandon their carts due to unexpected costs or distractions during checkout. Ensure a clear and simple checkout process. Use email reminders and retargeting ads to encourage customers to complete their purchases, offering discounts as incentives.

Q: What key performance indicators (KPIs) should every online store track?
Rey's Answer: Monitor traffic, click-through, and conversion rates. Once you've optimized these, focus on the average order value and customer lifetime value. These indicators provide a comprehensive view of your store's performance and help make informed growth decisions.

Q: How can I effectively incorporate AI into my e-commerce strategy?
Rey's Answer: AI tools can enhance your online business significantly. They can be used for market research, writing copy, and segmenting customers effectively. Combining AI with automation can simplify pricing, retargeting campaigns, and customer service. For example, AI chatbots can answer questions, while automated workflows handle follow-up tasks.

Q: What's the best way to grow an online store without disrupting operations?
Rey's Answer: From the beginning, think about making your systems scalable. Design processes that can handle growth right away. Automate workflows for tracking inventory, fulfilling orders, and communicating with customers. By preparing for growth in advance, you'll avoid the chaos of trying to fix issues later on.
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Q: How do I create a consistent experience across all online platforms?
​Rey's Answer: Use tools like the Business Model Canvas to outline every aspect of your business. Ensure your communication, branding, and customer service are uniform across all platforms. Automation can create a seamless experience for customers, guiding them through their journey from start to finish.

Rey Ortega has over ten years of experience selling online products and helping businesses with technology. He loves helping people who want to start or improve their businesses, whether an online store or a tech-enabled business in other brick-and-mortar style industries. He shares excellent advice on picking the right solutions to sell from and using tools to make things easier.

​If you want to hear more helpful tips and learn new things, check out the Digital Strike Instagram account at @digital.strike1! Your next big business could be e-commerce, which is just one click away.