Managing an Ecommerce Store

Managing an e-commerce store can be a promising endeavor since the world of e-commerce businesses is booming.

If you have the right skill set to step into this role, the gig economy is overflowing with opportunities tailored for individuals like you.

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of e-commerce management to transform your skills into a profitable side hustle.

An Overview of Managing an Ecommerce Store: A Primer

As the name suggests, managing an e-commerce store refers to all the activities involved in running and maintaining online stores. These include various aspects, such as product selection, pricing, inventory management, marketing, and more.

Effective e-commerce management aims to optimize the online shopping experience to attract the target audience and drive sales. Some of the activities you expect to do as an ecommerce manager include:

• Product and inventory control
• Market research and data analysis
• Executing different marketing strategies
• Writing and updating business plans
• Driving sales and expanding to other sales channels
• Increasing and maintaining customer satisfaction

How Much Can Managing an E-commerce Store Earn You?

The amount of money you can make as an online store manager depends on several factors. Whether you work full-time or treat this gig as a part-time online job, you can expect a salary of $48-$64 per hour. That’s around $100,000- $130,000 annually.

However, if you want to start your online business and become a micro-entrepreneur, that’s a different story.

Generally, launching an e-commerce store can be lucrative. As the business grows, you can make five or six figures monthly.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Side Hustle Managing an E-commerce Store?

Managing an e-commerce business may not cost you much. You don’t need more than a laptop and a stable internet connection. Typically, the former can cost between $20 and $300 per month. As for the latter, it cost around $2,000.

Of course, these calculations exclude education and certification expenses. While they vary depending on the school, generally, a business degree costs an average of $10,000-$40,000.

Running your e-commerce store may require a larger budget, at least in the long run. Here are the estimated costs of managing your online business:

• Shipping costs: Selling physical products requires you to choose a delivery method. Shipping service charges vary based on weight. However, the total cost shouldn’t exceed 10-15%
• Inventory management software: Programs that help you track your inventory levels start at $100 and go up to $3,000 monthly.
• Content production: SEO blog posts increase your visibility, helping attract potential customers and boost your conversion rates. Hiring a professional can cost you between $500 and $10,000 per month.
• Search engine optimization tools: These tools help you optimize product descriptions to improve your SERP ranking. On average, they cost around $100 per month.
• Analytics tool: Web analytics tools, like Google Analytics, are free. Other software can range from a few hundred to thousands per month.

Where Can You Find Gigs Managing an E-commerce Store?

Like other types of freelance jobs, plenty of online platforms offer e-commerce business management positions.

Choosing the best platform depends on whether you want to independently look for long-term work or explore your options on gig economy platforms.

Here are a few websites for each job-searching method:

Where to Independently Find Gigs Managing an E-commerce Store

To avoid competition on popular platforms, you may choose to independently search for e-commerce store management jobs. Luckily, there are several ways to do that:

• Online job boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed regularly post opportunities in e-commerce management. You can search for relevant jobs and apply for them.
• Networking: Attending industry events, joining e-commerce forums, and connecting with colleagues on LinkedIn can all help you land an e-store management job.
• Cold outreach: If you have a specific brand or ecommerce company you’d like to work with, consider reaching out directly. Craft a compelling e-mail showcasing your skills and explaining how you can benefit them.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Gigs Managing an E-commerce Store

Since the e-commerce industry is booming, finding platforms offering freelance work in online store management is more accessible than ever.

Some of the common platforms for finding jobs in e-commerce companies include:

• Upwork: Because Upwork is a highly competitive platform, it’s ideal for experienced ecommerce managers seeking small tasks or long-term contracts.
• Freelancer.com: Suited for freelancers looking for diverse e-commerce store management opportunities, regardless of their experience.
• Fiverr: Perfect for managers who want to customize their services and are looking for custom contracts. However, it can take longer to find a gig on Fiverr.
• Toptal: This platform is suitable for well-established managers looking for high-quality projects and better compensation.

Why You Should Consider Managing an E-Commerce Store As a Side Hustle

Managing an online business as a side hustle offers many perks, from financial growth to skill development. Here are three reasons to dive into this opportunity:

• High-income potential: E-commerce store managers can earn up to six figures or more annually. Adding this job as a side hustle can bolster your financial stability.
• Promising career: While no job is future-proof, the e-commerce industry is growing. That increases the demand for e-commerce store managers, offering job security in the long run.
• Skill development: Managing an online store as a side hustle equips you with valuable marketing and entrepreneurial skills. That adds value to your resume and opens doors to new opportunities.

Problems With Managing an E-commerce Store

Although managing an e-commerce store can be rewarding, it comes with a set of challenges, including:

• Increased dependency: E-commerce managers’ job is to ensure everything runs smoothly and minimize human errors. That increases the reliance on managers and shuts down the individual creativity of the team.
• Demanding workload: Online store managers juggle multiple tasks, from inventory management to marketing campaigns. That workload can be demanding.
• Constant adaptation: Since the e-commerce industry is ever-evolving, new technologies and trends are constantly emerging. As a manager, you need to adapt and stay updated on these changes, which can be time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions