Ali R. Khan

E-commerce in Pakistan: How to Sell Products Online in Pakistan

September 16, 2024

Selling products online can be a game-changer for businesses in Pakistan. With ecommerce, you can reach a vast customer base, increase sales, and expand your business beyond geographical boundaries. You can also enjoy benefits like:

  • 24/7 store operations
  • Reduced operational costs
  • Increased customer insights
  • Improved customer satisfaction

Pakistan Local Cities

Pakistan has a vast and growing market, with many cities ripe for ecommerce opportunities. Some of the key cities include:

  • Karachi
  • Lahore
  • Islamabad
  • Rawalpindi
  • Faisalabad
  • Multan
  • Peshawar

These cities have a growing middle class, increasing internet penetration, and a demand for online shopping.

How People Buy Online

In Pakistan, people are increasingly buying online due to convenience, competitive prices, and a wider range of products. According to a survey, 70% of online shoppers in Pakistan are between 18-35 years old. The most popular product categories include:

  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Beauty and personal care
  • Home appliances
  • Food delivery

Daraz Success

Daraz, a leading ecommerce platform in Pakistan, has seen tremendous success since its launch in 2012. With over 15 million monthly visitors, Daraz has become a household name in Pakistan. Its success can be attributed to its user-friendly platform, wide range of products, and innovative services like Daraz Express and Daraz Wallet.

Mobile Users

With over 150 million mobile phone users in Pakistan, mobile commerce (mcommerce) is on the rise. People are increasingly using their mobile devices to shop online, making it essential for businesses to have a mobile-friendly website or app. COD is still the King but there are people who prefer to pay upfront using cards and easy paisa.

Getting Started

So, how can you start selling products online in Pakistan? Here are some essential steps:

  1. Choose an ecommerce platform: Select a platform like Daraz, WooCommerce that suits your business needs. Shopify is also popular options but it's bit expensive and it have Recurring costs.
  2. Set up your store: Create a user-friendly online store with a unique domain name, secure payment options, and a easy checkout process.
  3. Optimize for mobile: Ensure your website or app is mobile-friendly and responsive. Great Pictures and product Descriptions are the key for Success.
  4. Market your store: Use social media, advertising, and content marketing to reach your target audience. Instagram and Facebook are Popular But you can consider Tiktok and Youtube as well.
  5. Offer convenient payment options: Provide multiple payment options like cash on delivery, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets.

By following these ecommerce essentials, you can establish a successful online business in Pakistan.

Setting up an Ecommerce Website using WordPress in Pakistan

WordPress is a popular and user-friendly platform to create an ecommerce website in Pakistan. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Choose a Domain and Web Hosting

  • Register a domain name from a Pakistani registrar like PKNIC or a global registrar like GoDaddy.
  • Select a reliable web hosting service that offers WordPress compatibility and Pakistan-based servers.

2. Install WordPress

  • Most web hosts offer 1-click WordPress installations.

3. Select an Ecommerce Theme

  • Choose a WordPress theme specifically designed for ecommerce, such as Flatsome, Shopkeeper, or Astra. These themes are optimized for online stores and offer features like responsive design, product galleries, and shopping cart integration.

4. Install Ecommerce Plugins

  • WooCommerce: A popular ecommerce plugin that offers features like payment gateways, shipping integrations, and product management.

5. Set up Payment Gateways

  • Install payment gateway plugins like PayPal, JazzCash, or EasyPaisa to accept online payments. Always Offer COD if possible.

6. Configure Shipping Options

  • Set up shipping integrations with services like TCS, Leopard Courier, or Pakistan Post to manage deliveries.

7. Add Products and Content

  • Create high-quality product pages with detailed descriptions, images, and prices.
  • Develop a content marketing strategy to engage your audience and drive sales.

8. Launch and Promote Your Store

  • Launch your website and test all features, including payment and shipping integrations.
  • Promote your store through social media, advertising, and email marketing to attract customers.

By following these steps, you can create a successful ecommerce website using WordPress in Pakistan and start selling products online to a vast customer base.

Remember to also focus on providing excellent customer service, offering competitive prices, and continuously improving your website to ensure a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

E-commerce Essentials: How to Sell Products Online in Pakistan

Once your ecommerce website is set up, it's time to drive traffic and sales in Pakistan. Google and Facebook Ads are two powerful platforms to advertise your products online to Pakistani audiences.

Google Ads in Pakistan

  • Target Pakistani Audiences: Use location targeting to reach customers in Pakistan, including major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.
  • Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords that are related to your propucts and that your customers are already searching. See Search Console for some ideas.
  • Pakistan-Specific Ad Creative: Develop ad copy and imagery that resonates with Pakistani customers, highlighting products, prices, and promotions relevant to the local market.

Facebook Ads in Pakistan

  • Target Pakistani Demographics: Use Facebook's targeting options to reach specific age groups, interests, behaviors, and locations in Pakistan.
  • Visual Ad Formats for Pakistan: Use eye-catching images, videos, carousels, and stories to showcase your products to Pakistani audiences.
  • Retargeting in Pakistan: Reach users who have visited your website or engaged with your content, encouraging them to return and make a purchase.

Additional Advertising Channels in Pakistan

  • Influencer Marketing in Pakistan: Partner with popular Pakistani influencers to promote your products to their followers.
  • Email Marketing in Pakistan: Build an email list and send targeted campaigns to your Pakistani subscribers.
  • Social Media Organic in Pakistan: Leverage organic reach on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with Pakistani customers.

By advertising your ecommerce products online in Pakistan through Google and Facebook Ads, you can reach a vast audience, drive traffic and sales, and grow your business in the Pakistani market.

Remember to stay focused on your target audience, optimize your ads regularly, and explore additional advertising channels to maximize your online presence in Pakistan.

Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency in Pakistan for Your Ecommerce Store

As an ecommerce business owner in Pakistan, managing your online presence and marketing efforts can be overwhelming. That's where a digital marketing agency can help.

Here are the benefits of hiring a digital marketing agency in Pakistan for your ecommerce store:

1. Expertise and Experience

  • Tap into the agency's expertise in digital marketing, ecommerce, and Pakistani market trends.
  • Benefit from their experience in managing successful campaigns for similar businesses.

2. Customized Solutions

  • Get tailored marketing strategies that align with your ecommerce goals and target audience.
  • Receive personalized attention and support to address your unique business needs.

3. Time and Resource Efficiency

  • Save time and resources by outsourcing digital marketing tasks to the agency.
  • Focus on core business activities while the agency handles marketing efforts.

4. Staying Up-to-Date with Latest Trends

  • Stay current with the latest digital marketing trends, tools, and best practices.
  • Benefit from the agency's continuous learning and improvement.

5. Measurable Results

  • Track and measure the success of your marketing campaigns with data-driven insights.
  • Make data-informed decisions to optimize your marketing strategy.

6. Cost-Effective

  • Reduce marketing costs by avoiding the need for in-house expertise and resources.
  • Get better ROI from your marketing budget.

7. Local Market Knowledge

  • Leverage the agency's understanding of the Pakistani market, consumer behavior, and cultural nuances.
  • Develop marketing strategies that resonate with local audiences.

8. Network and Partnerships

  • Tap into the agency's network of partners, influencers, and industry connections.
  • Expand your reach and opportunities through their established relationships.

9. Flexibility and Scalability

  • Scale your marketing efforts up or down as needed, without worrying about in-house capacity.
  • Adapt quickly to changes in the market or your business goals.

10. Peace of Mind

  • Trust that your digital marketing is in expert hands, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
  • Enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing your marketing efforts are optimized and effective.

By hiring a digital marketing agency in Pakistan, you can elevate your ecommerce store's online presence, drive more sales, and grow your business in the Pakistani market.