Free 2-Hour Workshop: Ecommerce for Social Enterprises with CEIS

Are you looking to increase sales, reach more customers, and strengthen your social impact through online trading?

Whether you're already selling online or are just starting to explore ecommerce, this practical and inspiring workshop will provide the knowledge, tools, and confidence to help your social enterprise succeed in the digital marketplace. Based on the workshop outline provided, attendees will explore topics including ecommerce strategy, platform selection, branding, digital marketing, customer experience, impact measurement, and real-world success stories.

During this interactive 2-hour workshop, you will discover:

How Ecommerce Can Support Your Mission

Learn what makes ecommerce different for social enterprises and how to balance commercial success with social impact. We'll explore how successful organisations use online sales to build financial sustainability while staying true to their purpose.

Creating a Strong Ecommerce Strategy

Understand how to:

Set realistic ecommerce goals
Identify and engage the right customers
Choose products and services that work online
Develop a compelling social impact story that resonates with buyers

You'll leave with practical ideas for aligning your mission with your customer journey.

Choosing the Right Ecommerce Platform

Not sure whether Shopify, Etsy or another solution is right for you?

We'll compare the most popular options and help you assess them based on:

Budget
Skills and resources
Accessibility requirements
Growth plans
International sales opportunities

Helping you make informed decisions without expensive mistakes.

Building a Brand That Inspires Trust

Customers increasingly want to buy from organisations that share their values.

Learn how to:

Strengthen your online brand
Communicate your social impact effectively
Use storytelling to connect emotionally with customers
Build credibility and trust online

We'll share practical examples that you can adapt for your own organisation.

Digital Marketing That Works

Discover cost-effective ways to attract, engage, and convert customers through:

Social media
Email marketing
Search engine optimisation (SEO)
Content marketing
Partnerships and community-building

You'll also learn how to create a simple content plan and measure what's working.

Delivering an Outstanding Customer Experience

Explore best practices for:

Smooth checkout and payment experiences
Shipping and fulfilment
Customer support
Sustainable returns processes
Ethical and transparent operations

These practical insights can help you increase customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases.

Measuring Business Performance and Social Impact

Learn which metrics matter most and how to track both commercial results and social outcomes. We'll look at tools and approaches that help you demonstrate value to customers, funders, and stakeholders.

What You'll Take Away

By the end of the workshop, you will:

· Understand the key elements of a successful ecommerce strategy

· Know how to choose the right platform for your organisation

· Be able to communicate your social impact more effectively online

· Gain practical marketing ideas you can implement immediately

· Understand how to improve customer engagement and online sales

· Learn how to measure success beyond revenue

· Leave with actionable next steps to grow your digital presence and impact

Participants will also receive access to useful resources such as ecommerce checklists, and other practical tools to support implementation.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

Social entrepreneurs
Social enterprise leaders
Non-profit organisations developing earned-income models
Community organisations
Ethical and purpose-driven brands
Early-stage founders looking to launch online sales channels

No advanced technical knowledge is required.

Register Today

If you're ready to increase your organisation's reach, strengthen your revenue streams, and amplify your social impact through ecommerce, this workshop is for you.

Join us for an engaging, practical session packed with actionable advice, and proven strategies that will help your social enterprise thrive online.

This workshop is free for GSEN members.

Contact the host of Ecommerce for Social Enterprises with CEIS