If you’re thinking of starting an online business, now is the time. According to eMarketer global ecommerce sales are expected to reach 4.9 trillion this year. So, why not try it?
Creating an online business only requires a computer, a domain name and a website hosting - all for less than $100.00 to start up. However, building an ecommerce business takes more than just choosing the product, and setting up a website. Here are 10 steps to get you up and running :
Research e-commerce business models: decide what and where you want to sell.
Start ecommerce niche research: choosing your niche is the most important step in opening your online business.
Validate target market and product ideas: you can’t expect people to buy your product if you don’t know who you’re selling to.
Register your e-commerce business & brand name: choose a business name and register your company. There are legal protections and tax benefits for incorporating. Also get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a business license and any permits you may need. Choose a logo for your company and work on a marketing and branding plan.
Finalize your e-commerce business plan: put your business plan on paper and determine your startup budget, loan needs and monthly expenses.
Find the right vendors you’ll want to get the best prices for the products you sell or materials you use to create your products.
Settle on a shopping cart. You’ll want to look for things like loading speed, features, compatibility with different payment gateways, compatibility with your business structure, your web developer skills, and SEO-friendly features.
Choose inventory management: Do you want someone else to do the fulfillment or do you want to do it yourself
Register your domain name.
Create your online store.
Once you take these steps, you are ready to open up your online store and begin attracting customers.
According to Statista.com between 2009 and 2020, the number of Internet users in North America alone has grown by 73.3 million people. In addition, Asia went from 764.4 million to 2.5 billion. The more people with access to the internet, more customers for you.
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Salty Red Dog Marketing, LLC is a marketing agency in Red Bank, NJ and Westport, CT. We service businesses with marketing strategies, digital marketing, social media and consultations.
Contact: info@saltyreddogmarketing.com
Phone: (732) 802-6295 | (203) 429-9671