It is easier than ever to start a business of your own. What’s great about starting businesses now is the overhead costs are significantly decreased as business owners can work remotely. If you’re interested in starting a business that offers products or services for purchase online (ecommerce), then you have to lay the proper groundwork. Below is a brief rundown of how to get your business off the ground:
Before Launching the Site
There is some legal groundwork that needs to be addressed before launching your ecommerce site. Here is the gist of what needs to be done. An attorney or accountant can best assist you in setting up these legalities if you’re having difficulties.
1. Choose an Entity
There are several ways you could run your ecommerce business. Each entity offers its own set of protections and advantages. Since you’ll be selling products or services, separating your personal assets from company assets is highly recommended. By choosing a limited liability company (LLC) for instance, your personal assets are protected in the event that you’re sued. Setting up a business entity is fairly simple. The small business association provides more information on the topic.
2. Trademark Intellectual Property
It is probably a good idea to protect things like your company name, logo, products and/or service ideas from potential competition. Protecting your intellectual property would mean applying for trademarks and copyrights which can be completed by contacting the United States Patent and Trademarks Office. This way, no other organization is allowed to steal your ideas, name, or logo from you and use it to their advantage.
3. Sales and Use Tax Permits
If you intend to charge sales tax within the state in which you reside, you will need to have the proper certifications to do so. You’ll need to contact your state’s Department of Revenue Services to find out what is needed to apply.
Creating the Site
Once your business is legit, you’re ready to set up shop. This will mean creating your website so that you can advertise you’re open for business. Below you’ll find some advice on how to create the best ecommerce site. For more information, you can check out this new article with tips to be sure your online storefront makes a great first impression.
1. Choose the Best Website Solution
There are various ecommerce platforms you can use to cater to the needs of your customers however; you need to determine which avenue will work best for your business. Checking out samples of other ecommerce sites can give you an idea of where to start. If you’re still confused, take advantage of free trials offered by Web hosts to see if the platform works best for you. You want to work with a platform that has some of the following features:
· Easy to remove and add new products
· Easy to create new web pages
· SEO tools
· Social media integration
· Checkout cart options
2. Find a Good Writer and Web Designer
The quality of your website will greatly depend upon the design, layout, and content. If you’re not well versed in writing compelling pieces that are also well optimized, it is beneficial to work with a freelance writer. They are skilled in current writing trends and can help you to develop a website that easily speaks to your target audience.
Another service provider you might find resourceful when creating an ecommerce site is a web designer. They are skilled in creating websites that are aesthetically appealing, but easy to use and to the point so that customers get the full experience.
3. Invest In Inventory
If your business requires the selling of merchandise, you will need to stock up on goodies. While you want to have enough in stock to fill demands, you don’t want to over purchase and end up with more than you can manage.
4. Test Your Site and Launch
A wise business owner should always test their website before launching it for the world to see. Access the website from a consumer’s point of view. Is it easy to access from varying platforms? Can they easily find the products or services they want? Is the checkout process easy? Are there multiple methods for payment? These are all factors that customers will be paying attention to, therefore you want to make sure you’re on top of it.
Once your site has gone live, you’re ready to begin sharing the news with the world. You’re officially a business owner that is ready to service your customers. Starting a business is not as challenging as it once was. As long as you have taken care of the legalities, it all boils down to creating a compelling website with the right products and services to attract your target audience. From there, it’s a matter of effective marketing and quality customer service to keep the business up and running.