Basic Online Business Tips 2017

online business

It is a fact that more businesses than ever before are moving online. Statistics from January 2016 estimated that e-commerce business was up 11% year-on-year. That means that £114bn expenditure was gained via online business. Thanks to click an collect and “buy now” functions, more customers are being drawn in by online businesses.  

Would you like to make money online? Opening an ecommerce platform will take you just a matter of months and you could be making money in no time at all. Where do you start? Follow our guide below.

 Start with Your Business Name

This may seem like an easy step – but it may take you longer than you think to secure an official name. Make sure you do market research during this stage, as something you think is great, may not project well.

It is important that when you are choosing your business name you keep an open mind – don’t run before you can walk. Remember that the name of your business should be memorable, unique and relevant. Once you are sure, you should register the name of your business and buy a domain name.

 

ecommerce

Secure Your Domain Name and Website

Get your website up and running. Choose a domain name that will partner up with your business name. You may not be able to find an exact match, but ideally, choose something that is fairly similar.

If you are unsure where you should build your business’ website, WordPress is a great place to start. Not only is it super simple to use, you will be able to maintain it and make changes to it on your own.

You do not need to be a web designer to create someone cool, have a look at different themes and choose one which is the right image for your business. If the basics are beyond your skill set, then a web designer will be able to help you out!

Digital Marketing Strategy

Digital marketing drives an online business to success. SEO (search engine optimisation) has became an internet sensation in recent years as small businesses have been racing to the top of local search results.

 Depending on your budget, there are lots of ways you can optimise your website. Firstly you hire a digital marketing agency who will optimise your website for long term results. You can then maintain your SEO strategy using plugins on your WordPress website, Yoast is just one of them.

Legislation and Learning The Law

Here comes the tricky bit. Any online business should read, understand and follow the laws that surround it before it sets up shop. If you are looking for some guidance, there are a few specific laws which you should abide by  that have been created to protect your consumers:

·        The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002

·        The Data Protection Act 1998

·        Consumer Contracts Regulations (previously the Distant Selling Regulations)

·        ICO Cookie Law

Every business is different and there may be laws which apply to your website which don’t for others. Make sure that you do your research, as you could end up in trouble if you do not pay attention to legislation that is relevant to you.