Before starting a business, there are a couple of things to be considered and decisions to be made and followed.
In addition to these, selecting a location, deciding on a business structure, obtaining the licenses and permits and finance options for meeting short-term needs and long-term goals are vital issues to be addressed.
An online business is not unlike any other offline venture; the same rules apply and the same important factors need to be kept in mind for starting your online business.
Creating a business plan or a model is very essential to ensure successful online enterprise.
Some of the alternatives include:
&bullExtending an offline business online
&bullSelling products and services
&bullSelling information or advertising
&bullCreating a USP for the business
Some factors to be considered before starting your online business:
1.An appropriate domain name: It is by a domain name that we are known and identified on the web. A good domain name is typically unforgettable, short and easy to spell and remember and represents the business accurately. Customers will remember it easily, spell it correctly, and type it into their web browsers whenever they need your services.
2.Easy to navigate website: For a potential customer, an online business should be easy to steer, with a good search function, attractive projecting of the image, to make is easy for them to find what they want. The design should reflect the image that is projected: professional, hip, up-scale, etc. Good offline stores also offer easy check-out, accept credit cards, and have a good return policy.
3.Choosing the right web host: hosting your website via the right host is essential. A good web host offers guarantee and can handle a lot of traffic i.e. customers, replying to questions quickly, and offering the services needed.
4.Good marketing strategies: they are needed for a successful online business, and guarantee good customer responses and visitors to the website. This can be done by advertising, promotional e-mails, paying and submitting to search engines, exchange links with other sites etc.
5.Reliable banking: online businesses' need good and prompt methods to accept credit cards and take orders.
6.Complete database: it is used to find out customers' response, what they do on the site and what more they would like to see on the site etc.
7.Complete information: an online store should offer all the important information and FAQs regarding the queries, products and shipping etc.
