The Internet has become a major tool that can be used by any type of businesses or individual to promote their products and services. The internet provides easy access to millions of people who want to buy things at anytime anywhere. This makes it one of the most convenient ways to get into business especially if you’re starting out as a newbie. However, since there is no physical space where your customers will come to purchase your products, having a website with good web presence becomes important to make sure they know about your business.
But before we proceed further, let us first understand what exactly is an “online business”. An online business refers to all types of businesses which operate through digital means such as websites, e-mail, social media platforms, etc. These include selling items like clothes, books, electronics, shoes, accessories, jewelry, toys, and so on either directly through its own site or via third party vendors (affiliates).
When setting up an online store, there are certain requirements that must be met. It starts off with registering a business name, creating a domain name, getting a merchant account, choosing a payment processor, adding security features, and many more! Once these steps are done, the next thing that comes to mind is "what happens when something goes wrong?" What do you do if you're not able to complete payments due to technical glitches? Do you lose money because of non-fulfillment of orders? Will a customer even pay for your product or service if he doesn't receive his order within 3 days? All these questions need answers. To avoid these issues, here's a guide on the basics of running an online business.
Internet has been around for decades now but only recently did anyone really take advantage of its benefits. In fact, the concept of using the internet as a medium to run an online business was actually introduced during the 90s. But back then, it wasn't until 2000 that the whole world started taking notice. Nowadays, the internet is widely used by everyone including small businesses. Here are the three main uses of the internet in business:
1. Online shopping - it allows consumers to easily compare prices between different stores. They also enjoy buying things without leaving their homes.
2. Social networking - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, Google+, LinkedIn, Reddit, Tumblr, etc., are just a few examples of social networks that help individuals connect with others in real life. Businesses use them too to advertise their merchandise and attract potential clients.
3. Digital advertising - companies can increase their sales by placing ads on various sites. There are plenty of options available depending on the size of the company. Some popular ones include banners, text links, popups, videos, email newsletters, etc.
Now that you've learned the basics of online business, let's talk about the laws that regulate it. As mentioned earlier, to set up an online store, you'll need to meet specific legal requirements. Below are some of the common laws pertaining to online business in the country.
1. Anti-money laundering act - the government passed this law to prevent criminals from making illegal transactions through bank accounts and other financial institutions. If you fail to comply, you could face fines and imprisonment.
2. Payment system regulations act - this law regulates the way banks and credit card providers process payments made through the internet. You may find yourself facing problems if you don't follow the rules.
3. Electronic commerce regulation act - this law aims to protect consumers' interests against fraudulent activities and ensure fair competition among sellers.
4. Trade mark registration act - this law protects trademark owners and prevents unauthorized users from using trademarks illegally.
5. Copyright infringement act - this law prohibits copyright infringements like downloading music files without permission.
6. Unfair trade practices act - this law deals with unfair pricing policies and deceptive advertisements.
7. Consumer protection act - this act ensures that buyers will be treated fairly while purchasing goods and services.
8. Privacy policy act - this law requires companies to disclose information regarding data collection procedures and privacy protections.
9. Information technology management act - this law establishes guidelines for managing IT systems. Companies are required to develop internal control mechanisms to manage risks related to cyber threats.
10. Cybercrime prevention code of conduct - this law focuses on preventing cybercrimes like hacking, phishing scams, identity theft, spamming, ransomware attacks, and so forth.
11. Data breach notification act - this law gives individuals the right to request details regarding personal data breaches.
12. Trademark office acts - this covers every aspect related to trademark registrations. Its primary purpose is to establish uniformity among courts across the nation.
13. Intellectual property rights act - this law protects intellectual properties like copyrights, patents, designs, logos, and many others.
14. Foreign investment promotion act - this law promotes foreign investments by providing tax incentives.
15. Anti-discrimination act - this law bans discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, and much more.
16. Electronic funds transfer act - this law dictates electronic fund transfers like wire transfers and direct deposits.
17. Professional licensing act - this law regulates medical professionals, lawyers, architects, engineers, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, cosmetologists, and even funeral directors.
18. Export development act - this law mandates export controls to minimize opportunities for smuggling.
19. Labor standards act - this law sets minimum wages for employees, overtime compensation, maximum working hours, rest periods, child labor exemptions, etc.
20. Taxation act - this law specifies the taxes imposed on income earned from sources outside the country.
21. National economic council act - this law defines national goals and strategies for economic growth.
22. Tariff act - this law determines duties, quotas, tariffs, preferences, and special treatment given to countries by the government.
23. Local public works act - this law governs local infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water supply facilities, schools, hospitals, airports, seaports, mass transit systems, etc.
24. Public utilities act - this law regulates electricity rates, gas costs, water bills, telephone charges, cable television fees, sanitation fees, toll road fees, parking fees, etc.
25. Environmental quality act - this act ensures clean air, safe drinking water, and healthy environment.
26. Natural resources conservation act - this law regulates mining and oil drilling operations.
27. Securities regulatory commission act - this law oversees stock markets and exchanges, brokers, brokerages, and mutual funds.
28. Government procurement act - this law regulates state agencies and departments in terms of awarding contracts, purchases, bids, licenses, permits, etc.
29. Bank secrecy act - this law restricts banking activities by requiring banks to keep records confidential.
30. Criminal procedure code of 1991 - this law governs criminal proceedings initiated by the prosecution.
31. Rules on conflict of interest adopted under section 2(a) of Republic Act No. 6713 - this law addresses conflicts of interest involving members of Congress and other high ranking officials.
32. Electronic communications act - this law governs communication over telecommunications networks. It includes broadband Internet connections, mobile phones, cellular telephones, satellite TV, radio stations, pagers, fax machines, dialup modems, computer modems, and other similar devices.
33. Code of ethics for journalists amended by Commission on Human Rights resolution number 934 - this law regulates ethical behavior of journalists in accordance with fairness, accuracy, objectivity, responsibility, impartiality, honesty, integrity, respect for human dignity, freedom of expression, and accountability.
34. Interconnection agreements between carriers amended by Senate Resolution No. 1345 - this law regulates interconnections between fixed wireless voice subscribers and landline subscribers.
35. Cable Television franchisee ordinance of 1998 - this law regulates franchising arrangements between cable operators and cable subscribers.
36. Telecommunications Industry Reform Law enacted by House Bill 5775 - this law regulates telecom industry reforms such as deregulation, privatization, and liberalization.
37. Radioactive waste disposal act - this law regulates radioactive waste storage and transportation.
38. Philippine Competition Act - this law regulates monopolies, cartels, collusive actions, price fixing, anti-competitive conduct, predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, tying arrangements, reciprocal switching, resale price maintenance, discriminatory pricing, unlawful rebating, preferential treatments, restrictive distribution agreements, etc.
39. Investment treaty arbitration board act - this law enables investors to submit disputes arising from international treaties to arbitrators instead of court trials.
40. International taxation convention - this agreement stipulates rules for determining taxable profits derived from cross border trades.
41. United nations conventions on traffic in narcotics and psychotropic substances and on drugs and chemicals - this UN treaty regulates drug trafficking and production and chemical manufacturing.
42. Universal health care act - this law guarantees universal healthcare coverage to Filipinos regardless of socioeconomic status.
43. Department of education act - this law implements compulsory and free elementary school programs and grants scholarships to students enrolled in private schools.
Starting any type of business requires certain things that you must consider first before starting it. It is very important to understand what all these requirements are and then go through them one by one in order to make sure that your business will be able to run smoothly. There are many types of businesses which require different kinds of requirements but there are also some common ones as well. If you want to know more about whether or not online business is right for you, you need to take into consideration what all these requirements are.
If you want to find out everything about an online business, you might want to check our article titled How To Start An Online Business From Home and learn everything about eCommerce. You can also read our articles on affiliate marketing, Drop Shipping, website development, web hosting services and much more so we suggest reading them if you want to get started with an online business. But now let's talk about the most important questions - What are the requirements for a successful business?
When you think about starting an online business, you probably ask yourself these two questions: "Should I start my own business?" and "what are the things that every online business needs?". The answer to both of those questions depends mainly on the nature of your business and the area where you plan to operate. Let me explain each question separately.
First, the main thing you need to decide when choosing between getting involved in an online business or running offline business is deciding if you're going to sell products or provide service. In case you intend to work only with physical goods you'll definitely need a storefront. However, if you just want to sell digital content like books, songs, videos and other stuff people often purchase at stores like Amazon and iTunes, than you don't even need a real shopfront. All you need is a simple landing page with links to download the product (usually free) and a way to collect payments. This process is called drop shipping and is commonly used in eCommerce business models.
There are plenty of advantages of doing drop shipping instead of selling physical goods. First of all, it allows you to avoid having to deal with inventory management issues. Secondly, you won't spend money buying and storing items that you may never sell. Thirdly, you don't have to worry that customers will return unwanted items because they didn't like something about their item. And lastly, you can focus exclusively on creating quality contents while letting others handle distribution and payment processing. Sounds good doesn't it? That's why almost everyone who starts an online business uses drop shipping eventually.
Now, the second question is actually related to the previous one. When you choose to become an entrepreneur, you are making a decision not only regarding your career path but also your future financial stability. Therefore, you should always keep in mind that your business success depends heavily on its ability to generate income. So basically, you need to create either a passive income stream or a full time job. In fact, a great way to earn money without spending too much time working would be to combine both strategies together. For instance, you could set up a part time side hustle that generates enough revenue to pay off your debts and cover rent and food expenses. Then later on, when you feel confident enough, you can turn it into a full time gig.
However, if you still aren't convinced that owning an online store is really worth trying, here are five reasons to help you figure out if becoming an internet merchant is right for you:
1. Low startup costs
2. No experience required
3. Work anywhere anytime
4. Flexible hours & no commute
5. Great potential for growth
The next step after knowing what kind of business model suits you best is finding out how to use the Internet for business. Of course, you already knew that since you were planning to buy anything online anyway, but did you realize that the Internet offers unlimited opportunities for anyone willing to tap into it properly? Nowadays, there are tons of websites offering various types of services such as SEO, social media advertising, PPC campaigns, blog writing etc.
Basically, using the Internet for business means utilizing the power of search engines and social networks to attract new clients and build brand awareness. As long as you follow proven methods and stay away from scams, you shouldn't face any problems reaching your goals.
As mentioned above, promoting your business online is crucial. After all, how else are you supposed to convince people to visit your site? Well, there are countless ways to market your business effectively. Here are some of the best practices that will guarantee results:
· Social Media Marketing
Social networking sites offer a wide range of options for marketers. They include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest etc. Each platform has specific rules and regulations which you need to adhere to in order to succeed. Even though there are hundreds of tools available today, the most popular solutions tend to be Facebook ads, Google AdWords and LinkedIn Ads. These platforms allow you to target relevant audiences and measure ROI efficiently.
· Content Marketing
Content marketing is another effective strategy that works wonders for small businesses looking to establish themselves online. In addition to providing valuable information to visitors, regular updates will also increase engagement rates significantly. To ensure consistency, you should aim to post fresh material once per day. Also, try to write posts that are short and concise so readers can easily absorb them within minutes. Remember that the average attention span nowadays lasts around 8 seconds!
· Email marketing
Email marketing is one of the oldest forms of direct communication known to mankind. Although it seems old fashioned now days, email remains to be one of the best ways to reach people and grow your list. In addition to being cost efficient, emails deliver high conversion rates thanks to the huge amount of data collected over years. For example, according to MailChimp, approximately 80% of users open emails immediately upon receipt. Furthermore, studies show that sending personalized messages increases click-through rate by 200%.
· Pay Per Click Advertising
Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising is similar to traditional advertising except that you don't have to pay upfront to place ads on targeted keywords. Instead, advertisers bid on particular phrases and receive paid clicks based on the number of impressions received. Usually, bidding fees depend on the volume of traffic generated and ad placement position.
Once you've figured out what kind of business you'd like to pursue, the next step is determining what exactly you can do with the Internet. Basically, there are three categories of activities that fall under the umbrella term of "online business". Those include Affiliate Marketing, Dropshipping and Website Designing/Development.
Affiliate Marketing involves helping companies bring in leads. Typically, affiliates refer interested parties to merchants' websites via banners, text links and special signups pages. Merchants usually reward affiliates with commissions whenever individuals complete purchases.
Dropshipping is simply a method of ordering merchandise directly from manufacturers with little involvement from third party sellers. Once orders arrive, dropshippers ship them directly to buyers. Unlike affiliate programs, dropshipping does not involve paying commissions. Rather, dropshippers profit solely from sales.
Website design and development is a complex subject that cannot be covered in detail here. However, it includes tasks such as HTML coding, CSS customization, graphic designing, logo creation and WordPress installation among others. Many freelance designers charge a flat fee for design projects. Others prefer hourly wages depending on project complexity.
Although there are thousands of online jobs available worldwide, the truth is that most of them are low paying gigs requiring minimal skills. Fortunately, there are also lots of profitable opportunities listed on Upwork, Freelancer, oDesk and Fiverr. Just remember that freelancing is risky business. Don't expect to earn millions overnight and don't forget to protect yourself legally.
Finally, if you're ready to dive deeper into the world of eCommerce, don't miss our guide on how to start an online business. We wrote it especially for people who are considering launching their own online shops.
Online shopping is more popular than ever before and it’s expected that in future even physical stores will be replaced by their e-counterparts. The same goes for all kinds of businesses. So what are the basic requirements for starting your own online business? What are the minimum requirements one needs to follow when setting up shop on Amazon or eBay? And what other factors might affect the success rate of your venture?
It's not easy being an entrepreneur these days. It takes time and money to run any type of business and if you want to avoid problems later on, then you better be prepared now. Not only can you learn about various ways to earn extra income but also get acquainted with the legalities involved as well. This article aims to give you a good overview of everything related to running an online business.
In order to legally sell products online, there are two main steps which include registering your company and acquiring certain licenses. In case of selling goods through Amazon, this process happens automatically while for eBay sellers it has to be done manually. But regardless of where you plan to set up your store, both processes require quite a bit of paperwork and formalities.
Registering your online business involves filling out forms and submitting them along with supporting documents such as bank statements and tax returns. Before doing so, however, you must first understand whether you are allowed to operate from home or not. If you live outside the US, Canada, or Mexico, then you cannot open your business without proper authorization from local authorities. On top of this, you may face additional restrictions depending on the state of residence.
To find out the exact rules applicable to your specific situation, visit your country's government website. Usually they provide information regarding different types of taxes (depending on who you're dealing with) and relevant laws or regulations. You'll probably also see a link to contact your local tax office.
When looking at your options, keep in mind that most countries allow individuals to operate small businesses from home provided that they don't employ anyone else. Also note that if you work for yourself, you won't need to pay taxes unless you make over $100k per year. That said, if you choose to hire employees, then you'll have to file taxes every quarter and withhold appropriate amounts accordingly.
With regards to licensing, there are three primary categories. First off, you need to acquire permission from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They regulate many aspects of consumer protection including advertising practices as well as product safety standards. To apply for this license, fill out a simple form and submit it to the FTC. Once approved, you can proceed further.
Secondly, you'll need a seller's permit from each individual state. These permits vary slightly between states but usually involve having a storefront located within a particular area. Additionally, they typically ask for proof of insurance and a copy of your driver's license. Finally, you'll need a federal firearms license. While most states already issue these, others still require you to go through the lengthy process. Note that if you decide to operate offline, then you'll just need a state sales tax certificate instead.
Lastly, you also need a number of certificates to ensure safe operations and protect customers against fraud. Some examples include food handlers' licenses, drug testing certifications, and health inspection approvals. Depending on your location, you may also need to obtain a pest control certification.
All told, there are quite a few items that require attention when opening an online business. However, it doesn't mean that it's impossible. As long as you take into account the required documentation and meet all the necessary requirements, you shouldn't encounter major issues.
The next step after creating your online presence consists in making sure you comply with all the necessary legal requirements. This includes ensuring that your chosen platform offers enough security features as well as providing adequate customer support.
For example, Shopify allows users to create websites using drag & drop tools and add custom code via its editor. Its support team provides 24/7 assistance and covers a wide range of topics like payment gateways, web hosting services, and domain names. Meanwhile, WordPress lets people build sites either directly or through third party plugins. There are plenty of tutorials available to help newbies use the software properly. Lastly, eBay requires buyers to verify their identity.
As mentioned above, you'll also need to focus on building strong relationships with customers. A large part of this comes down to choosing the right platforms and offering quality products. Of course, you can always improve upon your existing offerings by adding new ones in the future. Nevertheless, if you haven't yet built up a solid client base, then you might consider trying something completely different.
If you've never been able to establish a relationship with potential clients, try connecting with social media influencers. Although it sometimes works best if you know exactly whom to target, you could also randomly pick someone based on his popularity. Either way, remember to communicate regularly with your followers and offer free gifts once in awhile.
While there are numerous things you'll need to address during the setup phase, here we outline five which are essential for almost everyone planning to launch their own business.
First off, you'll need to secure a merchant ID. Most merchants rely on credit card processing companies for payments and therefore, it's important to sign up with a reliable provider. This ensures you get paid promptly and securely.
Next, you'll need to create a unique site name. When searching for domains, look for short words that reflect your brand and are memorable at the same time. Avoid generic terms because they're harder to rank high on search engines. Also, don't forget to check whether those keywords appear elsewhere on the Internet. You wouldn't want to end up facing copyright infringement lawsuits later on!
Thirdly, you'll have to figure out what sort of sales strategy suits you best. Do you prefer affiliate marketing, dropshipping or direct sales? Each option has its pros and cons. After deciding which approach you'd rather pursue, you should begin researching the market thoroughly. Make sure to compare prices across multiple vendors as well as read reviews from previous customers. Then come up with a list of goals and objectives and finally determine the amount of effort you intend to put forth.
Fourthly, you'll have to gather funds for initial investments. Whether you opt for loans or crowdfunding campaigns, you'll definitely need cash upfront. Fortunately, there are lots of resources that can help you raise capital quickly. Just make sure to research each method carefully beforehand and stick to reputable sources.
Finally, you'll have to develop a plan B in case your business fails. Even though the chances of failure are slim, it would be foolish to ignore this possibility altogether. Therefore, it makes sense to spend some time thinking about alternatives early on. This helps prevent panic attacks and gives you peace of mind knowing that if worst comes to worse, you'll still manage to save yourself financially.
And lastly, although it's not mandatory, you should always consult an attorney or accountant. Both professionals can advise you on how you may benefit from incorporating your business and handle all the legal ramifications.
There are actually three key elements to consider when establishing a successful online business: content, branding, and technology. Here's why.
Content refers to all written materials associated with your business. It encompasses articles, blog posts, videos, presentations, infographics and podcasts among others. Content creation is arguably the most challenging aspect, especially if you're a beginner. Luckily, there are tons of helpful guides available online. One great resource worth checking out is Udemy.com. The massive library contains hundreds of courses ranging from blogging basics to advanced SEO techniques.
Branding deals with designing your logo and visual assets. Your brand represents the overall image of your business. Keep your designs consistent throughout all channels and ensure consistency in font styles too. Another tip is to think ahead and prepare graphics for upcoming events such as holidays.
Technology is another crucial factor influencing the performance of your online store. Many entrepreneurs struggle with technical difficulties due to lack of experience. Thankfully, there are dozens of solutions available today. Two excellent choices are Magento and WooCommerce. With these solutions, you can easily integrate payments, inventory management, analytics, email marketing and much more.
Final thoughts
Starting an online business isn't necessarily difficult. However, there are several legal requirements you need to fulfill along the way. By focusing on these points beforehand, you increase the odds of succeeding. Moreover, you gain valuable insight into what you can expect going forward and avoid common pitfalls.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.