A guest post by Virginia Cooper info@learnaliving.co
Getting started with a small e-commerce business takes a multitude of details and quite a bit of planning, and while some steps aren’t as fun as others, they’re a crucial part of ensuring that your business runs smoothly. Starting off on the right foot requires an attractive website, a solid marketing strategy, a sound accounting plan, and keeping your pulse on the e-commerce market. It can all be overwhelming when you’re just starting out, so it’s a good idea to look for services that will help you make the most of your business. Speaker, coach, and mentor Dave Roby hopes the following guidance can help you along the way.
Market the right way
Marketing a small business can be time-consuming, which is why many small business owners don’t look forward to the process. However, there are experts available to help drive traffic to your site through SEO, as well as e-commerce marketing specialists who can help you reach your customer base and target your marketing toward their specific locations and needs, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of the job.
Before hiring an expert, there are small things you can do to help kickstart your marketing campaign. For starters, if you don’t already have a logo for your business, use a free logo design tool online that allows you to take pre-existing templates and tailor them to suit your theme and needs. These tools are often easy to use and saveable, meaning you can make adjustments as needed, instead of starting from scratch.
Use your time wisely
Outside of marketing, one of the most important things you can do as a small business owner is to manage your time wisely, and that’s especially true when it comes to finding funding and protecting your finances. The good news is there are plenty of funding opportunities available for small businesses these days, but they all have different deadlines, paperwork, and requirements, so it’s imperative that you get started early.
Stay on top of your accounting
One of the most important ways to maintain proper accounting is to keep your personal and business finances separate. This is a crucial aspect of good record-keeping practices, along with ensuring that your records are organized and updated monthly or bi-monthly. Processing payroll for small businesses is another accounting aspect you need to be mindful of. Using software is less expensive than hiring an accountant, and in addition to paying your employees, an integrated system can track employee time and even calculate the payroll taxes you’re responsible for. Just be sure when setting up your payroll policy that you’re mindful of local and federal labor laws, including overtime restrictions.
Do your research
When you have a business idea, it’s tempting to jump in with both feet and get started, but it’s important to step back and do a little research first. Before you begin with marketing and accounting practices, take a look at similar businesses — both online and in your community — to get a feel for your competition. If possible, network with other e-commerce business owners to find out if there are potential partnership opportunities there. This kind of market analysis will allow you to look at strengths and weaknesses and apply that knowledge to your own business.
Starting a business comes with a lot to think about and take care of, but fortunately, there are several resources available to help you through the process. In order to prevent stress, stay organized and get an early start on anything time-sensitive.
Need help getting your business off the ground? Speaker, coach, and mentor Dave Roby can provide you with the tools and guidance necessary to achieve your goals. Book your free consultation today by clicking here.
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