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Checklist for Starting an Online Business
Checklist for Starting an Online Business
Kick start your e-business with our comprehensive getting started checklist. Use it as a guide to completing your key online business start-up tasks.
For your convenience, we’ve included links to our small business directory to put you in touch with key suppliers and services to get your online business up and running faster.
Groundwork
- Determine the type of e-business you want to start.
- Identify your target market.
- Research your online market.
- Assess your competitors’ websites and determine your point of difference.
- Determine the gap or market need your online business will meet.
- Assess the viability of your online business idea.
- Determine the skills and expertise you will need to establish and run your business online.
1. What type of online business do you want to start? An eBay business? Selling your products or services through your own website? An advertising-based content or information portal? 2. What are the online habits of your target market and what market need will your online business meet? 3. How many other online businesses are already serving that market? |
First Steps
- Educate yourself on e-business and e-commerce.
- Write a comprehensive business and marketing plan for your online business.
- Assess the level of start-up capital you require.
- Select and register a domain name for your website.
- Register your new business or company name.
- Set-up an office (e.g. home-office, leased office space) premises.
- Source office equipment and technology (e.g. computers, printers etc)
1. How familiar are you with doing business online? Would you benefit from the expertise of an e-business consultant to help with your business planning? 2. Is your domain name short, simple, easy to spell and memorable? 3. Can you run and manage your online business from home? |
Finance and Legals
- Raise finance for your online business (e.g. private equity, government grants, business loans etc)
- Apply for any required business licences
- Investigate legal considerations of doing business online
- Investigate Government regulations relating to online selling
- Protect yourself and your business with appropriate business insurance
- Investigate your taxation options, obligations and any available tax concessions
- Register for GST if applicable
1. Will you be selling goods to international customers via your online business? 2. Have you investigated the legal requirements and regulations relating to doing business online such as privacy and importing and exporting regulations? 3. Do you have to register for GST? |
Get up and running
- Find a reliable web hosting service
- Determine what kind of online services you will offer your customers (e.g. e-commerce, e-newsletters & subscriptions, online membership, forums)
- Design and build a secure website that meets your business and customer service requirements
- Select and set-up e-commerce software to enable online transactions and sales
- Establish a cedit card merchant account. (e.g. with a bank, PayPal etc)
- Test your website for usability and implement any required changes
- Recruit additional staff if required (e.g. IT, order processing & despatch staff)
- Set up electronic business systems (e.g. accounting, inventory management etc)
- Set-up a shipping solution to distribute goods ordered online (e.g. Australia Post, your own delivery fleet etc)
1. Can you sell advertising on your website to generate income? 2. Will you be selling your goods and services directly to your customers online? 3. Is your website attention grabbing, easy to navigate with a strong ‘call to action’ for your customers? E.g. Buy online now and save $10 on every purchase. |
Marketing & Promotion
- Ensure your website is optimised for search engines.
- Include ‘Send to Friend’ functionality on your website to facilitate word of mouth marketing.
- Use an opt-in subscription/email list to enable email marketing and customer promotions.
- Set a launch date for your online business.
- Advertise and promote your online launch.
- Use search-engine marketing and online advertising to promote and drive traffic to your website.
1. What key on-line destinations do your target market visit regularly? 2. Can you utilise pay-per-click advertising to reach your online target market and drive them to your website? 3. How can you best promote the launch of your website so your target market knows you exist? |
A range of Government information and services to help you get into e-business. Australian domain name search and registration. e-business information and support services for small business. Free Australian company and business names search. Tax basics for small business. |
Important - Read This: This information is intended to provide general information only which may not be applicable to your particular circumstances. You agree to access this information at your own risk and that First Point Media is not liable to you for the content of the information or any reliance by you on this information.
