Start Your Own Business with Ecwid

1. Do market research to find your niche

Gather information about potential clients and companies already operating in your niche in your state. Get a  competitive edge for your business by using this data to guide your business strategy.

• 10 Trending Product Niches on Instagram
• How to Use Pinterest to Understand Your Niche
• How to Work With Focus Groups to Test Your Niche or Business Idea

2. Write your business plan

The cornerstone of your business idea should be your business plan. It’s a road map you make to guide you on how to set up, manage, and expand your new company.

• How To Write A Business Plan That Will Actually Get Read
• How to Write a Business Plan for Your Online Store
• What Must Entrepreneurs Do After Creating a Business Plan

3. Fund your business

If you don’t have enough money in the bank to fund your start-up costs, you’ll either need to raise or borrow some capital to make it happen.

• Getting Started with Business Loans for Startups
• Choosing the Right Loan Options to Kickstart Your Small Business

4. Decide on the business structure

The legal structure you choose for your company will influence your tax obligations and your personal liability. Choose wisely!

• Registering Your Ecommerce Business: Sole Proprietorship, LLC or Corporation?

5. Select a name for your company

It’s not easy to come up with a name that feels like “the one.” You’ll want to make a choice that really sums up your brand and captures its inherent value. You’ll also want to make sure that someone else doesn’t already own the name.

• Business Names Ideas: How to Choose the Best Store Name

6. Register your business

If you operate a company under a name other than your own, you’ll have to register this with both the federal government and your state government. You’ll also need to obtain federal and state tax IDs.

• 25 Places to Find Low-Cost Legal Advice For Your Business
• Accounting, Finance & Legal Ecommerce Blueprint
• Do I Need a Business License to Sell Online?
• Small Business Bookkeeping and Accounting 101 for Ecommerce

7. Open a business bank account

A small business checking account should help you keep your finances in order and address potential legal, tax, and day-to-day monetary challenges.

8. Open your business to the public!

Now you’re ready: start building your business by gathering inventory and get ready to welcome your first customers.

• 30 Ways to Make Your First Sale Online