Want to start an online business? We’re here to help!
Nowadays, it’s probably easier than ever in history to start a business. But because of that, it’s also much harder to break through and become successful. Many people are trying to do business online, and getting started truly has never been simpler. In the Czech Republic alone, there are approximately 64,000 functional e-shops. But how many of them are actually successful is another question.
The internet is full of “guaranteed” guides on how to start a business and make big money. Many influencers try to sell you their courses on various methods to get rich quickly with little effort. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Running an online business is extremely challenging, mainly due to massive competition and increasingly expensive and complex marketing. Breaking through among thousands of stores is no easy feat. That’s why we’ll look at some key factors you should keep in mind if you want to succeed in online business.
Website and E-Shop Creation
If you’ve already decided what your online business will be, the next step is to create a website or an e-shop. There are many platforms that offer software to help you build such a site.
But which one is best for you, and how do you choose? Definitely avoid so-called “extortion agencies” that charge thousands for every small adjustment or added feature. Unless you’re ready to invest millions into a fully custom solution, it’s better to go with proven platforms like Shoptet, WooCommerce, Magento, and the like.
Some platforms offer ready-made solutions starting from just a few hundred to thousands per month. These systems have been tested by thousands of e-shops and are continually being improved. If you need to add a new feature, there’s probably an extension available — either free or paid.
Platforms like Shoptet or Shopify charge monthly fees, but they allow you to create a fully functional site with minimal effort thanks to their support — and you likely won’t need to deal with technical failures.
Semi-automated systems like WooCommerce are more suitable for those with basic coding knowledge, or for someone who can find a reliable agency to manage the site (like our services).
This gives you more freedom to design your site without being limited by platform constraints. But you should expect more hands-on work. Such an e-shop can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand crowns and usually doesn’t involve monthly fees.
E-Shop Design and Functionality
The days when a simple website could drive business are long gone. Today, success depends heavily on how your e-shop looks and how well it functions — thanks to smart design and structure.
Think of your e-shop as a display window: you need to inform customers clearly about what you’re offering and why they should choose to buy from you. It’s not just about aesthetics — your website needs to work flawlessly for customers. That’s why it’s wise to consult with someone experienced in this area.
Hiring a business or e-shop consultant can be very helpful, especially in the beginning. They can advise you on how to set up your site to achieve the highest possible conversion rate. There are dozens, even hundreds of factors that determine whether a visitor leaves your site immediately — or becomes a paying customer.
Marketing and Customer Trust
Many entrepreneurs fail in marketing and in building trust in their brand — which often prevents them from breaking through in the crowded online world. A solid marketing strategy is just as important as brand-building.
People are naturally skeptical, and every new e-shop operator must first earn the trust of their customers. Trust is a fragile thing, and you shouldn’t assume that investing a few thousand in paid ads will bring instant success.
Brand-building is a long-term process. It’s not just about a nice logo and a catchy slogan — it’s also about customer trust, great customer service, and much more. All of that is part of marketing if you want to succeed in the online business world.
What to do before you start – check off these essentials:
-
Choose the right product (Don’t try to sell everything to everyone — pick a niche and unique product.)
-
Conduct market research
-
Select the right technology for your website
-
Create a marketing and brand strategy
-
Decide on features and services your website will offer
-
Plan how you’ll handle customer support
-
Define your monthly budget for running the store
-
Analyze your competition
-
Ensure you can maintain product quality
-
Plan your logistics
-
Understand your profit margins and pricing strategy
-
Define your competitive advantages
-
Secure quality suppliers (or handle production yourself)
Of course, there’s much more to consider, but these are key questions to answer before taking your first step.
If you’re unsure, we’re here to help. We’ll gladly advise you on how to get started — or how to improve the performance of your current e-shop. We’ve been running online stores since 2013 and operate several projects ourselves.
Feel free to use our contact form, call us, or send us an email. We’ll do our best to help you navigate the maze of the online business world and move your project forward.
