Developing an eCommerce site isn’t an easy thing to do. Successful people just make it look that way. That being said, anyone can do it with the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and dedication. Here are some questions you need to consider when making an online business.
Do I Need to Register as a Business?
One of the most obvious is whether you need to register as a business or not. The short answer is yes. However, there are differences depending on your country. For example, the UK requires you to register if your revenue exceeds £85,000 per year. But whether you operate a store in the real world or online, it’s always a good idea to register your business. So, are you ready to set up your company? Registering means official government agencies can keep track of who you are, what you do, and your taxes. Most countries have official registers to use.
Think About Platforms when Developing an eCommerce Site
You might not be aware, but there are unique platforms designed for eCommerce. eCommerce sites differ from standard websites and require specific features. So, WordPress might not be enough to meet your needs when making your business. Although it is an excellent platform to start a site, you will be better served using a business-specific platform instead. They have features such as security, shopping carts, shopping categories, and payment processor ready to go. Some of the best eCommerce platforms include Wix, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Do I Need to Worry About Cybersecurity?
In theory, you should always worry about cybersecurity. However, suppose you do all you can. In that case, there is no need to worry because, from a personal perspective, you took the necessary steps. But even the best security plans aren’t impervious to attack. Around 30,000 sites are hacked each day by cybercriminals. For the best security, choose a platform and payment processor known for high levels of cybersecurity. Additionally, you could hire managed IT services for a monthly fee to handle network monitoring, data backups, and updates.
BONUS: Most Secure Online Payment Processors
Payment processors are vital to your online business. Payment processors handle communication between customer banks and your bank when they pay for something. And they charge a fee for each transaction. But not all are the same, and the most secure include:
- Authorize.Net
- 2Checkout
- Braintree
- PayPal
- Stripe
Of course, there are many more payment processors, each with its pros and cons. However, the ones listed here are the most common and secure. These payment processors have excellent built-in security and are widely used and accepted. You take a gamble with unreputable ones.
How Much Will It Cost to Run?
When it comes to setting up an eCommerce site, you can do it yourself, which takes some time, or you can pay someone to build it, which eats your budget. It’s possible to find some middle ground where you can do most of the work yourself but leave complex tasks to experts. Therefore, the costs vary depending on what needs to be done and the size of your business. You can operate a small eCommerce site for relatively little money. However, when it grows in size, the operating costs increase significantly. They are likely to run into the tens of thousands.
Do I Pay Taxes when Developing an eCommerce Site?
You know what they say about death and taxes, right? Yes, you absolutely must pay tax for income from an eCommerce site. However, each nation sets different income thresholds for when you begin paying taxes. For example, in the UK, a meager £1,000 of sales is all it takes before you need to pay tax. But there are some exceptions to tax rules. For example, you typically don’t need to pay tax when you sell odd items, such as on eBay. However, authorities can launch an investigation if it appears you regularly profit without declaring it.
How Do I Make Money Online?
Of course, the big question. You might have heard otherwise, but making money online isn’t easy. Even with the best-designed site, it can take time. Typically with a hard push towards business, it can take from six months to a year to see income from an eCommerce site and longer for a profit. However, there are things you can do to boost your business. Affiliate marketing is great for pushing promotions. You can also place Google ads and paid ads on your site. And blogging is a great way to increase organic traffic with the correct usage of SEO.
Summary
Developing an eCommerce site takes time and dedication and there are many aspects to consider. For example, you must register your company and declare any income for tax purposes. And you should choose platforms and processors wisely for the best online security.
