{"id":1452,"date":"2023-07-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-start-an-online-business\/"},"modified":"2025-06-09T10:05:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T10:05:18","slug":"how-to-start-an-online-business","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-start-an-online-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start an online business \u2013 in 7 simple steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you an entrepreneur wanting to find the next big idea to make money online? Selling handmade crafts? Tutoring? Social media influencing? Dropshipping? There\u2019s no end to the opportunities if you choose to start an online business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But how do you get started? From finding the right website builder and marketing to new customers to understanding the regulatory requirements, this is your guide to starting an online business \u2013 from initial idea to becoming a thriving startup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading for the steps to starting an online business, plus some ideas of what\u2019s trending for 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-online-business\">What is an online business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Almost anything can be an online business, but they usually fall into one of two key sectors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">ecommerce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">services <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ecommerce business is a shop that operates solely online \u2013 whereas retail businesses have a physical store you can go into. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile many in-person service businesses can translate as online businesses (think tutoring, baking, or even fitness). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-i-start-my-own-online-business-7-simple-steps\">How can I start my own online business? 7 simple steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#research-online-business-ideas\">research online business ideas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#pros-and-cons\">weigh up the pros and cons<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#build-your-website\">create your website<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#create-business-plan\">write a business plan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#legal-requirements\">understand tax and legal responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#get-the-right-insurance\">insure your business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#marketing-your-business\">start marketing <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"research-online-business-ideas\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-research-online-business-ideas\">1. Research online business ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is the best online business to start? Of course \u2018best\u2019 is a subjective term. The best business for you will be personal and based on your skills and interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you looking to do something you\u2019re passionate about and have existing skills in? Or do you want to train in something completely new? Some trades can be higher earners than others too, so it\u2019s worth weighing up what\u2019s important to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-find-a-product-to-sell-online\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"936\" >sell a product<\/a>, it\u2019s worth noting that ecommerce is growing in popularity. The UK\u2019s ecommerce market accounted for 27 per cent of all global retail sales in 2022, according to the latest report from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tami.co.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Tami<\/a> (Total Addressable Market Intelligence). And this is expected to increase to 29 per cent by 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering how to start an ecommerce business? Our guide to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-set-up-an-online-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"985\" >setting up an online shop<\/a> covers it all from start to finish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-can-you-sell-online\">What can you sell online? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are just a few products and services you could offer as you create a website business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Retail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">arts, crafts, and candles <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-start-a-clothing-brand\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1447\" >clothing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-start-dropshipping\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1184\" >dropshipping<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">pet products <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">subscription boxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Professional services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">accounting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">content writing   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-freelance-graphic-designer\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"902\" >graphic design<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">social media marketing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Education services <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-tutor\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1416\" >private tutor <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">coaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">consultancy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">cooking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">personal training or fitness <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Delivery services <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">cakes and baking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">meal kits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-become-a-florist\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1285\" >floristry<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Entertainment<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">podcast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-make-money-on-youtube\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1439\" >YouTube <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">wedding and party planning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-test-your-idea\">Test your idea<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever you choose, it\u2019s important to test your idea \u2013 consider doing focus groups, surveys, or a &#8216;fake door&#8217; test to gauge interest. A &#8216;fake door&#8217; experiment is a way to test demand for something before it exists, for example creating a pretend ad or notification and seeing how many people click it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Product research and <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-do-a-competitor-analysis\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1229\" >competitor analysis<\/a> will also help you understand what direction to take your business in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-how-much-money-you-could-make\">Consider how much money you could make <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While money isn&#8217;t everything, it&#8217;s important to take it into consideration when planning your business venture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the average turnover for some key trades that could operate as online businesses, according to Simply Business quote data. Although it\u2019s important to remember that <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-business-turnover\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1577\" >turnover<\/a> doesn\u2019t mean profit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trade<\/p>\n\n<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Average annual turnover in 2022<\/p>\n\n<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consultant (business and management)<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a3144,420<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Home baking<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a326,282<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fitness instructor <\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a334,517<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graphic designer<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a376,826<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a390,879<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tutor<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a335,520<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on average turnover in 2022 using Simply Business quote data. Data sourced on 10 July 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"pros-and-cons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-weigh-up-the-pros-and-cons\">2. Weigh up the pros and cons <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting an online business can have its pros and cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling online advantages<\/p>\n\n<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling online disadvantages<\/p>\n\n<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lower start-up costs<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High competition <\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach more potential customers<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reliant on technology<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Analyse and track customer behaviour (and remarket to them)<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unreliable <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/best-uk-courier-a-small-business-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1348\" >couriers<\/a> and shipping times<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earn money day and night<\/p>\n\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Easy for customers to shop around for a better price<\/p>\n\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"build-your-website\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-create-your-website\">3. Create your website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business website is your shop window to what you do. This is important no matter what you do, but particularly if your business is based online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few things you\u2019ll need to think about: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your <a href=\"\/business-name-generator\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"6\" >business name<\/a> should be in your domain name (the website&#8217;s name in the url) so people can easily find you online <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">consider accessibility and user experience \u2013 people want to be able to instantly understand who you are, what you do, and how to buy your product or service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">how you\u2019ll take payments \u2013 many website builders will have ecommerce functionality built in <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">the call to action \u2013 if you\u2019re a service business, what\u2019s the first thing you want someone to do? Make a booking? Schedule a free consultation? Email you?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our guide to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-create-a-business-website\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1424\" >creating a business website<\/a> covers everything you need to know.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"create-business-plan\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-next-creating-a-business-plan-for-your-online-business\">4. Next, creating a business plan for your online business <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not as exciting as creating products and new ideas, it\u2019s important to stay on top of your business admin: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">create your <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1199\" >business plan<\/a> \u2013 and keep it up to date as you grow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">keep <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-bookkeeping\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1259\" >accurate records<\/a> to take the stress out of tax season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">make and stick to your <a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-budget-calculator-and-guide-for-the-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"956\" >budget<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">evolve your <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-write-a-marketing-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1456\" >marketing strategy<\/a> \u2013 and don\u2019t forget to use <a href=\"\/knowledge\/tech\/best-small-business-analytics-tools\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1343\" >data analytics<\/a> to test and learn to find what works (and what doesn\u2019t)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"legal-requirements\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-what-are-the-legal-requirements-for-starting-an-online-business\">5. What are the legal requirements for starting an online business? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next you\u2019ll need to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\" >register as self-employed<\/a> with HMRC so you can start paying tax on your income. Bear in mind that if you\u2019re running your online business alongside employment then you\u2019ll need to be aware of specific <a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/tax-on-second-job\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1546\" >side hustle tax implications<\/a> here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also check any <a href=\"\/knowledge\/management\/business-licence-uk-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1354\" >business licences<\/a> you might need (for example if you\u2019re selling alcohol) and whether you need permission to run your business from home.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Legislation you need to know about for selling online:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/data-protection-act-principles-for-small-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1011\" ><strong>Data Protection Act 2018<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 GDPR and how you use customer data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>The Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002<\/strong> \u2013 how you display information and communicate with your customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013<\/strong> \u2013 this replaced distance selling regulations and covers things like the 14-day \u2018cooling off period\u2019 you must give customers after making a purchase<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 <\/strong>\u2013 largely relating to how you use \u2018Cookies\u2019 on your website<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"get-the-right-insurance\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-make-sure-you-have-the-right-insurance\">6. Make sure you have the right insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nIf one of your products causes injury to a customer or damages their property then you could be held responsible. <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/product-liability-insurance\/\">Product liability insurance<\/a> can cover your business if something does go wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019re a service based industry then you should also consider <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> or <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">professional indemnity<\/a> depending on what your business does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> policy from Simply Business can bring this all together for you, so you only pay for the cover you need. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" id=\"marketing-your-business\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-marketing-your-business\">7. Marketing your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the hardest things about running a business is finding new customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what marketing tools should you be using for your business? And can you start a business without marketing at all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marketing is how you\u2019ll reach more people and grow your business so you\u2019ll need to use at least some forms of marketing for your new business. As an online business, digital marketing is going to be a good place to start.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, make sure you set up social media accounts for your business \u2013 and find out how to use <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/advantages-of-social-media-advertising\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1121\" >social media advertising<\/a> to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From <a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-sell-on-instagram-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"942\" >selling on Instagram<\/a> to how to use SEO (search engine optimisation) to reach more people,  our <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-advertise-your-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1410\" >expert guide to marketing<\/a> covers everything you need to know. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-questions-to-consider-when-you-start-an-online-business\">Final questions to consider when you start an online business&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-most-successful-small-online-businesses\">What are the most successful small online businesses?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most attractive elements of operating solely online is there are no business rates or other costs related to having a physical space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we\u2019ve mentioned already, some businesses like accounting and consulting services can generate higher turnover than businesses like cake baking and fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Project management is the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/small-business-digital-marketing-trends-2023\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1202\" >fastest-growing trade<\/a> right now, according to Simply Business research. This client facing role could be operated largely online, although you might also have in-person meetings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-you-start-an-online-business-with-no-money\">Can you start an online business with no money?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While all businesses will require some investment to get started, some can be relatively low cost and low effort to maintain. For example, if you have a highly popular YouTube channel then videos can continue earning revenue over time. These types of businesses are known as <a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/what-is-passive-income\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1581\" >passive income<\/a> streams and can often be run as a <a href=\"\/resources\/running-a-side-business\/\">side hustle<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-guides-for-online-businesses\">More guides for online businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-make-money-on-tiktok\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1438\" >How to make money on TikTok<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/banking\/do-i-need-a-paypal-business-account-for-my-small-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1034\" >Do I need a PayPal business account?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/small-business-digital-marketing-trends-2023\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1202\" >Digital marketing trends for 2023 you need to know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/best-eco-friendly-packaging-materials-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1543\" >Best sustainable packaging materials for your small business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/is-business-insurance-a-legal-requirement\/\">Is business insurance a legal requirement? <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-ready-to-set-up-your-cover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/insurance\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"470\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ll need a great idea and a simple business website. But what else does it take to sell a product or service online? 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