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How To Successfully Start An Online Business In India

Updated on: Mar 26, 2023

We’re in 2023 wherein starting an online business is as fast as it can get. However, in haste, if your foundations are wrong, then you can definitely expect a lot of problems in the near future. 

In this blog, we talk about how to start an online business successfully incorporating major departments such as production, sales, accounting, finance, marketing & HR. 

Also Read: Why Small Businesses Need Digital Marketing in 2023?

First, let’s know what are the 6 most important steps before you start your online business. 

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​6 Important Steps To Know Before Starting An Online Business.

What should be your first few steps before setting up shop?

1. Identify Your Market

how to start an online business - identify your market

Finding out what people want is the first and most crucial step. Before starting an online business majority of people make the mistake of looking for a product first, then a market.

It’s critical to identify an issue that your potential consumers are having and provide a solution.

Conduct keyword research to identify terms that get a lot of traffic but aren’t very competitive with other sites.

Also Read: 9 Easy Ways on How To Do Keyword Research For SEO – Let’s find out

2. CopyWriting

Copywriting is a fantastic method to draw people in, stimulate their attention, and generate purchases.

Copywriting is important for every company because it helps in generating sales. A copywriter is in charge of creating eye-catching, one-of-a-kind headlines for ads and promotional materials.

The ad material should include details about the product, such as its features and benefits, as well as the issues it answers. Proof of work, client testimonials, the company’s warranty, and any other tempting material that the potential buyer would find appealing.

3. Website Is Key

how to start an online business - website

The next stage is to build a website after you’ve determined the market you want to target and the material you’ll use to promote your goods.

It’s important to capture the attention of potential consumers in those vital few seconds when they come across your website. We’ll give a few tips that will help you design an attractive website.

  • Make sure you only use two fonts. Black and white are great choices.
  • The navigation bar should be simple. Focus on an information page, a sales tab, or anything else that you believe will encourage people to stay on the website.
  • Use infographics, videos, and blogs as content. It not only educates visitors, but it may also help your page rank better on Google’s search results page.
  • Include a call-to-action on your homepage, checkout page, or any other essential page on your website. A call-to-action is a piece of material created solely to persuade a consumer to do a certain action (Buy Now, Click Here, Feedback Form).

4. The Power Of Search Engines

Using keyword research to optimize your website is critical since it helps your website rank higher in search engines.

The simplest approach to drive visitors to a new website is to use pay-per-click advertising. The effects of pay-per-click advertising are generally instantaneous. You’ll be able to raise brand awareness and test alternative headlines, pricing, and other factors.

However, keep in mind that, while it produces faster results than the organic technique (SEO), it is more costly in the long term.

For a longer-term solution, concentrating on SEO is a better option. Adding valuable content to your website in the form of blogs, articles, and videos, as well as incorporating keyword research, can undoubtedly help you rank better in search results.

Related Read: Top 10 Benefits of SEO: A Comprehensive Analysis

5. Build A Reputation

how to start an online business - brand reputation

The internet is used by people to find information. You’ll get more visitors and higher search engine results if you provide content that is informative and provides value to the reader.

Top tips you should know, a complete guide on [Topic], essays, and other types of material are examples of this type. If you provide such information, readers will be interested in the brand and may follow you to learn more on various topics.

You can also connect with other blogging websites and offer to write content for them or backlink their articles on your website. This can help build a mutual relationship with them.

Course Recommended:  Online Reputation Management

6. Importance Of Email Marketing

When you create an email list, you’re building one of your online business’s most important assets.

Because your customers/subscribers have permitted you to send them emails, it provides you with several sales benefits.

Anyone who comes to your site and signs up for your mailing list is a fresh lead. And there’s no better tool for following up with those prospects than email.

Because email marketing is highly targeted, it is less expensive and more effective than print, television, or radio, and your chances of generating sales are better as well. It’s because they’re either paid customers or people with high interest in the brand.

Check out our online email marketing course if you want to learn more about how you can use email marketing to build a successful customer list.

Now with these Tips in mind let’s take a look at how to start an online business in India.

7 Tips On How To Start An Online Business In India

1. Business Model

how to start an online business - business model

The first and most important step is to figure out what your online business plan and model going to be.

You can choose between two sorts of company models. You have the option of going with a single vendor or a multi-vendor e-commerce business option

The usage of only one seller is referred to as a single vendor business option. The single seller is in charge of selling all of the products on your website. 

It’s also a good idea to choose a single vendor because it’s easier to keep track of transactions and administrative costs are lower because you’ll only have to deal with one supplier.

Various vendors can offer their products to multiple customers under the multi-vendor option model, but they must all be registered with your site.

The advantage of having many vendors is that you may fall back on them if one of your suppliers is unable to sell their items for whatever reason. This not only helps you manage demand variations but also helps you avoid supply chain disruptions.

2. Create Your Own Brand

The next stage is to come up with the best name for your company after you’ve decided on the business model you want to use to establish your online business.

The name of your company should be brief and straightforward. As a result, customers will have no trouble remembering it when the time comes. Aside from devoted consumers, remembering a long or intricate brand name will be difficult for the broader public.

Make sure the brand names match your company’s personality and aim. It should be distinctive and not sound like any other business.

And the last thing you want to do is create a logo for your business. If you didn’t know, most buyers recognize a brand by its logo.

3. Register Your Online Business

how to start an online business -business registration

The registration and completion of all legal requirements for your eCommerce business in India are now one of the most important elements of the process.

We’ll be listing down the legal requirements you need to meet and follow:

  • Apply for a Director’s Identification Number (DIN), which may be obtained by downloading the DIN application (DIN 3 form) from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ official website. You may also apply for a DIN by attaching and submitting the required papers online.
  • Ensure that you have your Permanent Account Number (PAN) as well as your Digital Signature Certificate.
  • Once you’ve received your DIN, you may apply to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to see if the name you’ve chosen for your business is available. This may also be done by looking for it on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ official website.
  • Within six months of getting confirmation of the proposed company’s name, you can incorporate it. You also have the option of paying a fee to renew the company’s name.
  • Apply for GST certification, a Shops and Establishment Licence (which is required for Payment Gateway Integration), and a Professional Tax License (PT).
  • To open a Provident Fund (PF), apply to the respective Provident Fund Organization; register with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation for medical insurance for employees; and finally, apply for the Certification of Company’s Incorporation, where your company will be officially registered under the Company’s Act, 2013.

4. Open A Bank Account

You’ll need to create a bank account for your company after it’s legally registered under the Act. The account can be created with any bank, but it must be under the company’s formal name.

If you’ve decided to run your online business as a sole proprietorship, you’ll need to register for GST, which will allow you to create a bank account in your company’s name.

Once your bank account is established, you may begin listing items for sale on your e-commerce website in order to get and manage a payment gateway.

5. Build Your Brand’s Website

how to start an online business -brand website design

As mentioned above building your website is very important. After all your website is the gateway for sales.

You have two options for creating your website: use a pre-built platform or start from scratch. Both offer unique advantages, however, most people choose to build a website from the ground up.

When building your website, pre-built website templates will save you time and work. On WordPress, you may select from a number of layouts. However, bear in mind that your website is quite important, and first impressions are key.

The website must reflect your brand’s aesthetic, be clear and simple, and, most importantly, be safe and secure if it accepts payments.

Check out our online WordPress course if you want to learn how to create an efficient and productive website. The training is given by seasoned specialists and covers all technical elements, as well as tips and techniques.

6. Payment Gateway

Payment gateways are required for your online business to be lucrative since they allow credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and cash card transactions to be processed through your eCommerce website.

In order to set up a payment gateway, you’ll need to provide several documents:

  • Bank account in the name of the business
  • PAN card of the business
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Articles of Association
  • Identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Website terms of use
  • Website privacy policy

Once the documents above have been submitted you will be able to set up a payment gateway. PayPal, PayU, and RazorPay are some of the most common payment gateways.

7. Set Up A Logistics Plan

      how to start an online business - logistic planning

Source: Roima

The process of sending an order to a consumer or transferring merchandise to a merchant is referred to as logistics. This procedure also keeps track of sent items in transit until they are delivered to the specified customer.

Figuring out logistics is critical for your online business since it means you now have a reliable and rapid way to track the items being delivered at each stage.

The tips mentioned above are important and will help you to start an online business in India effectively.  Let’s look at some online business ideas for beginners to get you started.

5 Online Business Ideas For Beginners

1. Content Writer

There’s always a demand for fresh material. Bloggers and digital marketers are always on the hunt for new talent that can assist them in writing engaging and useful articles, advertising, books, and other materials. The best thing is that this may be a terrific at-home business opportunity. If you are an excellent writer, you may offer your talents to others and be compensated for them.

2. Digital Marketing Agency

Many firms can’t afford a complete digital marketing department as the need for digital content and marketing grows. As a result, they contact digital marketing agencies. These organizations assist in the development of strategies and the use of the required tools and skills to achieve the strategy’s goals.

Our online advanced digital marketing course will teach you all you need to know about digital marketing, including all of the tools and modules you’ll need to be a great digital marketer.

Must Read: Here’s Why A Digital Marketing Job Is the Best Career Opportunity

3. E-Rental

If you have the means and assets, this is a great innovative business concept. People are always eager to rent for a little luxury, as seen by sites like Airbnb.

You may rent out vehicles, apartments, suits, and anything else you believe might be in demand online. However, keep in mind that keeping track of and maintaining the goods you rent out will take up a lot of your time.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a type of online store in which a seller accepts customer orders but does not maintain items in stock. The most important benefit of dropshipping is that it allows you to start an online company without having to invest thousands of dollars in inventory upfront. People have always had to tie up large sums of money in order to purchase inventories.

All you will need is a website, payment gateway, and products to sell. Once those are figured out you’ll be able to start selling anytime

5. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers may design everything from sales brochures to logos to websites. You don’t need a college degree or an expensive computer, and you don’t even need to be good at sketching. To get started, all you need is a little graphic imagination and a portfolio to offer potential clients.

With the above points covered, let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions people are keen to know.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

How do I start an online business from home?

There are several steps you’ll need to follow to start your very own online business from home. Firstly the most important is to find out what the people want. It means identifying the demand & supply and the problem your target audience is facing, coming up with a solution, and offering it to them.

To learn more on this interesting topic head on to our blog on how to start an online business.

What is the easiest online business to start?

SEO, Content Writing, Eatery, and Dropshipping are some of the most in-demand and subjectively easiest online businesses to start. These are just a handful of the many internet business opportunities available to you. And, just to be clear, the success of an online business is reliant on a variety of factors. Your degree of expertise, the market need for that skills and knowledge, the competition, and so forth.

To Conclude,

The ideas and steps offered will undoubtedly aid you in overcoming any issues you may have, and if you want more support, we at IIDE can assist you. We provide Digital Marketing Corporate Training that is tailored to your business’s aims and goals. 

This training process will help you understand all the tools, strategies, and secret tips and tricks you can use to successfully launch and grow your online business.

Alternatively, if you already have some experience in this sector and want to study more about digital marketing in-depth, you can enroll in our Online Digital Marketing Course or  Post Graduation in Digital Marketing.

Catch our guide on forming your own digital marketing team. We hope you learned something new and thank you for your interest in our blog, if you have any questions be sure to let us know in the comments below.

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Meherzad Karanjia

Ex Chief Learning Officer, IIDE

He has over 19 years of experience in the Digital Marketing and Design space. He is someone who understands all the elements of the Digital gamut ranging from User Experience, Graphics Design, SEO, SEM, Analytics, Media Planning.....[Read full bio]

13 Comments

  1. zldoll

    Great Post! and keep sharing for online business.

    Reply
    • Meherzad Karanjia

      Always happy to educate! If you wish to learn more, please do check out more amazing content on the Knowledge Portal.

      Reply
  2. Riddhi Jain

    Launching an online business requires careful planning. Identify your target audience, research competitors, and create a detailed business plan. Choose a reliable e-commerce platform and build your online presence. Invest in branding and advertising to attract customers. Stay flexible and open to feedback . With dedication and strategies, online business can be rewarding.

    Reply
  3. Rashi Sharma

    I appreciate how online business is as fast as it can get. With clear explanations and actionable tips, it covers essential aspects such as market research, creating a business plan, and building an online presence. Understanding how to start an online business is crucial for anyone venturing into the digital marketplace, and this post serves as a valuable resource for beginners. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, it empowers individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence and clarity.

    Reply
  4. Riti

    A clear breakdown of legal requirements for business registration in India. Offers practical online business ideas for beginners. Overall, a comprehensive and actionable roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.”

    Reply
  5. Saasha Bonthu

    The above post offers a thorough how-to guide, complete with step-by-step directions and useful advice, on starting an internet business in India. It covers a number of topics, including creating a website, selecting the best business model, conducting market research, and developing marketing plans. The article also covers the financial and legal aspects of launching an internet business in India. In general, it’s a useful tool for would-be business owners hoping to launch a profitable internet project in the Indian market.

    Reply
  6. Rudrarajsinh Zala

    Starting an online business in India is like starting a fun journey. Nowadays, Many businesses are dynamically changing to online, so it’s a big opportunity. Plan smartly, and understand what people like in your product and services. Use creativity and online tools to make your business awesome in this cool growing and diverse market! Get ready for success!

    Reply
  7. Ridhima Mungekar

    This article provides a helpful overview of the key steps involved in starting an online business in India. It emphasizes the importance of planning and choosing a suitable business model and offers practical guidance on tasks like website creation, business registration, and payment gateway setup. Additionally, it includes five interesting online business ideas for beginners.

    Reply
  8. Rijul Jain

    Starting an online business can be daunting, but this guide breaks it down into manageable steps. From identifying your niche to setting up a website and marketing your products or services, it covers the essentials. Clear explanations make it accessible even for beginners. Whether you’re looking to double your income or dive into entrepreneurship full-time, this resource provides a solid foundation to get started.

    Reply
  9. Diksha Saini

    A solid guide to kickstart an online business. From finding your niche to creating a user-friendly site, it breaks down essentials without getting too complex. Practical tips make it an ideal read for newcomers in the online entrepreneurial world.

    Reply
  10. ratik pr

    “Launching a thriving online business requires a strategic approach grounded in thorough market research, user-centric website design, and compelling content creation. By mastering these basics, entrepreneurs can build a strong online presence and attract loyal customers.”

    Reply
  11. Roshani Yadav

    This blog provides a thorough guide on successfully starting an online business in India, covering essential aspects such as market identification, copywriting, website development, SEO strategies, brand reputation building, and email marketing. Each step is clearly explained with practical tips and recommendations, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs

    Reply
  12. revathi

    This blog helped a lot in my business.

    Reply

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