Tweet

Starting a free online business

Written by: Crissy Herron Gipson

Article Overview: There are many options available to start an online business for little to no cost; all you have to do is a little research.

Starting a free online business

Starting a free online business is calling you but you are worried about not having options available. Don’t the let the lack of funds sway your decision. There are many options available for little to no cost; all you have to do is a little research. The hardest part of starting a business is deciding what type of work you want to do, what will you specialize in (niche) and who you will want to work with (target market). Once you know what you want to do, it will be easier to research the steps to starting your own online business.

Licensing: You will want to check with your local licensing office, as there are multiple types of business licenses available, but keep in mind that there may be a minimal fee.

Payment Processing: How will you accept payments? There are many payment processors online who will allow you to open an account for free, and charge you per transaction.

Domain Name and Hosting: There are several hosting companies that will start you out for free and include a free domain and email, just be aware that there may be limits to what you can do and they may include their own advertising. Some companies also offer the option to upgrade later. Just spend the extra time doing your homework here because starting free then moving to a different option later could cost you more in the long run.

Accounting: You will want some form of accounting as you will still be required to pay taxes, and you will want a way to track your business. Most computers come with free programs on them that will suit your purpose just fine. Some even offer the option to upgrade when your business grows to the point of needing additional features.

Communication: How will you communicate with your customers? If you are primarily going to be doing business online, all communication options may not be necessary, but you will still want a back up plan, should the need ever arise. Your local phone company may offer a fax feature with your phone line, just ask what they have available and set your computer up to receive faxes as needed.

Business Image: Do you have a logo in mind? Do you know how to create your website? Are you good with graphics? If not, there are many businesses that proved free templates, for you to get started right away. If you know anyone who is good with graphics, see if they are wiling to trade services with you.

As you can see, researching the steps to starting a business will enable you to begin with the least amount of money and put you on your road to success.

Related Articles
  Starting An Online Business? Did You Know It Was So Easy?
  What You Have to Do to Avoid Financial Limbo in the New Year
  Starting A Successful Online Business
  Starting a web based business
  The #1 Success Shortcut to Look for When Starting an Online Home Business

Article Tags: accounting, business licenses, business online, communication options, deciding what type, doing business, domain name, extra time, free domain, homework, hosting companies, licensing office, local phone company, minimal fee, niche, payment processing, payment processors, starting your own online business, target market



Related Forum Posts
Re: How Much Do You Need To Start? - Starting an online company and business does not require too much money. Generally, 500$ is normal to start an online business. I personally have spent 1800$ to start my home business, because I got scammed a lot. Start-up capital also depends on how much an entrepreneur is going to make from his business. What is his goal for a year? It is important
Re: What exactly do you need to start a business - Starting a business takes many things. Like guts and brains. But what I find pays off the most in online busines is HARD WORK. There is no better alternative. The more energy you use to make your business successful, the better your chances of it being successful
Re: Before you spend all your money on a prototype - Market research is important not only in the case of inventions, but in business as well. Starting a business without first researching to see if there is a need or how much competition one might have can finish up costing more than it's worth. So market research is essential and the majority of people have no idea of how to go about it. MichelleJ
Online Marketing - One of the attractive things about online marketing is the cost - which can be free or incredibly reasonable. The flexibility is also great. While phone book advertisements cannot be changed at any point during the year - but online promotion, blogs, websites, etc can be changed to reflect up-to-date changes or adjustments made in business. Almost any business can be promoted and its a shame that more people don't take advantage of that possibility or have limited knowledge of how to make the most of those options. Chris
Re: Affiliate Marketing - Open for Discussion - I couldn't agree more. I started my Affiliate Marketing business with just the fee for the domain name and my monthly web hosting, which I would have needed to pay for any online business with a website. All the affiliate programs on my site are free to join, and of course free to promote. There are way too many people out there making money out of scams. If anyone here is thinking of joining any affiliate program (especially one that charges you to join), and you are in any doubt whatsoever about it, just post here in the forums and there are a few of us in here now who would be pleased to check it out for you. Take care, Carol


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

LEARNING TO HAVE FUN – EVERYDAY!

ROSI Return on SUNK Investment

Emotional Energy is Our Engine

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.