Starting an Online Business

Starting an Online Business

Course Description

In this comprehensive course, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to launch a successful online business. From ideation and planning to legal considerations, website functionality, marketing, and e-commerce strategies, you’ll learn how to turn your vision into a thriving internet enterprise. Through practical exercises, expert insights, and real-world examples, you’ll be equipped to navigate the complexities of starting and growing an online business.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify and develop a viable online business idea: Learn how to generate and assess business ideas, create a robust business plan, and secure necessary funding.
  2. Understand legal and accounting aspects: Gain knowledge of the legal structures of businesses, trademark and copyright laws, and tax obligations.
  3. Build an effective and user-friendly website: Master the essentials of domain names, UX design, content development, and website launch.
  4. Implement online operational strategies: Explore revenue models, payment options, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
  5. Manage security risks: Develop a comprehensive security plan to protect your business from potential threats and ensure continuity.
  6. Utilize online marketing techniques: Discover strategies to drive traffic, engage customers, optimize search engine rankings, and analyze web traffic.
  7. Understand e-commerce fundamentals: Get hands-on with platforms like Shopify and eBay, and learn the basics of e-commerce functionality.
  8. Explore e-commerce trends and market opportunities: Identify niche markets, leverage social media influence, understand SaaS, and incorporate AI into your business model.
  9. Advanced e-commerce strategies: Map the digital buyer’s journey, personalize content marketing, overhaul aging online businesses, and scale up from small to large-scale operations.

This course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone interested in the world of e-commerce. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to elevate your existing online business, this course provides the tools and insights to succeed in the digital marketplace.


Part 1: Start-Up Essentials

  • Start from Scratch
  • Turn Your Ideas into a Viable Internet Business
  • Creating a Business Plan
  • Fund Your Online Business
  • Create Policies and Manage Compliance

Part 2: Legal and Accounting

  • Mind the Law
  • Legal Business Setup: Partnership or Corporation
  • Trademark and Copyright
  • Accounting and Paying Taxes

Part 3: Website Functionality &  Aesthetics

  • Domain Name
  • Design for UX
  • Serve Up Your Website
  • Develop Content to Attract Visitors and Optimize Search Engines
  • Test and Launch Your Site

Part 4: Online and Operating

  • Determine Your Revenue Model
  • Leverage Affiliate Programs
  • Payment Options
  • Shopping Cart
  • Take Inventory
  • Meet Expectations and Fulfill Orders

Part 5: Manage Security Risks

  • Security and Risk Management
  • Develop a Security Plan for Business Continuity
  • Spot and Handle Hackers
  • Lock Down Your Website and Your Business

Part 6: Online Marketing Basics

  • Jump-Start Traffic and Drive Sales
  • Influence and Get Customer Attention
  • Web Marketing
  • Analyze Web Traffic and Monitor Your Customers
  • Master Search Engine Optimization and Improve Your Ranking

Part 7: E-Commerce Fundamentals

  • Start Up with E-Commerce Functionality
  • Zoom In on Shopify
  • Explore eBay
  • Post for Profit

Part 8: E-Commerce Trends and Market Opportunities

  • Discover Niche Markets
  • Become a Social Influencer
  • Evaluate the SaaS Model
  • Exploit Opportunities with Artificial Intelligence
  • Set up a POD Business
  • Leverage the International Marketplace

Part 9: E-Commerce Advanced

  • Map the Digital Buyer’s Journey
  • Personalized Content Marketing
  • Overhaul an Aging Online Business
  • Expand Products to Increase Stagnant Sales
  • Transition a Small Site into Big Business