Small Business Online, Start Online Business, Ecommerce Business Ideas

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Want to Start Online Business? To put your Small Business Online? By trading your Small Business Online you can save time and money, reduce your overheads, reach a much wider market and you make it easier for your customers to do business with you.

Once you have read the Online Business Ideas available on this page, then it is time for you to get into action and start making online income. You will have taken the all important step to Start Online Business and build your Ecommerce Website.

To run Ecommerce Website and Internet marketing skills are something that every Small Business Online owner needs to acquire. For some reason many fail to grasp this and this could well be one of the main contributing factors to so many people not making a success of their Small Business Online.

An effective Small Business Online presence requires you to convince visitors or customers to respond in a way that meets your company's objectives. Even though the Internet is used by millions of people around the world, having your company's own Ecommerce Website may not automatically result in a multitude of qualified business leads but it is a good start.

When you are ready with your Small Business Online, you will need a good Business Accounting Software, you can get that here on our website, our ShopMate Business Accounting Software just may do the job for your business.
You may also brush up and read on Accountancy Theories...

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If you plan to trade over the Internet, you will need to register your Ecommerce Website name in the state or territory you intend to operate. You also need find out what registration and licences apply to your Small Business Online.

Federal, state and territory governments offer a range of information and services to help you get your Small Business Online.

When prospective customers had a business or had it on their mind, traditionally, Softhard Solutions was able to provide them with accounting software (often also hardware) to run their business the way they do the business.

There were, at many times, Softhard Solutions' customers who did not quite have a clear picture of the business they wanted to do or undertake.

This page is dedicated to such people. Its all tips and 'need to know' about an Ecommerce Website and what to do before you get your Small Business Online.


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Getting connected

To get started you will need:

  • A good and reliable computer

  • Software that enables you to send emails, browse the web and protect your computer's safety

  • An email and website account set up

  • Training in using your new computer and software

You may also wish to purchase a domain name, which gives your online business a unique electronic address. The Federal Government's e-business guide provides a wide range of information and resources about getting your business online, including what you need to know when starting out. Most state and territory governments also have useful guides on how to begin your online business.

What to do...

  • Check the Consumer and community advice provided by the Australian Communications and Media Authority about accessing the Internet.

  • Check the Getting Started E-Trade Business, part of the E-Trade Business guide.

  • Consult an experienced E-Trade Business adviser, accountant or solicitor.

  • Draw up your Will, especially if you are a sole shareholder/director.

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Setting up your Website

Once you've bought your equipment - the computer and software you need to run your business - you're ready to plan, design and build your website. Remember, a well planned and designed website will make it easier for you to do business, not only with your customers but also with your suppliers.

Things to remember to do:

  • Plan
    Careful planning will help maximize the benefits of your new E-Trade Business and reduce the risk of things going wrong.

  • Choose an ISP
    You may already have chosen an Internet service provider (ISP) to set up your email account - many ISPs also provide website hosting service and domain name registration services.

  • Select your domain name
    Your domain name is your unique electronic address on the Internet. You can arrange this yourself or through an ISP.

  • Design and build your website
    Your website should entice and encourage people to look at your products. Planning is important, research other websites, and find out what your customers and suppliers would like to see.

  • Promote and market your website
    You need to let your current and potential customers know about your new website. Ensure that you include your website details on all your promotional material, emails etc.

What to do...


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Legal & consumer obligations

The legal aspects of e-business are all about managing risks. It is important to ensure your website contains accurate information that complies with current law. Good online business practices will encourage customers to come back to your website.

There are a number of federal online resources to help you comply with the legal aspects of e-business, including information on doing business on the Internet, managing legal issues, tips for good business online, e-business and the law and legal requirements for businesses and start-ups.

Various Intellectual Property issues will arise with respect to your e-business. It's important to identify all intellectual property issues that apply to your E-Trade Business, like trade marks, copyright and patents.

The Privacy Act 1988 regulates the way that businesses can collect, use, keep secure and disclose personal information. When you are using the Internet for business you must ensure that you abide by these laws.

Spam is electronic junk mail - unwanted messages sent to your email account or mobile phone. It can be a costly and inconvenient nuisance to your business.

Under the Spam Act 2003 it is illegal to send unsolicited commercial electronic messages. To ensure your business keeps within the law, there are three key things to remember:

  • Consent
    Your commercial messages should only be sent when you have the consent of the addressee.

  • Identify
    Your commercial messages should include clear and accurate information about who is responsible for sending the message and how they can be contacted.

  • Unsubscribe
    Your commercial messages should include an unsubscribe facility and requests should be dealt with promptly.

Misleading or deceptive conduct is illegal under the consumer provisions of the Trade Practices Act. If you're conducting online transactions with your customers or just putting information about your business or your products up on the Internet, make sure the material complies with the Trade Practices Act.


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Security & Fraud

If your business is connected to the Internet, it's your responsibility to protect your business data and information against unwanted intruders. Sensitive information such as customer details, pricing lists, and personal records can all be stolen, corrupted or even destroyed unless protected properly.

You should ensure that your connection to the Internet is secure. Some issues to consider when securing your website are:

  • Working procedures

  • Virus and spyware protection software

  • Firewalls

  • Back up data

  • Using secure passwords

What to do...


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Grants & assistance to get online

Government programs do not generally provide working capital. However, there are a small number of programs that may be applicable to your business. Other forms of assistance, such as help with planning and training, may assist with getting your E-Trade Business online.

Federal government assistance programs are listed below:

  • IT Training and Technical Support Program
    The program funds organizations to assist first time computer users in developing IT skills and provide technical support.

  • New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)
    NEIS helps eligible unemployed people to start and run their new, viable small business with training, support and help, including an accredited 3 month small business management course.

  • Small Business Field Officers Program (SBFO)
    SBFO is a competitive grants program providing financial grants to organizational to deliver advisory services to small business owners, particularly in regional areas.

  • Small Business Entrepreneurship Program (SBEP)
    SBEP provides funding for projects delivering general skills development and mentoring services for small business owners and/or managers, incubation services, and mentoring and skills development services for succession planning.


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Information Technology (IT) Training

Learning how to use your computer and its software packages will maximize the effectiveness of your new website.

To maximize the effectiveness of email and your website, there are a wide range of training sources available that you can take advantage of:

  • TAFE colleges

  • Private organizations

  • Online training

  • Your industry association.

What to do...


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Business Tips

Some tips on how to avoid business failure:

  • Don't underestimate the capital you need to start up the business.

  • Understand and keep control of your finances - income earned is not the same as cash in hand.

  • More volume does not automatically mean more profit - you need to get your pricing right.

  • Make sure you have good software for your business , software that provides you with a good reporting picture of all aspects of your business operations.


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