Starting an Online Business in Ontario
Starting an online business in Ontario is no different than starting a small business anywhere across Canada.
In Ontario, as a small business you will save on some of your biggest business costs. This is money that you can use to further invest into your business innovation and growth.
The government of Ontario has many funding programs that also help individuals starting a business in Ontario, be it an online business or a brick and mortar business, or both.
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If you have decided on the business location to be Ontario, starting an online business in Ontario is fairly simple.
There are a lot of helpful resources that will take you through the registration process, and that is typically the first step to take when starting your small business, to register it.
We highly recommend you register your online business in Ontario with Ontario Business Central.
Steps to Starting an Online Business in Ontario
Other than registering your small business to be able to start an online business in Ontario, below are a few steps to take to ensure you are successful.
Step 1: Determine the type of online business you want to do
When starting an online business in Ontario you have to know what kind of online business you want to have. Will this business be strictly online, or will it be a mix of offline and online? Are you planning on selling a product or a service? Are you shipping a product? What is it that you want to do?
These are important questions as they will determine the kind of online business structure to set up. There are many different types of online business structures you can go with.
- eCommerce (if you are selling items online)
- Blog (if you are sharing information to build a brand)
- Business website (if you are selling a service or a product mix)
- Combo business (if you are doing a combination of the above)
- Third-party business (if you are a reseller, affiliate, or social media promoter)
The structure really depends on your idea and what you want to do.
Step 2: Develop a business plan for your online business
Developing a business plan for your online business in Ontario is the next step once you have figured out what you want to do. By creating a business plan, you will be able to make it work on paper, which is very important to ensure that your plan will work.
Other than creating a website, building an online presence, and getting visitors to your website, you have to ensure that you have all aspects of the business covered and that you know what to expect when starting an online business.
While it is not much different than running a brick and mortar business, online businesses have many factors in play that can determine success.
Visitors do not simply walk by an online store and enter just because it exists. Competition on the web is enormous, so you need a solid business plan that sets you apart and prepares you for it.
Step 3: Register a domain name and create a logo
Once you have created your business plan, you should know the next steps to take to get your online business going. What do you need, and what do you lack, if anything?
The next step is to register a domain name for your small business so that you can secure your name on the web.
Many business owners choose a domain name that matches their registered business name, but this is not always the best option.
When starting an online business, people need to remember your domain name or understand what you do simply by looking at it.
For example, if you are starting an online store selling pet supplies but your company is registered as John Doe, you probably do not want a website called JohnDoe.com. Instead, a name such as JohnsPetSupplies.com would be more suitable.
Many domain names are already taken, so it may be challenging to get exactly what you want unless you choose something very specific.
Be sure to check out GoDaddy.ca to register a domain name. It is one of the most trusted domain registrars available.
Once that is done, your logo comes next. Remember to keep it simple, clean, and memorable.
Step 4: Develop your website and get hosting
The next step to starting an online business in Ontario is to develop your website and make it ready for people in Ontario, Canada, or around the world to see.
Developing a website can be expensive, so having a website business plan before you start is recommended, especially if you plan on hiring help.
A website can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 or more. It is recommended to know exactly what you want at the beginning to keep costs low until you have proven the model and generated revenue.
There are many free website options such as WordPress, Wix, GoDaddy Website Builder, and Shopify. These platforms are designed to be simple and can be done on your own.
Once your website is created and your domain name is connected, you will need hosting. A hosting provider such as GoDaddy is a good place to start, though you may want to upgrade as your business gains traction.
This process may sound complicated, but it is not. Help is available if you have questions.
Step 5: Get online presence through social media
One of the most enjoyable parts of starting an online business is building your online presence. Social media is often the simplest and most effective way to do this.
Think about where your audience spends their time. Do they use Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, or other platforms? Start there, create your profiles, and begin promoting your business.
Avoid over-promotion. Keep it natural so people are drawn to your brand rather than feeling pressured by constant offers.
Step 6: Start promoting your online business
Once your website is live, there are many ways to effectively promote your online business. Consider the following options.
- Social media
- Search engine optimization
- Email marketing
- Paid search marketing
- And more
Take your time and grow your online business steadily. External factors can affect how quickly you gain attention online, so it is important to develop a plan and follow it.
There are many website marketing and startup resources available online. Read them, educate yourself, and continue learning.
Finally, there are many funding programs available from the Ontario government that can help online small businesses. Take advantage of grants, loans, and tax breaks that may be available to help you get started, build your website, promote your products or services, and hire and train staff. Learn more about the available support through Canada Startups.