
However, there are a wide variety of e-commerce business models. When most people think of e-commerce, they think of an online store that is the digital equivalent of a brick-and-mortar store. You will need to do market research understand your target audience create a business plan and take all the necessary steps to set up your business in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.īeyond that, here are some essential tips to help you start a successful online business. To succeed in e-commerce and pull a profit, you will need to work hard and build a strong foundation. According to research by McKinsey, three-quarters of Americans said they shopped differently during COVID, and most intend to continue that behavior. The pandemic caused many brick-and-mortar store owners to switch to an e-commerce model, and brand loyalty is eroding. But while it’s easy for anyone with a bit of knowledge of e-commerce and a few resources to get started, it’s a fiercely competitive market. And low barriers to entry have made starting an e-commerce business an appealing prospect for aspiring entrepreneurs. With that in mind, you will find plenty of opportunities to delve into online sales.

E-commerce grew over 27% in 2020 and is expected to grow by about 14% in 2021, according to data from eMarketer. Retail Index, the pandemic has accelerated the shift away from physical stores to digital shopping by roughly five years. Customers prefer the convenience and selection provided by online shopping, and the pandemic has pushed even more people to shop online. E-commerce businesses are more popular than ever.
