Are you an entrepreneur wanting to find the next big idea to make money online? Selling handmade crafts? Tutoring? Social media influencing? Dropshipping? There’s no end to the opportunities if you choose to start an online business.

But how do you get started? From finding the right website builder and marketing to new customers to understanding the regulatory requirements, this is your guide to starting an online business – from initial idea to becoming a thriving startup.

Keep reading for the steps to starting an online business, plus some ideas of what’s trending for 2023.

What is an online business?

Almost anything can be an online business, but they usually fall into one of two key sectors:

An ecommerce business is a shop that operates solely online – whereas retail businesses have a physical store you can go into.

Meanwhile many in-person service businesses can translate as online businesses (think tutoring, baking, or even fitness).