12 Tips To Help You Start An Online Boutique
Hi, and welcome to the first official post of The Build A Business Blog! Today we are going to discuss how to start an online boutique.
Starting an online boutique is challenging, with so many other boutiques around (millions to be exact), starting your own store can be overwhelming. Not to worry this post will give you the checklist you need so that you can start the right way.
So what exactly do you need?
First, you need to develop a brand. Don't know what a brand is? Don't worry we will cover that in our next post.
Pick a Business Name and Create a Logo. Make sure that your name is unique, and that both your logo and business name fit with your brand aesthetic.
Write a business plan. A business plan is your road map to success and is a powerful tool that will help you stay on track with your business goals and help you measure them as your company grows. If you don't know how to write one keep coming back to this blog because we'll have a blog post on that soon.
Register your business. Now that you have a business plan and have learned all the important information that you need to know about your target market and your competitive landscape, it's time to make your business official! Register your business at the state and federal levels, and get all the documents you need so that you can start your business. In this step you'll get to choose your business structure, Sole Proprietorship, LLC, a Corporation etc. . .
Get an accounting software. Picking an accounting software so that you can keep track of your expenses and income is extremely important to stay out of trouble with the IRS. If you can afford to pay for one, sign up for Quickbooks and if money is a little tight, sign up for Wave Apps, it's accounting tools are completely free.
Choose an Accountant. Unless you know how to file business taxes the right way, then get an accountant to do it for you so that you can stay out of trouble.
Choose or create your products. Whether you choose to create your own line of products or buy from wholesalers, make sure that you create a line of products that is cohesive and these products tell your brand story.
Choose your E commerce platform! I prefer Shopify because it is easy to work with and is perfect for a small business owner. Shopify allows you to sell on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter and has a lot of great features. Take it for a spin by signing up for their 14 days trial here.
Design your website. Pick the right template to work with, or the right website designer. Make sure that your website design aligns with your brand. If you need help with your Shopify website please contact me, I'll be happy to help!
Photograph your products. Whether you will be using a professional or you'll be taking your own photographs, make sure that your images tell your brand story.
Market your business. If you created a business plan then you won't have to worry about this step because you would have already included a marketing plan in it. All that you have to do now is implement it.
Launch your website. Yay you did it! This is always my favorite part of this checklist because after months of hard work you get to showcase your work of art to the world. But remember in order for your business to succeed, you must work hard and smart. Be proactive, efficient and effective!
I hope that this will help guide you in launching your online boutique and if I left anything out please comment below.
Thank you for reading and don't forget to share it with your friends! I would really appreciate it.
Until next time...