
In today's digital age, starting an e-commerce business is one of the most popular and accessible ways to become an entrepreneur. With the right tools and mindset, you can build a successful online store from the comfort of your home—and sometimes with very little upfront investment.
E-commerce is a booming industry that continues to grow, and many first-time entrepreneurs are finding that starting online is faster and more affordable than opening a physical storefront. But while it's exciting, starting your own business can also feel overwhelming and risky. You may even lose money in the beginning, but that’s okay. Don’t give up. You are your business, and the more you invest into it—time, energy, and strategy—the better your long-term outcome will be.
As a business owner myself, I know the journey well. I founded Infinity Hair Company LLC, and while there were challenges, committing to the process helped me launch with confidence. In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 essential tips (not just 8!) to help you start your e-commerce business the right way.
What Is E-Commerce?Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify the basics. E-commerce (short for electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. It includes online marketplaces, branded websites, social media platforms, and more. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, e-commerce allows you to run your business virtually anywhere, making it ideal for modern entrepreneurs.
Choose Your Business Model:
Dropshipping vs. Inventory: The first decision you'll make is your fulfillment model:
- Dropshipping: You don’t hold inventory. When a customer places an order, the product is shipped directly from the supplier to them. This is a low-cost, low-risk way to start but often comes with lower profit margins.
- Buying Inventory: You purchase and store products yourself, then fulfill orders as they come in. This gives you more control over quality and shipping but requires upfront investment and space to store items.
- BPlans.com
- Fiverr
- Nerdwallet
- Free templates from your local Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Alibaba
- AliExpress
- DHgate
- Local or niche wholesale directories
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): Protects your personal assets and legitimizes your business. (Use a P.O. Box instead of your home address for privacy—it becomes public record.)
- EIN (Employer Identification Number): Required to open a business bank account, apply for wholesale accounts, and file taxes.
- GoDaddy
- Namecheap
- Bluehost
- HostGator
- Shopify (user-friendly and scalable)
- Wix (drag-and-drop website builder)
- WooCommerce (WordPress plugin for more control)
- Squarespace
- Custom build (via Fiverr or Upwork)
- PayPal
- Stripe
- Square
- Business merchant accounts from your bank
- Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
- Email Marketing (Mailchimp, Klaviyo)
- SEO & Content (blogging, YouTube)
- Paid Ads (Meta Ads, Google Ads)
- Start small, test what works, and build as you grow.
- Accounting tools like QuickBooks or Wave
- Project management apps like Trello or Notion
- A business calendar and to-do lists
Check out my e-commerce business:
- www.infinityhaircompanyllc.com