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Last Updated on February 18, 2021

How to start an online business in Africa? A comprehensive guide

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The world’s technological advances provided people with options on how to live their lives. Truly, it can safely be said that the world as you know it will not survive without the World Wide Web. Many things have spawned from internet use and people have benefitted from it. From spreading information and news to entertainment, to gaming, to earning money; you name it, the internet has got it. One particular niche that the internet produced is business opportunities. A lot of people researched for information on how to start an online business and the African people found numerous ways to do this.

Truly, African people compete with the best in the world.

Not only in the agricultural business but in online business as well.

Why start a business online, you ask?

Because it makes purchasing easier.

If you have an item in mind, just open your phones or laptops, open the website of an online store then start shopping.

You even do not need to get out of your house to do your shopping.

Once you have chosen the things that you want, just put it on your online shopping cart, place your payment option, input the address where it would deliver and voila!

You will receive your item right at your doorstep.

Very innovative, so to speak.

All the more reasons for you to find ways

How to start an online business especially if you are residing here in Africa.

The online market is ripe for the taking so grab the opportunity.

Of course, you have to know what to sell or what services you can offer.

Check for competition and make sure that your products and services can outdo the products of your competitors.

As with all businesses, it will fail without proper research.

If done right, you will now earn at the comfort of your home.

Be sure to ascertain your target market as well.

No worries here though since millions would check out your online store especially if you have hot items to sell.

how to start an online business online business image

The important advantage of being an online seller would be the capital that you save by creating a physical store.

You do not need to worry about paying the rent where your store is located.

In other words, you can use that money to purchase more items to sell or upgrade the services that you render.

Not only that, you do need to be burdened with having no sales during the nighttime or even at midnight as normal stores do.

Online stores stay open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can expect orders coming into your online store as you sleep in the night.

Starting an online business is the best.

How to start an online business

Consider your skills, training, abilities, and experience in choosing the product or service that you will offer.

It has to create the value and the need for customers to choose you over your rivals.

Some people start online business prospects include clothing, car accessories, assorted gift shop, flowers and flower arrangements, blogging, financial advice, gaming items, consultancy, LED lights, writing services, handicrafts, dropshipping, and many more.

The list can go on and on but it will all boil down to what you can readily offer without issues.

Also, always make sure that before you decide on a product or service, you check first for the item’s demand.

Check also your competitors; how many are they and what difference could you offer to your product.

Another important thing to check would be the saturation of the item in the online market.

Just how many people have the same product and services as you do?

You have to be extra careful because like normal businesses, with just one mistake, your online business can fail.

Starting online business happens not only in Africa but in other countries as well.

Other steps on how to start an online business

1. Register your business

Even though an online business does not have a physical store, you still need to register it.

Employing a catchy business name will make it stick to people’s minds.

RELATED: The easiest places to do business in Africa

Once they have purchased from you, they can recommend you to other people that need your services or products.

2. Register your online domain and get a web hosting service

Your online store must have a domain and website of its own.

The easiest way is to go to Godaddy.com, type your selected name, and check if the domain is available.

As much as possible, do not use free sites because people might think that you do not have what it takes to be an independent online store.

You need to build credibility especially if you just start an online business.

3. Create a website that best describes what you have to offer

When creating the website for a start-up your online business or shop, it has to show and reflect what you are selling.

Make sure that it stays professional-looking even as you place your style on it.

You can read the latest trend in web design.

Remember, your website represents you and your product.

Your website must earn the trust of your customers in your stead.

Your website must be lively and not boring.

Lastly, be sure to make your website navigation-friendly.

Your customers must not have a hard time finding what they need on your website.

4. Use a reliable software for e-commerce

Do not neglect this very important thing.

Here, your customer’s information would be saved.

Spending time and effort on this software will make your customers feel secure in doing business with you.

The customers will use this software to check on your products, input their information and payment options before making the purchase.

5. Create a sound business plan

Creating a strategic plan for your business is an important step on how to start an online business not only in Africa but in the world as well.

This plan would serve as a guide to achieving your objectives.

6. Website promotion

You can promote your online store’s website through word of mouth first.

Eventually, it will spread like wildfire.

Create SEO content on your website so that it will always be at the top of search engine searches.

Its a good start for marketing in online business.

With these steps on how to start an online business here in Africa or wherever in the world, starting an online store would become easier.

Always strive to provide high-quality products and services and you will go far in this industry.

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