Setting Up Your First Online Store
A step-by-step walkthrough of choosing a platform, registering your domain, and getting your first products live within a week.
Read MoreE-Commerce Business Fundamentals
Everything you need to understand online stores, digital commerce, and building a sustainable e-commerce business in the UK
Starting an online store can feel overwhelming at first. We've put together resources that cover the essentials — from understanding your market to managing inventory, processing payments, and growing your customer base. Whether you're just exploring the idea or already running a store, you'll find practical information here.
Our guides break down complex topics into manageable steps. You'll learn what actually matters when building an online business, not just what sounds impressive in marketing materials.
Key Articles & Guides
Start with the foundations and build your knowledge from there
Understanding E-Commerce Pricing Strategies
Learn how to price your products competitively while maintaining healthy profit margins. Covers cost analysis, competitor research, and psychological pricing.
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Managing Inventory Without Getting Overwhelmed
Practical approaches to tracking stock levels, preventing overselling, and deciding when to reorder. Includes tools that won't break your budget.
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Using Data to Improve Your Online Sales
What metrics actually matter for your store. Learn which numbers to track, how to find them, and what actions to take based on what you discover.
Read MoreWhat Makes an E-Commerce Business Work
There's no secret formula, but there are core elements that successful online stores have in common. Here's what you need to focus on:
A Clear Value Proposition
Your customers need to understand why they should buy from you. That means knowing your niche, understanding who you're selling to, and being able to explain what makes your products or services different in 30 seconds or less.
Reliable Payment Processing
You need to accept payments customers trust. That means offering multiple options — credit cards, digital wallets, and possibly bank transfers. Choose providers with reasonable fees and good security.
Smooth Fulfillment
Orders need to get out the door reliably. Whether you're packing boxes yourself or using a fulfillment service, you need a system that's fast, accurate, and doesn't stress you out.
Customer Support That Actually Helps
People have questions. When you respond quickly and solve their problems, they come back. Start simple — email support is fine — and scale up as you grow.
Common Questions About Starting Online
How much does it cost to start an e-commerce business?
It depends on what you're selling and how you operate. You'll need a domain name (around £10-15 per year), a platform (some are free, others charge monthly fees), and inventory. Many people start with under £500. The biggest costs are usually product inventory and marketing, not the technology itself.
What's the difference between dropshipping and holding inventory?
With dropshipping, suppliers ship products directly to customers — you don't hold stock. With traditional inventory, you buy products upfront and store them yourself. Dropshipping has lower upfront costs but lower margins. Holding inventory means more capital required but potentially better profits and control over quality.
Do I need to register as a business?
In the UK, you'll typically need to register as self-employed or form a limited company depending on your structure and tax situation. You'll also need to register for VAT if your turnover exceeds £90,000. Speak with an accountant about your specific situation — the tax rules are important to get right from the start.
How do I attract customers to my store?
Most successful stores use a combination of methods: SEO to get found in search engines, social media to build community, email marketing to stay in touch with customers, and paid advertising when they have budget. You don't need all of these at once — start with what makes sense for your products and audience.