How to Start a Web-Based Business in Canada

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering starting a web-based business in Canada. Congratulations—you’re in good company.

Many entrepreneurs are choosing to start web-based businesses, and for good reason. With a lower overhead cost than brick-and-mortar businesses, e-commerce businesses can be run from anywhere in the world, including from the comforts of your own home.

Plus, with an estimated 1.92 billion digital buyers worldwide, there’s a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into this growing market.

But starting a web-based business is not without its challenges. Here are a few things you should know before you get started.

1. Choose the right platform.

The first step in starting a web-based business is to choose the right platform. There are many e-commerce platforms to choose from, and each has its own set of features and benefits. Do your research and select the platform that best suits your needs. For example, if you’re selling physical goods, you’ll need a platform that can handle shipping and inventory management. If you’re selling digital goods, you’ll need a platform that can process payments and deliver downloads securely.

2. Get a domain name and hosting service.

Once you’ve chosen your e-commerce platform, it’s time to get a domain name and hosting service. Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet—for example, www.mywebsite.com . It’s important to choose a domain name that’s short, easy to remember, and relevant to your business.

Your hosting service is what allows your website to go live on the internet—without it, nobody will be able to access your site. When choosing a hosting service, be sure to select one that offers excellent uptime (i.e., little or no downtime), good customer support, and affordable pricing.

3. Design your website with conversion in mind .

Your website is where you’ll make your first impression on potential customers, so it’s important to design it with conversion in mind—that is, design it in such a way that encourages visitors to take the desired action (e..g., make a purchase). To do this, keep the following in mind:

Make sure your website loads quickly—40% of visitors will abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load

   Use high-quality images—visitors are more likely to trust websites that use professional photos

   Use clear and concise copy—get straight to the point and avoid using jargon 

   Use clear call-to-actions (CTAs)—tell visitors what you want them to do on each page 

   Use an engaging color scheme—avoid using more than 3 colors on your website 

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful web-based business in Canada! But before you get into it, be sure to seek government funding options to help you with your transition to the web, covering some of your website developing costs, providing you funds towards the needed marketing..etc

Govenrment funding options are available and many government grants, as well as government loans and tax credits exist to help with these types of expenses. Use the Funding Database to access all R&D, marketing, website development cost programs available via the Canadian government.

Before you apply for any funding however, be sure that you have an active business plan that outlines what your business model is, what your website will be about and what your plans are for your business – with the added funding.