Online Business Startup Manual
- Agata Lutrowicz
- May 30
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Online Business Startup Manual: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Entrepreneurs
By Agata Lutrowicz, Founder of Agata Business Services
Starting an online business is one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys you can take — but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. That’s why I’ve put together this Online Business Startup Manual — a clear, step-by-step guide based on my experience helping dozens of entrepreneurs build and launch successful businesses on Wix.
Whether you’re launching an e-commerce store, offering services, or creating an online brand, this guide will help you move forward with confidence.
1. Define Your Business Idea
Every strong business starts with a strong foundation.
Ask yourself:
✅ What problem do I solve?
✅ Who is my ideal customer?
✅ What makes my business unique?
Spend time researching your market — look at competitors, analyze trends, and talk to potential customers. Clarity at this stage saves time and money later.
2. Choose Your Business Model
Different models require different strategies. Common online business types include:
Selling products (physical or digital)
Offering services (consulting, coaching, freelancing)
Content-based businesses (online courses, blogs, influencer marketing)
Membership or subscription models
Decide early on how you will generate revenue — this influences everything from website structure to marketing.
3. Register Your Business
Even if you’re starting small, it’s important to handle the legal side:
Choose your business name
Register your business with the appropriate local authorities
Open a dedicated business bank account
Having your business legally set up adds professionalism and protects your personal assets.
4. Build Your Online Presence with Wix
Now it’s time to bring your vision to life — and this is where Wix shines. As a Wix specialist, I recommend it for its flexibility, beautiful design options, and SEO-friendly structure.
Domain & Hosting
Purchase a domain that reflects your brand
Connect it seamlessly to your Wix site (easy to manage from one dashboard)
Website Design on Wix
Clean, intuitive, and mobile-friendly layouts
Strong visual branding (colors, fonts, images)
User-friendly navigation
Optimized for SEO (I help clients with this step!)
Essential Pages to Include
Home — instantly communicates your value
About — builds trust with your audience
Products / Services — clear descriptions and pricing
Contact — easy for visitors to reach you
Privacy Policy — for legal compliance
A simple, professional website beats a complicated one — start lean and refine as you grow.
5. Create a Marketing Plan
Once your site is live, you need traffic. A strategic marketing plan helps you attract, engage, and convert visitors into customers.
Content Marketing
Blog posts (great for SEO and building trust)
Social media content
Email newsletters (Wix offers built-in tools for email marketing!)
Social Media Strategy
Choose the platforms your audience uses
Focus on consistent, value-driven content
Engage with followers — relationships matter
SEO
Conduct keyword research
Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, and content
Add alt text to images
Keep content updated to maintain SEO strength
Email Marketing
Building an email list from the start is key — you own your list, unlike social media followers.
6. Set Up Business Tools
Your Wix dashboard already offers many built-in tools, but consider adding:
Analytics (Wix provides built-in reports)
Email marketing (Wix Email Marketing or integrations)
Booking & scheduling (for service businesses — Wix has this covered!)
SEO tools (Wix has an SEO Wiz to guide you)
Start with what you need — you can always expand as your business grows.
7. Build Relationships & Network
Even online businesses thrive on human connection.
Join online communities and forums in your industry
Attend local or virtual networking events
Build partnerships with complementary businesses
Word-of-mouth and collaboration often lead to your best opportunities.
8. Track & Improve
Successful businesses evolve. Use Wix Analytics and customer feedback to monitor:
Website traffic
Conversion rates
Audience behavior
Refine your website, content, and offers based on real-world data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping market research
Launching without a clear offer
Underestimating SEO
Not building an email list
Trying to do everything alone (you can hire experts — like me!)
You’ve Got This!
Launching an online business doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this manual step-by-step and keep moving forward — progress beats perfection.
As a Wix specialist, I’m here to help you with website design, SEO, translations, and business planning — all tailored to your vision.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’d like a more detailed guide, packed with actionable tips, templates, and insider advice — check out my full Entrepreneur’s Handbook: Starting Your Own Online Business here:
Ready to Get Started with a Professional Website?
Explore my Wix website plans here:
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out — I love helping new entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving online businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the first steps to starting an online business?
The first steps involve defining your business idea—think about the problem you solve, who your target audience is, and what makes your offer unique. Once you’re clear on your idea, conduct thorough market research to ensure there’s a real demand for your product or service. This foundation helps you avoid wasted effort and guides your next moves, whether that’s building a website, registering your business, or planning your marketing strategy.
2. How do I choose the right e-commerce platform for my startup?
Start by considering your business goals, technical skills, and budget. Research popular platforms like Wix, Shopify, or WooCommerce, looking at features such as ease of use, design flexibility, built-in marketing tools, payment options, and scalability as your business grows. Many new entrepreneurs appreciate Wix for its beginner-friendly interface and built-in SEO features. Make sure your platform supports the kind of business you want to run and can adapt as your needs evolve.
3. Why is market research important when launching an online business?
Market research is crucial because it provides you with data on your industry, competitors, and most importantly, your target customers. It helps you understand what your audience wants, how much they’re willing to pay, and what competitors are already offering. With this knowledge, you can refine your products, messaging, and marketing, reducing the risk of launching a business that doesn’t resonate with buyers.
4. How do I create a strong brand identity for my online business?
A strong brand identity includes a unique logo, a consistent color scheme, recognizable fonts, and a clear, engaging message that reflects your business’s personality and values. Consider what makes you different from competitors and communicate this in everything from your website design to your social media presence. A cohesive brand identity builds trust and makes you memorable to potential customers.
5. What are the best ways to drive traffic to a new online store?
Driving traffic starts with optimizing your website for search engines (SEO) by targeting relevant keywords and creating valuable content, such as blog posts or guides. Promote your store on social media platforms your audience uses, send regular email newsletters, and consider running paid ads to boost your reach. Building relationships with other businesses, partnering with influencers, and consistently sharing high-quality content can also help attract visitors to your store.
6. How can I set up secure payment gateways on my website?
Choose reputable payment processors such as PayPal, Stripe, or built-in solutions like Wix Payments. Make sure your website has an SSL certificate for secure transactions—this is the “padlock” you see in the browser bar. Follow the payment provider’s setup instructions, test the checkout process before launch, and always comply with PCI security standards. This not only protects your customers but also builds trust in your business.
7. What makes a product description compelling and effective?
Effective product descriptions focus on the benefits your product offers to the customer, not just its features. Use clear and engaging language, answer common questions, and address any potential objections. Include high-quality photos, use bullet points for easy reading, and make sure your tone matches your brand. The goal is to help customers quickly understand why your product is the right choice for them.
8. How can social media marketing help my online business grow?
Social media marketing lets you connect with customers where they already spend time online. By posting valuable, engaging, and consistent content, you can build brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, and foster relationships with your audience. Social media also allows you to interact directly with customers, receive feedback, and quickly respond to questions or concerns, helping you build loyalty and increase sales.
9. What legal requirements should I be aware of when starting an online business?Legal requirements vary depending on your country and business type but usually include registering your business, collecting and paying the correct taxes, creating privacy policies, and complying with data protection laws like GDPR. If you sell products, make sure your return and refund policies are clear and accessible. It’s always wise to consult with a professional or legal advisor to make sure your business meets all necessary regulations.
10. What are some tips for managing customer service in a new e-commerce startup?Offer multiple contact options, such as email, chat, or phone support, and respond to customer inquiries promptly and courteously. Create an FAQ section on your website to answer common questions, and use customer feedback to improve your products and services. Providing excellent customer service not only resolves issues efficiently but also turns happy customers into loyal advocates who recommend your business to others.
