Want to start your own online shop? Use this checklist

Before you're even ready to receive customers or launch your webshop, there's (almost overwhelmingly) a lot you need to get right. For the most part, it's a matter of keeping a level head, taking things as they come and, of course, having a clear plan for what you need to do.

If you have a webshop in your stomach, you are about to launch your website, or your current webshop is in need of a major overhaul, you can benefit from take a look at this checklist, where we've gathered some of the most important things you need to know before you launch your website.

Do-it-yourself or get help?

In many cases, it may be best to invest in a full or partial webshop solution to make sure everything is as it should be. Many offer full or partial solutions to get you off to the best possible start with your new online store, which for most people is worth it. You can avoid homemade or half-hearted solutions and instead concentrate on bigger goals and your company's profile.

Be aware of your branding strategy

Do you want to deliver quantity or quality?

If your webshop will sell few but more expensive products, you need to go into a lot of detail about the individual items. Make sure that each one is presented nicely and that the text is inviting and descriptive. It's immediately harder to convince the consumer of a product when the most obvious USP, the price, is not 'low'.

If your goal is to offer a wide range of products, make sure you offer competitive prices first and foremost. Be specific about material, size, delivery times and any discount benefits. People quickly jump back and forth between shopping sites that focus on quantity.

One of the things you need to get right is not just the website, it's also very much about getting your digital strategy right.

What direction should your business take and on which channels should your customers find you? With a digital marketing agency You'll get sparring and guidance on the solution that's right for your business. It all depends on the industry and the company's development. One cannot stand without the other. 

Domain name and email address

One of the first things you can do when you start your project is to buy your domain name and create a professional email address. This way, you'll ensure that you don't have a great idea for a name that you lose because someone else beat you to it - it's on a first-come, first-served basis.

This also makes you appear more serious and professional when contacting suppliers. The fact that you can send emails from a professional email address and present a domain name shows that you have your goals in mind. A hotmail gives the wrong impression.

Company registration number and business type

When you want to start a webshop, there are different types of businesses to choose from. Many people choose to start a webshop in their spare time alongside a full-time job in order to later turn it into a full-time job. If this is the case, you can start as a hobby business - however, you must not have a turnover of more than DKK 50,000 per year.

You can always change your business form, but whether you can keep your CVR number depends on the business form.

The above is based on a basic checklist guide.