5 SMALL BUSINESS MUST DO STEPS
START YOUR CRAFT BUSINESS TODAY!
1. Open a Business Bank Account. Do not start without this. I live in Canada and use Simplii Financial for all my banking needs. NO FEES Banking will help you save money. Now take that money you have saved on Bank Fees and allocate it to something else.
2. Research and Select a Business Name. Your Business Name should reflect something you do in your business. For instance I sew. So my business name is Home Stitchery Decor. You can research highly searched names with Google. It's easy. Open up google and search Business Name Generator. Use correctly spelled words, because that's what the public is most likely to search. Search the name across every platform you can think of to make sure it is not taken somewhere already. Once you have found a name that you think may work try doing a Nuans Search. Also make sure the domain for your business name is available. They cost about $13.00 Canadian and can be ordered online. Once you have confirmation the name is available sign yourself up to every platform.
3. Signing up for every platform does not mean you have to work off every platform. You are just securing your name in case you want to later! For instance some businesses work best marketing on Instagram and others use TIKTOK. Just create the accounts for each and have them in your back pocket. And be sure to watch a tutorial before you sign up on each platform. For instance you don't want your user name to be 1298754 or some computer generated number. So go to YouTube and type in - How do I set up a Business Instagram Account. Some one has made a video - trust me. Just like someone is writing this blog. You don't have to think about much anymore, just use the tools and resources available and type your query into Google.
4. Shopify. The absolute best in my opinion! From the sales and service team to their online support! Heck there is even a Facebook Group where people who actually have their own stores on the platform will answer just about any question you have in a matter of minutes. Seriously so good I ask questions all the time... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1808796845814578 . As you get skilled in the platform be sure to join in and answer an newbies questions. Shopify has a multitude of available themes starting from beginner to advanced. It integrates so easy with domains from GoDaddy and they also have their own POS System you can purchase for your craft business sales. It helps you keep track of sales and inventory on one POS system, have multiple employees and security options and authorities for sign ins. From beginner to advanced Shopify for the win!
Sign up for Shopify here...
5. Buy the .com domain for your business name. Dot com is the most commonly used and trusted domain extension so be sure to get it. You can also purchase .ca, .org etc. but for sure get the .com. It's easy to do this with Shopify too...
Shopify allows you to purchase a new domain directly from your admin dashboard. This is often the simplest option because the domain is automatically configured for your store, saving you from dealing with technical setup. If it’s the first domain you add, it becomes the web address customers see when visiting your shop, and you can manage all domain settings in one place.
Using a custom domain can also help establish your brand and build trust with shoppers.
Connect a Domain From Another Provider
Already own a domain from a provider like GoDaddy or Namecheap? You can easily connect it to Shopify. However, you’ll continue managing the domain — including billing, renewals, and settings — through the third-party provider.
To connect the domain, you’ll typically need to update your DNS records. Once changes are made, the connection usually takes a couple of hours but can take up to two days to fully activate.
Transfer Your Domain to Shopify
If you prefer having everything managed in one place, Shopify also lets you transfer a third-party domain to its platform. After the transfer is complete, you no longer need to use your original domain registrar to manage it.
What’s the Best Option?
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Want the easiest setup? Buy your domain directly through Shopify.
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Already own a domain? Connect it and keep your current registrar.
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Prefer centralized management? Transfer the domain so everything is handled inside Shopify.
