In recent times, one thing has become quite evident: businesses need to move online to survive in 2026.
So, basically, everyone has had to try to create some sort of online presence. You need to learn to use apps like Zoom, leverage social media, and even create a website for your business.
In a nutshell, it’s going to be quite an unfamiliar territory if you’ve never really considered going online before. You’ll certainly need guidance, help, and good counsel.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Businesses must move online to survive.
- Start by purchasing a domain name that reflects your business, then arrange web hosting services.
- Create a user-friendly website that clearly presents your business and allows for customer interactions.
- Learn new marketing strategies, including social media and SEO practices, to reach your audience online.
- Utilize a trusted payment processor to ensure safety for online transactions.
Out Of Business
A few years ago, an old retailer in my area announced they were going out of business. I believe the reason was that they could not process online orders when the stores were closed in mid-March.
It was so sad to see these old stores going under. And it’s hard to believe that, in 2026, some small businesses are still not online. I see this daily in our rural area of Maine, where small businesses lack websites or Google My Business profiles.
Here is some information to help you get started with your online business today.
Pay for a Domain Name
If you’re going to operate online, the first thing to do is to get yourself a domain name. It’s a no-brainer to name your domain after your business.
That’s the same model businesses are using, and believe me, it works quite well.
Note that it’s not always guaranteed to find your business name, so search for it on the platform you’re buying the domain from.
Some really good platforms allow you to search for and find a name that’s available. The great thing with getting a domain name is that it’s easy; for as low as $15-$20, you can subscribe for a whole year.
Web Hosting to Move Your Business Online
- The next step is to create a website and get our web hosting services sorted.
- Hosting prices can vary from company to company.
- Ensure the web hosting you purchase is suitable for the type of website you plan to build.
- A website should allow you to do everything you need to do, e.g., sell products or services.
Discover more about cloud hosting and getting your website up and running. If you have an old websit,e you may want to replace it with a newer one.
Watch the video below to learn how to move your domain name:
Web Design
Once you have organized our web hosting, you need to create a user-friendly website that tells your visitors everything they need to know about you and what you do.
This could be via your web hosting company, or you can search online for a web designer to build you the perfect website.
A web designer will require an initial outlay but will give you greater control and flexibility over how your site works. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made website themes to help you get up and running quickly.
- Make sure you know exactly what you want on your website.
- Have sign-up forms or a retail store where people can purchase.
- Draw up a plan of exactly what you expect from your site.
- Then check out similar sites to see how they function and what capabilities they have.
- You can get a better idea of what to expect, what you need, and what is available.
- However, if you want to make your own website today, it’s easy with AI!
Learn Some New Marketing Strategies to Move Your Business Online
Marketing is ‘marketing’ whether you are doing it in person or online. The thing is, online it’s a whole other ball game; you need to learn the lay of the land.
Sure, you may already have a broad customer base that follows you online.
But you need to grow as a business even while you are online. Learn how to leverage social media platforms, as well as how to get your ads out there.
Today, you have so many choices between Google AdWords, YouTube Ads, other ad networks, Twitter X ads, and old-fashioned print and email marketing, along with radio and podcasts.
All in all, learn all you can upfront and pick up a few tricks along the way. However, you will find you will need to test at various methods to learn which works best for your business.
Get a Good Payment Processor for Your Online Business
If you plan to receive payments online, you need to set up a reliable payment processor.
First, you need to ensure the aesthetics are good, as that builds trust. If customers trust your site, they will be much more inclined to enter their payment details.
Also, make the whole process as simple as possible; if it’s complicated, people become suspicious. Also, ensure that the process is as transparent as possible.
Beware: if there are hidden charges, you will definitely pay for them later. So, when you move your business online, be sure to check out the payment processors at the beginning.
Learn SEO Practices to Move Your Business Online
One of the best marketing investments you can make is ensuring you are using all the correct, up-to-date SEO practices. SEO is search engine optimization.
Applying this to your content, images, and product descriptions, amongst others, will help boost your visibility. SEO can help your new website rank at the top of search engine results.
Many people find it valuable to pay a professional SEO consultant to help them get this right. It is about more than just making sure you are using the correct keywords for what you want to be found for.
If you’re new to SEO or just struggling, this SEO Checklist by SEO Buddy can help in a few ways as you move your business online.
Need more help to move your small business online? Read these other articles from Inspire To Thrive:
Conclusion: How to Move Your Business Online
These steps are not everything, but they set a strong base. Do as much research as you can, and you will pick up more along the way.
Do not put all the pressure on yourself. Think back to when you first opened your business, and give yourself that same patience. If you are learning how to move your business online, AI tools now make building a website simpler and faster than before.
Results take time. Search engines need weeks or months to rank new pages, and competition can slow early wins. It may be a while before the first order comes in.
Stay consistent, keep improving your content and listings, and be patient.
Smart FAQ: Moving Your Small Business Online
•Start with a basic setup, then grow.
•Claim your Google Business Profile, add your phone, hours, and website.
•Use a simple site with clear product or service pages, pricing, and a contact form.
•Add a checkout tool, like Square Online, Shopify starter, or PayPal buttons.
•Offer local pickup or delivery first, then expand shipping.
You can start on social media, but build a website soon. A site gives you control, search visibility, and a place to send customers. Social pages work best as support, not your only storefront.
Use trusted processors. Stripe, PayPal, and Square handle encryption and compliance. Add SSL to your site, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication. Do not store card numbers yourself.
Start with USPS, reliable rural pickup, and flat-rate boxes. Offer local pickup or delivery to cut costs. Set clear shipping timeframes on your site. Use standardized packaging to save time and money.
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile. Use your exact business name, address, and phone. Add photos, services, and a short description with local terms, for example, “bakery in [your town].” Ask for reviews and reply to each one.
She has 30+ years of experience in marketing/advertising with 14 years of experience in content marketing, social media, blogging, and SEO.
Lisa helps her clients with social media, email marketing and some SEO.
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Hello Lisa,
Great! a well-crafted article. Recently, I’ve started my website and looking forward to getting some successes in my pocket.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Glen, welcome to Inspire To Thrive. So you are doing a deals website? Do you have a blog to go along with it? Be sure to have some patience with your website.
Thanks Lisa for your helpful advice. So motivating and encouraging. I have just started affiliate marketing and am very optimistic I will succeed.
Hi Sophia, you are welcome. Welcome to Inspire To Thrive. I’m glad you have found it motivating. I hope you will succeed with your affiliate marketing. Do not give up! Too many people online give up too quickly. It takes time to do it right. Have a great day Sophia.