How to Start an Online Business in Michigan
By Software IT Services LLC, Troy, Michigan. Serving Oakland and Macomb counties.
By Software IT Services LLC, Troy, Michigan. Serving Oakland and Macomb counties.
you've a great idea for an online business. But turning that idea into a reality, especially here in Michigan, can feel overwhelming. You need a clear plan, not a list of vague suggestions.
I help businesses in Troy, Royal Oak, and across Metro Detroit build and grow their online presence. here's a no-nonsense guide to getting your online business off the ground.
Before you do anything else, you need to know exactly what you're selling and who you're selling it to. Don't try to be everything to everyone. A Novi-based business selling handmade dog collars has a much clearer path to success than a store that sells "pet supplies."
Do your homework. Is there a real demand for your product in Michigan? Who are your competitors? A quick search for similar businesses in Sterling Heights or Ann Arbor can give you a good idea of the environment.
This is the part that trips up a lot of new entrepreneurs. In Michigan, you'll need to register your business name and likely get a sales tax license. Don't skip this step. The Michigan Department of Treasury has resources to help you get started.
We've seen clients save thousands in potential fines by getting their legal structure right from day one. An LLC is a common choice for the legal protection it offers.
This is your digital storefront. For most small businesses, platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce are excellent choices. They handle the technical heavy lifting, like payment processing and security, so you can focus on your products.
Think about your specific needs. A restaurant in Birmingham offering online ordering has different requirements than a retail shop in Detroit shipping products statewide. Choose a platform that can grow with you.
Your website is your most important marketing tool. It needs to be professional, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Most of your customers will find you on their phones.
Take high-quality photos of your products. Write clear, compelling descriptions. Make it easy for customers to find what they're looking for and to check out. A confusing website is a recipe for lost sales.
You've built it, but will they come? You need a plan to attract customers. Here are a few ideas for local Michigan businesses:
Online businesses come in many forms. Ecommerce sells physical products. Service businesses sell expertise. Digital products sell once and scale forever.
Pick something that matches your skills and resources. A Troy consultant started with one-on-one coaching. Then added group programs. Now sells online courses.
You need a way to accept money online. Stripe and PayPal are the easiest to set up. They handle credit cards, security, and disputes.
Expect to pay around 3% per transaction. That's standard across most processors. Set up your accounts before you launch.
Start with organic channels. SEO, social media, content marketing. These take time but cost nothing except effort.
Once you've revenue, test paid ads. Start small. Track everything. A Royal Oak skincare brand spent $500 on Facebook ads and made $3,000 in sales their first month.
Register your business with the state. Get a tax ID. Understand sales tax rules for online sales.
Talk to an accountant. Set up proper bookkeeping from day one. It's easier to start organized than fix a mess later.
Getting this right takes focus. Most Michigan businesses try to do too much at once. Pick one thing. Do it well. Then move to the next.
I've seen this work across industries. A Troy retailer focused only on improving site speed for three months. Their conversion rate jumped 40%. Then they tackled SEO. Then email marketing. One at a time.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let's talk. Book a 20-minute call, and I'll help you create a clear, actionable plan for your Michigan-based online business. No sales pitch, just practical advice.