Online Business Basics 101: What You Need (& Don’t Need) to Start
Smart Online Journey contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.
Starting an online business doesn’t have to be overwhelming – if you know the online business basics. The trick? Focus on what you really need and ignore the shiny extras that just drain your time and money.
Key Takeaways: Online Business Basics
- You don’t need expensive software to begin.
- Essentials: domain, hosting, website, email.
- Skip the fluff until you’ve built your foundation.
- Community + training are worth the investment.
What You Actually Need To Start An Online Business
The great thing about an online business is that you actually don’t need that many things to get started. Here’s my short list of the essentials that you should have right out of the gate, and the things you don’t need to worry about for awhile.
Here’s What You Should Have Immediately
Niche/Idea – Your business starts with an idea, or a niche. You need to have some clear idea of what direction you want your online business to take. Not sure what’s even possible? Then start doing a little research about what’s out there in terms of online businesses, side hustles, idea for extra income.
Customer Avatar – Having an idea and a niche is great. But if you don’t know specifically who your ideal customer or visitor is, you’ll be in trouble. Ideally, you’ll know this before you start building out your site. But sometimes things change along the way and you need to tweak the avatar later. That’s OK.
Domain Name + Website Hosting – Your site is going to be your online home. You can’t even open your door without a website, so this is an essential.
Website Builder (WordPress = Gold Standard) – If you’re going to create your site yourself, you need a place to build it. My suggestion = WordPress.
A Way To Collect Emails – While you may not need this on day 1, I wouldn’t wait too many more days before making sure I had a way to collect emails from my site visitors. Your bread and butter down the road will be right here, in your email list. Don’t waste time at the outset by not getting this in place.
A Place To Learn & Get Help (Like WA) – We weren’t born knowing everything! Every successful business owner (whether it’s an online business or a traditional brick and mortar one) knows that they will need to keep acquiring skills along the way. Solo entreprenuership can be a lonely place if you don’t know where to go for help. Business communities like the one at Wealthy Affiliate can fast-track your learning and help you through the rough spots when you’re business is new.
Persistence & Patience – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business be. Starting off with the correct mindset so you can weather the storms that will come is one of the most important things you can have.
What You Don’t Need Right Away
Fancy Logos – Contrary to what you might believe, you don’t need a fancy logo (or any logo) to begin with. That’s something that can get added in later on. I once wasted a week fussing over pretty logos. Don’t be me!
Paid Ads – You don’t need to use paid ads this early on in your business.
Dozens of Tools – It’s best to start lean in terms of business related tools and services. You’ll figure out what you need as you go along.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business Basics
Do I need a business license to start a blog?
Usually not for starting a blog/affiliate site, but you must check your own local laws.
What is the simplest online business I can start?
Blogging with affiliate marketing is often the simplest entry point. It’s low cost and builds long-term income potential.
Can I start an online business while working fulltime?
Yes, many people begin as a side project and grow into full-time later. Even 5–10 hours a week can get you started.
Do I need tech skills to build a website?
No. WordPress and beginner-friendly builders make it possible without coding. Communities like Wealthy Affiliate provide step-by-step support.
How long before I see results?
It depends. Many beginners see their first traffic or small income within 3–6 months, with consistent effort.
What’s the biggest mistake beginners can make?
Overcomplicating it: buying too many tools, chasing too many ideas, and burning out. Start lean, stay focused.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing: building an online business doesn’t require a massive budget, fancy software, or a 10-year plan pinned to your wall. What it does require is focus, consistency, and the willingness to start with the basics.
Think of your online business like building a house: you need a solid foundation (domain, hosting, website) before you even think about paint colors and landscaping. Skip the unnecessary fluff, and you’ll avoid the “half-built house syndrome” where projects stall before they even start.
Your smart online journey starts with one decision: to get started. So focus on getting the essentials in place, lean on communities like WA when you need help, and remember – every successful online business once started with nothing but a domain name and a dream. Yours can too.
And one last word – before you start, be sure to avoid any scams online!
