7 Steps to Start Selling Products Online

Starting an online business has never been more accessible. Whether you're looking to earn extra income or build a full-time business, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to start selling products online.

1. Choose Your Business Model

Before you start, decide how you want to sell. Dropshipping is ideal for beginners because it requires minimal upfront investment. You don't need to hold inventory—products ship directly from suppliers to your customers.

Other models include print-on-demand, wholesale, or creating your own products. Each has pros and cons, but dropshipping offers the lowest barrier to entry.

2. Find Your Niche

Don't try to sell everything to everyone. Focus on a specific niche that has demand but isn't oversaturated. Consider:

Your personal interests and expertise
Market demand and search volume
Competition level
Profit margins
Target audience buying power

Use tools like Google Trends, social media, and competitor research to validate your niche choice.

3. Research and Source Products

Find products that solve problems or fulfill desires. Look for items with good profit margins—aim for at least 30-40% after all costs.

With refdropshipping, you get access to over 1 million vetted products from reliable suppliers. Focus on products with fast shipping times and positive reviews.

4. Set Up Your Online Store

Choose an ecommerce platform that fits your needs. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Your store should be:

Easy to navigate
Mobile-friendly
Fast loading
Visually appealing
Trustworthy with clear policies

Invest time in quality product descriptions and images. These directly impact your conversion rate.

5. Establish Pricing and Policies

Price your products strategically. Calculate all costs including product cost, shipping, platform fees, payment processing, and marketing. Add your desired profit margin on top.

Create clear policies for shipping, returns, and customer service. Transparency builds trust and reduces disputes.

6. Launch Marketing Campaigns

Having a great store means nothing if no one sees it. Start with these marketing channels:

Social media marketing (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
Content marketing and SEO
Email marketing
Paid advertising (start small)
Influencer partnerships

Focus on one or two channels initially. Master them before expanding to others.

7. Optimize and Scale

Track your metrics closely: conversion rate, average order value, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value. Use this data to make informed decisions.

Test different product descriptions, images, pricing, and marketing strategies. Small improvements compound over time.

As you grow, reinvest profits into inventory, marketing, and tools that save time. Consider automating repetitive tasks to focus on strategic growth.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting an online business takes work, but the rewards are worth it. With the right approach and tools, you can build a profitable business selling products online.

refdropshipping provides everything you need: access to quality suppliers, automated order processing, weekly coaching, and 24/7 support. Stop planning and start doing.