Starting an online business in DRC is not for magicians or only for foreigners. We all have the same internet , at least not from same prodividers, but we have internet connexion.
What stops many people from starting their online business?
Let me guess, ignorance.
Many people don’t know what to do or where to go when it comes to creating online businesses. This is the reason why I’m inviting you to read either one of these articles before you continue:
This one : https://chriskatsh.com/start-a-digital-business-in-drc-in-2023-10-ideas/
And this one: https://chriskatsh.com/10-amazing-ideas-for-digital-business-in-drc-in-2023/
Once you’ve decided on an online business idea, you’ll want to do your due diligence and, eventually, give it life. Here’s how to start a business online, step-by-step.
1. Validate your idea with research
It might sound harsh, but it’s true: just because you think you have a great idea, that doesn’t mean there’s a market for it.
Before investing your time and energy into starting your business, research how feasible it is and whether there’s any potential buyer interest. You can hire an agency to conduct market research for you, but if you’re on a shoestring budget, you can also take the DIY approach:
– How to Evaluate Market Demand for Your Product Idea
– How to Use Niche Marketing to Build Your Business From the Ground Up
After conducting market research, write a business plan to clarify your ideas. Having a business plan will help you stay organized and focused as you go through the ups and downs of starting a new business. If you don’t want to start a business from scratch, you can always buy an existing business with validated ideas.
2. Develop your product or service
You’ve validated your idea, now it’s time to turn it into a reality. Whether you’re selling a product or service, you need to create it. Find a manufacturer to bring your product to life, create packages of your service offerings, or write your book and identify a self-publishing option to bring it to fruition.
If you go the dropshipping route, the product has already been developed for you. It’s up to you to choose the products you’re passionate about or that you’ve identified a hot market for.
3. Set up your business finances
“How do I open a business bank account?” is a common question for many new entrepreneurs. After you’ve officially registered your business with GUCE (the guichet unique) locally, you should have the tax identification numbers and other information required to open a business bank account.
As you grow, you might need funding for future endeavors, be it a new product launch or marketing and advertising spend. Having business bank accounts makes it easier for you to manage that capital, as well as track your revenue and expenses.
Having a bank account is also helpful when it comes to tax preparation, since your business-related transactions will be in a single place. As your business finances get more complicated, hiring a professional accountant or tax professional could be a viable option.
4. Find vendors and suppliers
Product-based online businesses in particular may require lots of business relationships. For example: a manufacturer, a dropshipper, or a third-party logistics coordinator. When identifying which partnerships you want to move forward with, it’s best to shop around and compare your options to make sure you’re getting the best solution for your needs.
Other online business ideas may require different relationships or contractors. If you’re writing a book, for example, you may want to hire a professional editor and book designer.
5. Build your business website
If you want to start an online business, you need to have a website. And to make money online, you’ll need to incorporate payment processing functionality. For us in DRC, thou card payment is valid- I suggest you start with MoMo (Mobile Money) first, even thou most MoMo providers also have Card processing available.
Then, find a business name. You’ll need one to start building your website.
Then choose a domain name and verify that it’s available. You can purchase a domain name for less than $20 a year in some cases. From there, you can build your own store and start accepting payments from customers right away.
6. Market your new small business
Getting your first paying customer is a huge milestone for a new small business owner. Now that you’ve got your store set up, you’ll want to start getting your business out there. But finding new customers and creating convincing promotions takes time and energy.
There are so many channels to choose from—email marketing, Messenger marketing, mobile marketing, etc.—it’s hard to know the best way to grow your online business. It’s easy to get caught up in the wrong tactics and invest your time and money in the wrong places.
Start your online business today!
If you’ve been thinking about starting an online business in DRC in the next year, 2023, it’s time to get up there and create your new startup in your spare time. You don’t have to go all in. Start small with a part-time side hustle and scale from there. Or, keep things small. The beauty of learning how to start a business online is that it’s completely up to you.
Do you have questions about how to start an online business? Let me know in the comments below.
Thank you
