Tips For Starting An Online Business In Ghana

Online marketing has become an increasingly popular tool around the world. Most Ghanaians aspire to own a business in their lifetime, but the costs associated with this has led to many companies and individuals going virtual in carrying out their business objectives. Online property portal Lamudi shares six tips with you that will help jump-start your online business.

Choose an area of interest
The beginning of all great ventures starts with an idea. Shortlist topics or ventures of interest to you and decide on the one that best matches your strengths. However, the venture has to be one that will meet the demands of your market, especially in Ghana. Make sure you do as much research as possible.

Register your business
In Ghana, the Registrar General is the authorized agency responsible for the registration of businesses. According to the Registrar General Department's website, fees for limited liability companies attract a charge of GH$175, a company limited by guarantee is GH$155, while commencement of operations attracts 0.5% of stated capital. On the other hand, a business name registered by a sole proprietorship attracts a charge of GH$35, partnerships are expected to pay GH$75, subsidiaries GH$35, while external companies are expected to pay $1000 or its cedi equivalent.

Register a domain name
It is important to settle on a name that is short and resonates well with your target audience. Avoid names that may confuse them or contradict your line of business. Upon finding that suitable name, be sure to register with a domain registering company while testing its availability before completing the registration process.

Find a web hosting service
A web hosting service enables a website to be accessible to everyone on the internet. There are a number of web hosting services, including ones you can use for free. However, to safeguard the security of your files, it is advised to choose a web hosting service that comes at a fee while including services that will help propel your online business to the heights you aspire.

Design the website layout
A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. Having a website that appears dull or boring is sure to turn away audiences. An artistic edge will surely take you places. However, for those without artistic nous, contracting an independent web design company or freelancer will also do the trick.

Content is king
Like the phrase suggests, content is an ever important tool to the success of your online business. You need to regularly update your target audiences on industry topics, and this is sure to maintain the interest of visitors to your website.