eCommerce has gained popularity in recent years due to the convenience and accessibility it offers. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the shift towards eCommerce, as many people have turned to online shopping as a safer alternative to in-person shopping. The fact that everything happens over a handheld device is yet another catalyst for eCommerce growth. 

Estimates say that by 2025, 256 million US shoppers will make digital purchases, representing over 88% of the US population. With such a significant portion of the population converting to online customers, now is the best window to consider starting an eCommerce business.

If you are a beginner and need novel concepts, this blog will assist you in deciding which eCommerce business idea is right for you. Keep in mind the following models for eCommerce business ideas in 2023. 

eCommerce Business Ideas for Small Business

I. Subscription Models

A subscription model is one of the best business views for a small business. It is a business model where the customers pay a recurring fee to access a product or service. In the eCommerce context, this can take the form of a monthly or annual subscription to receive a box of products related to a particular theme or interest or access to a service such as an online course or coaching program. 

Subscription models can be a successful way to generate recurring revenue and build customer loyalty. Some benefits of using a subscription model for an eCommerce business are listed below. 

1. Predictable, recurring revenue: Subscription models provide a predictable and steady income stream as customers pay regularly.

2. Customer retention: Subscription models can help retain customers over the long term. They are more likely to continue their subscriptions if they receive value from the product or service.

3. Upselling opportunities: Subscription models can provide opportunities for upselling, as customers may be more likely to purchase additional products or services from a company they already subscribe to.

4. Improved customer relationships: Subscription models can help build stronger relationships with customers, as they are more likely to regularly engage with the product or service.

II. Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping involves an eCommerce store selling products to customers, but they are shipped directly to the customer from a supplier or manufacturer and not from the store. The store owner does not keep any inventory at hand. Dropshipping can be a good option for those who want to start an eCommerce business but need more capital to invest in inventory upfront. Here are some steps to creating a dropshipping business:

1. Choose a niche: Decide what type of products you want to sell and research the market to ensure demand for those products.

2. Find suppliers: Look for suppliers or manufacturers offering dropshipping services and a good reputation. Please review their terms and conditions carefully and ask for references from other dropshipping partners.

3. Set up an online store: Use a platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce to set up an online store and list the products you want to sell.

4. Price your products: Determine the price for your products by considering the cost of the product from the supplier, shipping costs, and any additional fees.

5. Promote your store: Use marketing techniques such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization to promote your store and drive traffic to your website.

6. Process orders and manage customer service: Set up systems to process orders, handle customer inquiries, and handle returns or exchanges.

III. Online Education

Online education is a growing industry, as more and more people are turning to the internet for learning opportunities. There are many different ways to get involved in online education, such as creating and selling online courses, offering coaching or tutoring services, or building a platform for others to teach. Here are some steps to starting an online education business:

1. Identify your area of expertise:  You should identify your area of interest and knowledge. 

2. Determine your target market: Research your potential customers and determine their needs, preferences, and learning styles.

3. Develop your course or program: Create a course or program that meets the needs of your target market and delivers value to the learners.

4. Set up a website: Use a platform such as WordPress or Teachable to create a website to host and sell your courses or programs.

5. Promote your business: Use marketing techniques such as social media, email marketing, and content marketing to reach potential customers and promote your courses or programs.

IV. Affiliate Marketing 

Affiliate marketing is where a business rewards affiliates for each customer brought to the business by the affiliate’s marketing efforts. In the context of eCommerce, affiliates can earn a commission by promoting and selling products on behalf of a merchant. Here are some steps to starting an affiliate marketing business:

1. Choose a niche: Determine what type of products you want to promote and research the market to ensure there is demand for those products.

2. Find affiliate programs: Look for companies that offer affiliate programs and have a good reputation. Be sure to review their terms and conditions carefully and ask for references from other affiliates.

3. Set up a website: Use a platform such as WooCommerce to create a website where you can promote your affiliate products.

4. Promote products: Use marketing techniques such as social media, email marketing, and content marketing to promote your affiliate products and drive traffic to the merchant’s website.

5. Track and report sales: Use tracking links provided by the affiliate program to track sales and earn commissions.

6. Manage your website: Keep it up-to-date with fresh content and product recommendations to keep visitors engaged and encourage them to purchase.

V. Online Travel Service

Starting an online travel service business can be an excellent way to reach a broad audience of potential customers and offer a convenient booking experience. 

Here are some steps to starting an online travel service business:

1. Determine your target market: Research your potential customers and determine their needs, preferences, and budget when it comes to travel.

2. Choose a niche: Decide what type of travel services you will offer, such as adventure travel, luxury travel, or family travel.

3. Build a website: Use a platform such as WordPress to create a website where you can showcase your travel services and allow customers to book trips online. An experienced WooCommerce developer will help you develop an attractive eCommerce site. 

4. Source travel products: Partner with travel suppliers such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators to offer your customers a range of travel products.

5. Determine your pricing: Consider the cost of the travel products you are offering and any additional fees or commissions you will charge for your services.

6. Promote your business: Use marketing techniques such as social media, email marketing, and content marketing to promote your business and reach potential customers.

Process orders and manage customer service: 

• Set up systems to process bookings
• Handle customer inquiries
• Handle any issues that may arise

Following these steps can start a successful online travel service business. It’s essential to be organized, have a clear plan, and be willing to work to make your business successful.

Key Takeaways

It is essential to research your desired market and analyze demand and competition. Look at Google trends to see if your eCommerce Business Ideas for Small Business is a popular search, and check how similar products are performing on significant eCommerce websites like Amazon. Identify your target audience by finding bloggers, influencers, and social media communities discussing your industry. 

Consider niche audiences and communities on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn that may be interested in your business. No matter your budget or interests, there are possible ways to enter the eCommerce space, but thorough research and planning can increase your chances of success.