Starting an online business can feel like a never-ending roller coaster ride—one moment you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re wondering if you’ve made a huge mistake. Trust me, I’ve been there. When I first launched my business, I was a mix of excitement and terror, with a heavy dose of “I’ll figure it out as I go.” If you’re new to the world of e-commerce or just trying to get your footing, let me share some hard-earned lessons from my own journey. These are the things I would do differently if I could start over in 2024.

1. Invest Back into Your Business Early

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to save every penny by doing everything yourself. I was all about that DIY life—cutting out shipping labels, hand-packing orders, and even handling customer service all on my own. It seemed like a great way to keep costs low, but in reality, it was just a huge time sink. I spent hours on tasks that could have been automated or outsourced, all because I was reluctant to spend money.

Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of investing back into your business as soon as you start making sales. Whether it’s upgrading your equipment, like buying a label printer (which, by the way, will save you so much time), or outsourcing tasks that aren’t the best use of your time, these investments are crucial. They free up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on growing your business rather than getting bogged down in the minutiae.

For example, once I finally invested in a label printer, I shaved hours off my packing process. Instead of printing labels, cutting them out, and taping them to packages, I could print directly onto adhesive labels and slap them on. It was a small change that made a huge difference. And the best part? The time I saved could be redirected toward creating new products and marketing my brand—things that actually move the needle in business.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you’re anything like me, you might have a bit of a stubborn streak. I spent way too many late nights stressed out because I was determined to do everything myself. In my mind, asking for help was a sign of weakness. But here’s the truth: trying to do it all on your own is a fast track to burnout.

I wish someone had told me earlier that it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s necessary. Running a business is not a one-person job—it’s a team effort, even if that team is just you and a supportive friend or family member. There’s no shame in reaching out for assistance, whether it’s getting help with packing orders, managing your social media, or even just bouncing ideas off someone.

When I finally let go of my pride and started asking for help, everything changed. My boyfriend helped with packing, my friends offered advice on marketing, and eventually, I was able to hire a part-time assistant. Not only did this reduce my stress levels, but it also allowed my business to grow faster than I could have managed on my own. So, don’t be afraid to lean on your support system. You don’t have to carry the weight of your business by yourself.

3. Get Your Own Website Right Away

One of my biggest regrets in my early days was relying too heavily on marketplaces like Etsy. Don’t get me wrong—platforms like Etsy are fantastic for getting your products in front of a large audience quickly. They handle a lot of the heavy lifting, like driving traffic to your store and managing payment processing. But the downside is that you’re at the mercy of their rules and fees, and you never really have full control over your brand.

If I could do it all over again, I’d skip the marketplaces and go straight to building my own website. Yes, there’s a learning curve, and yes, it requires more upfront effort. But having your own site gives you complete control over your brand, your pricing, and your customer experience. Plus, you don’t have to worry about marketplace fees eating into your profits.

When you have your own website, you’re building something that you fully own. Every bit of hard work you put into SEO, product listings, and marketing goes directly toward growing your business—not someone else’s platform. And let’s be real: if you’re already doing the work of driving traffic to your store through social media, why pay a marketplace for something you’re doing yourself?

4. Get a .Store Domain

Speaking of websites, one thing I’d change if I could start over is my domain name. Initially, I went with a .com domain because that’s what everyone does, right? But if I had known then what I know now, I would have gone with a .Store domain instead.

Here’s why: a .Store domain instantly tells visitors that they’re on an online store. There’s no confusion, no guessing game—just a clear message that says, “This is where you can shop.” And the stats back it up: websites with .Store domains tend to perform better, with higher click-through rates and lower customer acquisition costs.

Think of it like walking into a mall. When you see a store with a clear, straightforward name, you know exactly what to expect. The same principle applies online. A .Store domain cuts through the noise and makes it crystal clear that your website is a place to shop. Plus, it helps with SEO, giving you a better chance of showing up in search results when potential customers are looking for products like yours.

5. Get Serious About Financial Planning

Let’s talk about money—because if you’re like me, you’ve probably had those “What the heck happened to my paycheck?” moments more than once. When I first started out, I didn’t give much thought to financial planning. I was focused on making sales and getting my products out the door, and I figured I’d deal with the money stuff later. Big mistake.

One of the first things I’d do differently is to open a business checking account right away. Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial, not just for tax purposes, but for your own sanity. Trust me, when tax season rolls around, you’ll be glad you took the time to set things up properly from the start.

Another thing I regret is not getting a business credit card sooner. I can’t tell you how many points I missed out on by using my personal card for business expenses. A business credit card can help you rack up points, miles, or cash back on purchases you’re already making—money that could go back into your business or even pay for a well-deserved vacation.

6. Embrace AI and Technology

I know, I know—AI can seem intimidating, especially if you’re not a tech person. But here’s the thing: AI is not going anywhere, so you might as well learn how to use it to your advantage. In fact, embracing technology has been one of the biggest game-changers for my business.

There’s no shame in using AI tools to help you run your business more efficiently. I use Grammarly AI to help me write emails and ChatGPT to generate content ideas when I’m feeling stuck. These tools save me so much time, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects of my business instead of getting bogged down in administrative tasks.

And it’s not just AI—embracing technology in general can make a huge difference. Whether it’s automating your social media posts, setting up an email marketing campaign, or using a platform like ShipStation to streamline your shipping process, technology can help you work smarter, not harder.

Signing your first client is a major milestone. We did an article recently that highlighted some ways to sign your first client using AI tools.

7. Social Media Strategy: Be Authentic

Social media is more important than ever for small businesses, but here’s the catch: it’s not about being perfect. When I first started, I spent way too much time trying to curate the perfect Instagram feed, with perfectly staged photos and meticulously planned captions. But you know what? It didn’t really pay off.

These days, authenticity wins over aesthetics. People want to see the real you, not some polished, idealized version of your life. So instead of stressing over every post, focus on being yourself. Share behind-the-scenes moments, show your personality, and don’t be afraid to be a little raw and unfiltered. It’s the best way to connect with your audience and stand out in a crowded market.

And don’t sleep on short-form video content. Whether it’s Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts, these platforms are where you can really let your personality shine. Plus, they’re currently the best way to reach a larger audience. So go ahead, have fun with it, and don’t worry about being perfect.

8. Document Everything

One of my biggest regrets is not documenting more of my journey when I first started my business. I was so focused on marketing my products that I didn’t take the time to capture the process behind the scenes. Now, looking back, I wish I had more photos and videos of those early days to reflect on how far I’ve come.

Your journey is one of the most valuable assets you have as a business owner. People love to see where you started and how you’ve grown. Whether it’s a picture of your first workspace, a screenshot of your early website, or a video of you packaging your first order, these moments are gold. Not only do they make for great content down the line, but they also serve as a reminder of all the hard work you’ve put in.

So, my advice? Document everything. Take pictures, shoot videos, and save those early drafts. You never know when you’ll want to look back on them—or use them to inspire others who are just starting out.

9. Build a Community

When you’re running a small business, it’s easy to feel like you’re on an island, especially if you’re doing everything online. In the early days, I was so focused on getting my products out there that I didn’t take the time to build a community around my brand. Big mistake.

One of the most valuable things you can do as a small business owner is to connect with others who are on the same journey. Whether it’s engaging with other business owners on social media, joining online forums, or attending local networking events, building a community can provide you with support, inspiration, and even new opportunities.

These days, I’m lucky to have a strong network of fellow business owners who I can turn to for advice, collaboration, and friendship. It makes the whole experience of running a business so much more rewarding, knowing that you’re not alone in your struggles and successes.

10. Show Your Face

Finally, one of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of showing your face and sharing your story. When I think of the most successful small businesses, they all have one thing in common: a strong personal brand. Whether it’s the face behind Grumpy Kid Studio or the story of the sugar-free chamoy girl on TikTok, these brands stand out because they’re personal, relatable, and authentic.

If you’re comfortable with it, I highly recommend putting yourself out there. Share your story, show your face, and let people get to know the person behind the business. It’s one of the best ways to build a loyal customer base and create a brand that people truly connect with.

If this one is a little TOO scary for you we have some awesome faceless business ideas for introverts that you may want to check out.

 

So look …

In the end, starting and running a business is a journey filled with ups and downs, learning experiences, and growth opportunities. If I could do it all over again, these are the things I would do differently. Hopefully, my experiences can help you avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered and set you on the path to success. And remember, no matter where you are in your journey, keep dreaming big, believe in yourself, and never underestimate what you’re capable of.