Online Digital Services - where to start?

[Digital James]

Hi all, newbie here who would love some feedback on a business idea. I'm a graphic designer and have decided to create a website selling digital assets. Now before you say it's a difficult crowded market, I know that, I'm doing this more as a way of generating pocket money and gaining experience (but who knows...).

The beauty about digital is that I don't need a fully functioning ecommerce site because I can send work to customers and take their money after they've decided to buy (and then remove watermarks).

I'm planning on building a Wordpress site (I do have some web skills and as I said, I don't need an ecommerce site right now).

My questions are, what's the easiest way to take payments in the very early days - should I set up a business account or can I at least start by having money paid into my personal account when I start? Do I need to register as a sole trader and if so will my employer find out? How do I get advice on the legal side - such as data protection and liability? Are there any specific resources online for this?

Thanks in advance,

James

 

[fisicx]

Set up a paypal business account to take payments. You can register as a sole trader. It's unlikely your employer will find out.

Wordpress can work for you. There are a number of digital download plugins you can use. But your biggest hurdle will be marketing. There are thousands or people already doing what you plan to do. Getting a foothold on the ladder is going to be difficult.

 

[Joe SecondIncome]

Paypal, UK bank transfer and ****** (probably avoid) are good ways to take payment. Cash from people you know personally

 

[Digital James]

Thanks for your replies. I guess what I was trying to say is that do I need to set up as a sole trader before I start taking any payments? In other words, could I accept bank transfers/Paypal while I am testing and deciding whether to continue with the business idea?

 

[fisicx]

No you don't

 

[James Rae]

If you are going to receive monies for work make sure you keep records of expenses so when you present your self assessment you have evidence for tax purposes (if any payable)... it's a year or so in arrears so not a worry... simply be prepared.

 

[Digital James]

Thanks very much for your replies guys - it's good to know I can test the water before setting up as a business, and yes I understand that this income would be declared in due course.

I have another question, what's the best place to advertise digital services given that it's an international market? I'd be looking at charging low fees at this stage to gauge the response, so I would only want to pay nominal fees for marking spend.

 

[James Rae]

Is the UK not big enough for you? ... are you multi-lingual? Have you lived for longer than 3 months in many other countries? Believe me or don't, there are hundreds/thousands of natives in each country offering digital services... maybe you are in the top 5 or 10% of social influencers? My advice is master the UK and people will come to you because of your reputation. Just sayin'