E-Commerce 101: Getting Started Selling Online

Thinking about launching an online store but not sure where to start? In this episode of E-Commerce 101: Getting Started Selling Online, the experts at Vontainment break it all down for small business owners looking to step into the world of e-commerce.

We walk you through the most popular platforms—WooCommerce, Shopify, Amazon, Etsy—and explain the pros, cons, and key differences between them. Whether you're building your own store or selling through a major marketplace, you'll get practical advice to choose the best solution for your needs and budget.

We also explore business models like dropshipping, digital products, and inventory-based selling—how they work, what you’ll need, and what mistakes to avoid. Learn how to plan your product offerings, set up a smooth checkout experience, and make sure your site is mobile-friendly and optimized for conversions.

We cover essential tools for shipping, taxes, payments, and automation, as well as integrations for email marketing, analytics, and inventory tracking. And we highlight the most common beginner pitfalls, like choosing the wrong platform, ignoring SEO, or failing to build customer trust—plus how to avoid them.

From branding and domain setup to fulfillment options and getting your first sales, this episode gives you a full-picture view of what it takes to sell online successfully. You'll leave with a better understanding of how e-commerce really works, what it takes to get started, and how to grow steadily without burning out.

To wrap up, we share how Vontainment helps small businesses in Southwest Florida and beyond with full-service support—web design, e-commerce setup, marketing integrations, and more. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an old store, we’re here to help you do it right.