The coronavirus pandemic has sparked a new wave of online entrepreneurialism as some who have been made redundant or been put on furlough have decided to set up their own micro-businesses.

Even established firms are moving more of their business online, so they can boost their sales and offer their products to customers who may be unable or unwilling to hit the high streets.

A poor web presence and social media strategy can harm your bottom line at a time when online sales are becoming as important as physical transactions.

Unemployment may be rising, but economic crises often give rise to innovative start-ups.

Companies House figures show there were 176,115 new businesses incorporated in the second quarter of 2020, up by 3.6 per cent annually, which is the largest increase since 2012.




GoDaddy research shows 63 per cent of consumers are more likely to shop at small businesses during the pandemic and 67 per cent of these will continue to do so afterwards

Website builder and domain registrar GoDaddy has also seen a 14 per cent increase in ‘births' of micro-business - defined as those with nine or fewer employees - during lockdown earlier this year.

The internet can be a rich source of customer generation whether you are established or just starting out. Here are five tips to ensure your online business clicks with customers.

Make a business plan
As with any physical or online enterprise, you need a business plan so you understand your market and the customer you are targeting.

Spend time identifying your niche and work out the costs of providing your goods or AutoPosting services online, as you may need to factor taking photos or delivery fees that you didn't have to charge previously.