FSB | E-commerce guides & advice | Federation of Small Businesses, FSB

With online retail in the UK valued at £116.9 billion in 2022, there’s a huge opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of e-commerce trends. Whether you’re looking to launch your own online offering or expand your traditional retail business, you’ll find valuable advice and guidance to help you start and grow your e-commerce business. Learn how to set up, manage, and market your own online business with expert resources from the Federation of Small Businesses.

Getting started with e-commerce

Take your business online with confidence and learn the basics of e-commerce. You’ll discover the different types of e-commerce models, how it can benefit your business, and the platforms you can use to launch your store.

Article Tue, 22 March 2022

An introduction to selling on online marketplaces

Find out everything you need to know about selling your products in an online marketplace with our easy-to-follow introductory guide.

Article Fri, 18 March 2022

Finding the best e-commerce platform for your business

Want to start selling online but don’t know what platform to go for? We look at the different e-commerce platforms available to businesses and provide an impartial overview of each.

Article Fri, 18 March 2022

What is e-commerce?

Let’s delve into the online retail world, from online marketplaces to creating your own digital store. Here’s how you can use e-commerce to reach new customers and grow your business.

Setting up your online shop

Once you’ve decided which e-commerce platform or online marketplace is best for you, it’s time to set up your digital shop window. From creating the perfect product listing to ensuring you’re compliant with e-commerce laws and payment standards, we’ve got you covered.

Video Mon, 24 April 2023

Selling on Amazon - the costs and fees

Find out the costs involved in making your business a success on Amazon - the world's biggest marketplace.

Article Sat, 18 March 2023

Four best practices for creating a product listing

Selling online? You've only got one shot when creating the perfect product listing. Here are four best practices you can follow to engage potential customers, win clicks and boost sales.

Article Fri, 18 March 2022

14 e-commerce laws and legal requirements for online businesses

Protect your business and take steps to ensure your e-commerce website is legally compliant with FSB Legal and Business Hub’s beginner-friendly guide.

Marketing your e-commerce store

You’ve created your online store, listed your products, and are ready for your first online sale. In this next section, you’ll find effective ways to drive traffic to your website and get your business noticed by your target audience.

Article Sat, 19 March 2022

Introduction to e-commerce SEO

From keywords to backlinks, make the most out of your e-commerce efforts by learning how to optimise your online store for SEO with our top tips.

Article Fri, 18 March 2022

Beginner’s guide to email marketing for e-commerce

Learn about how you can leverage email marketing to increase your e-commerce sales and build customer loyalty with our easy-to-follow guide.

Document Thu, 24 June 2021

Download your free strategy guide

Download our free guide for FSB members and level up your digital game without breaking the bank.

Developing customer service skills

Keeping your customers happy can lead to repeat purchases and positive reviews, which can help to build trust with potential buyers. Learn how you can use feedback to show off your customer service skills, even when you're faced with a negative comment.