{"id":9743,"date":"2021-06-22T10:00:51","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T09:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=9743"},"modified":"2026-01-29T11:29:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T11:29:43","slug":"ecommerce-business-plan-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ecommerce-business-plan-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to writing an e-commerce business plan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe ultimate guide to writing an e-commerce business plan\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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The wonderful world of e-commerce has made it possible to start an online business from the comfort of your spare room.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easier than ever for dreamers to transform into doers \u2013 to great success \u2013 in literally a few clicks.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to keep track of when you\u2019re running your own business, from managing finances<\/a> and finding the right employees to sourcing suppliers and beyond.<\/p>\n

So having a plan for your online shop is a must if you want to stay on top of it all like a boss.<\/p>\n

Think of your business plan as a roadmap for turning your idea for a small business into a big success.<\/p>\n

Here’s what we cover in this guide:<\/p>\n

What is a business plan?<\/a><\/p>\n

Why do I need an e-commerce business plan?<\/a><\/p>\n

How to make an e-commerce business plan that works<\/a><\/p>\n

How long and thorough should my business plan be?<\/a><\/p>\n

What you need to include in your business plan<\/a><\/p>\n

FAQs about e-commerce business plans<\/a><\/p>\n

Final thoughts \u2013 and get your e-commerce business plan template<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\tDownload your free e-commerce business plan template<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is a business plan?<\/h2>\n

No matter what industry you are operating in, the definition of a business plan<\/a> remains the same.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s essentially a document that outlines your concept, objectives and strategy for the successful rollout of your business.<\/p>\n

It covers things like the size of the opportunity, bookkeeping<\/a>, start up and running costs, advertising, and so on in enough detail to give your reader a flavour for what you\u2019re doing as an entrepreneur.<\/p>\n

Preparing this document allows you to clarify your business goals and gives you the opportunity to identify potential blockers or speedbumps before they become a problem.<\/p>\n

Working through the template might even spark some new ideas or solutions you\u2019ve not yet considered, so it\u2019s definitely worth using no matter how much experience you have as an entrepreneur.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, a business plan helps you test the viability of your concept, and lays things out in a way that shows you\u2019ve done your homework and are ready to turn your dream into a lucrative reality.<\/p>\n

Why do I need an e-commerce business plan?<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re starting a business, looking for funding, or taking your side hustle full time, you need to have a business plan for your e-commerce store ready to go.<\/p>\n

You can refer back to this document to clarify strategies, define goals, outline your hiring and supplier needs, and show what kind of funding you need, whether that\u2019s through grants or from investors.<\/p>\n

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My big motto in life is you leap, and the net will appear. Sometimes it\u2019s only from taking that leap that we see what\u2019s out there. So many people get on the cliff edge thinking about the jump, and it\u2019s a terrifying place.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Sahar Hashemi, Co-Founder at Coffee Republic<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Using a business plan template like ours helps new entrepreneurs get over the dreaded \u2018fear of the blank page\u2019, which can stop even the best writers in their tracks.<\/p>\n

Such templates also offer ready-made and expert-approved guidance on every facet of your business-to-be, so why not take advantage of that and let us help you take the leap?<\/p>\n

\n\tDownload your free e-commerce business plan template<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

How to make an e-commerce business plan that works<\/h2>\n

Get your ideas down on paper, let them flow freely before you organise everything.<\/p>\n

Use our free e-commerce business plan template to help you develop those ideas and identify potential issues.<\/p>\n

Think about some of your favourite online shops and take the time to really dig into what they do, how they do it, and why you feel it\u2019s effective from the point of view of a customer.<\/p>\n

What draws you to your preferred brands, and what is it about their offering that makes you not only hit \u2018checkout\u2019, but keep coming back for more?<\/p>\n

Take the time to research e-commerce generally before digging into your industry and finding your niche within that.<\/p>\n

Your products and brand identity really need to stand out in what can be a highly saturated space at times.<\/p>\n

How long and thorough should my business plan be?<\/h2>\n

The length of your e-commerce business plan will change depending on the nature of your concept and how expansive your vision is.<\/p>\n

For startups, business plans tend to go up to around 10 pages.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, bigger ventures might need to go far beyond that, with detailed data and charts to illustrate key points to potential investors.<\/p>\n

What you need to include in your business plan<\/h2>\n

Executive summary <\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is where you hook whoever is reading your business plan \u2013 potential investors, for example \u2013with a brief explanation of your concept.<\/p>\n

Write this section last, and make sure it\u2019s no longer than a page. Think of it as an elevator pitch in writing.<\/p>\n

Give your reader some context behind the type of product or service you\u2019d like to offer, what your brand represents, and what makes you different from your competition.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a few questions to ask yourself as you write this section:<\/p>\n