These days, the internet can be just as dangerous of a place as the real world. However, there are plenty of opportunities to better protect your online business from hackers and other potential threats from two-factor authentication to high security Wi-Fi connection.
Small online businesses have become increasingly popular over the past decade, empowering individuals to take a passion and turn it into an income stream without having to invest in a brick-and-mortar store front. While the barrier to entry is lowered for web-based business, there are completely different pre-cautions that should be taken to protect your online business.
Today, we’re sharing five simple but effective steps you can implement to protect your online business.
- Take Ownership of Your Business
While you may be an online business, it’s important to still register your business name – make sure it hasn’t already been taken! If you haven’t already, purchase your website’s domain name. Even if you aren’t ready to publish the site, it’s important you own the domain you want associated with your business before someone else snatches it up. Last, register your business with Google My Business to boost awareness and establish legitimacy.
- Monitor Your Online Activity Associated with Your Business
If you choose to create a Google My Business page or on any other social media-based platforms, pay close attention to the activity that is associated with your business’s page. For example, make sure to read any reviews left on a consumer site regarding your business – thank the reviewer when possible and address any negative feedback positively when needed.
- Choose a Secure Hosting Site
There are ample options for website builders out there and depending on what type of online business you’re planning for, one may be better suited for your needs than the other. However, it’s still extremely important to consider the website builder’s built-in security for your site. Not only does it protect your online business it also protects your customers who are making purchases or sharing other sensitive information through your site.
Look into having an SSL certification added to your website for additional security.
- Become GDPR Complaint
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of regulations that exist to protect online consumer data. While it’s not required, it does provide online customers a sense of privacy for the information they share or enter through your website.
- Get Business Insurance
Protect your online business by purchasing the right insurance policy for you. At Coterie Insurance, we offer multiple policies that will help cover and protect your online business.
We offer General Liability (GL) which is the most common small business insurance policy, as all professionals are required to have some form of general liability coverage. We offer both standard, year-long policies for small businesses, as well as flexible duration, project-based coverage through our partners.
There’s a Business Owners Policy (BOP), essentially combining the Property and General Liability coverages into one single insurance policy.
Last but not least, we also offer Professional Liability Insurance (PLL), also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O), which protects your business if you made a mistake that unintentionally harmed a client.
Visit our product page or reach out to your agent to determine the best coverage for you!
