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While the strict restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic have largely eased, the digital transformation it kick-started continues to shape businesses in 2025. Many companies now operate online as a matter of course, recognising that a strong digital presence is key to expanding revenue streams and maintaining resilience in today’s competitive market.
It’s been inspiring to see so many businesses adapting their practices by moving online. Here are some examples:
- Retail shop fronts moving to eCommerce stores
- Gyms offering classes and training sessions via live and on-demand video platforms
- Pharmacies taking online orders and delivering medications using secure digital systems
- Real estate agents conducting virtual residential and commercial inspections and auctions
- Education providers leveraging online learning tools – with developers creating innovative platforms to support remote education
- Professional service providers such as accountants, lawyers and architects meeting clients through video conferencing software
- Medical professionals offering telehealth services, including doctors and psychologists, with enhanced data security measures
- Restaurants expanding their delivery services and developing efficient online ordering systems
So, how can you move your business online? Let’s consider the steps.
Steps For Moving Your Business Online
If you’ve never operated online before, you may be unsure where to begin or how the different pieces fit together. We’ve broken it down into straightforward steps to help you transition smoothly.
Working On Your Website
A polished and user-friendly website is an invaluable marketing tool that gives your customers fast and easy access to the goods or services you offer. If you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to secure a domain name that reflects your brand and choose a reliable hosting provider.
Platforms such as WordPress, GoDaddy, Squarespace and Shopify (especially for eCommerce stores) make it simple to set up and manage your website without needing extensive web design experience. You might also consider integrating social channels like Instagram and Facebook to actively engage with your audience. For more guidance on establishing a strong online presence, check out our Online Business Privacy Guide.
Taking Payments
The simplest way to take payments online is by using a third-party payment provider integrated with your website. Options like Stripe and PayPal remain popular choices in 2025, streamlining the payment process so you don’t need to set up your own merchant account.
Collecting payment upfront not only saves you administrative costs later on but also helps reduce the risk of non-payment. For further tips on securing online transactions, you may wish to read our article on Why You Should Use E-Signatures.
Taking Bookings & Orders
If your services require specific appointment times, automating your booking process can eliminate the back-and-forth of scheduling. Tools like Calendly integrate seamlessly with your calendar, ensuring a professional and efficient booking experience for your clients.
Similarly, for businesses taking online orders – such as for take-away food – platforms like Order Up! allow customers to place orders easily, streamlining the entire process.
Delivering Services & Products
For service providers delivering online offerings – be it virtual gym classes, webinars, or telehealth sessions – a reliable video communication tool such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams is essential. Additionally, if you’re offering recorded classes via a subscription model, investing in professional filming and editing can significantly enhance the quality of your content.
For businesses delivering physical products – from clothing to medications – partnering with a reliable courier or delivery service is key. Services like Shippit allow you to compare several courier options, giving you flexibility and helping you redeploy staff effectively if needed.
Managing A Remote Workforce
If you’re managing a team that’s suddenly working from home, clear communication is vital. Platforms like Slack for quick instant messaging and Zoom for in-depth meetings remain industry standards. In addition, digital project management tools such as Trello, Jira, Asana and Monday can help you keep track of workflows and team assignments.
For more on maintaining compliance and effective management in remote settings, our Employment Law resources offer valuable insights.
Legal Things To Consider When Moving Your Business Online
Getting the operational side sorted is only part of the challenge – protecting your online business legally is just as important.
Terms and Conditions With Your Customers
Once your website is live, you’ll need robust Website T&Cs to limit your liability and set clear behavioural guidelines for users. Even if you already have T&Cs in place, these will need updating to accommodate online acceptance, digital payments, and the delivery of online services or goods.
For example, rather than requiring a physical signature, your T&Cs should now acknowledge that a tick box signifies your customer’s acceptance. It’s also wise to clearly refer to any third-party payment providers in your T&Cs, helping limit your liability for issues beyond your control.
Be sure to address practical matters such as return policies and shipping delays. Including a “force majeure” clause can provide flexibility in unpredictable circumstances – an essential consideration in today’s environment.
Privacy Policy
Now that you’re online, you will likely be collecting a variety of customer data – from addresses to credit card details. Having a comprehensive Privacy Policy is not only best practice but also a legal necessity in compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which continues to affect businesses in 2025.
Terms And Conditions With Your Suppliers
Moving online may reduce certain overheads, like the need for a physical shop front, but it could also increase your reliance on suppliers for services like delivery or software subscriptions. If you redeploy staff as delivery drivers, for instance, ensure their Employment or Contractor Agreements reflect their new roles and include updated requirements such as holding a valid driver’s licence.
It’s crucial that every new relationship is underpinned by a clear contract. Taking the time to set these up correctly now can save considerable trouble later. Our guides on Contract Drafting provide excellent tips on ensuring your agreements are robust and fit for purpose.
Industry Specific Regulations
If you’re pivoting into a new industry – say, moving from brewing beer to manufacturing hand sanitiser – innovation is commendable, but so is caution. Each sector has its own regulatory landscape, especially highly regulated areas like healthcare. Staying compliant means ensuring your T&Cs and operational practices align with the latest industry regulations. For up-to-date insights, refer to our Regulatory Compliance resources.
The Silver Lining
Transforming your business to operate online may appear challenging at first, but it also opens up exciting opportunities to expand your customer base and streamline operations. Recent studies in 2025 reveal that over 90% of consumers now prefer brands that offer a seamless online experience. This shift means that, even as normalcy returns, many businesses continue to benefit greatly from an online presence.
- Expansion – Access a far broader audience than traditional brick and mortar setups.
- Convenience – Customers can engage with your business without needing to visit in person.
- Costs – Significant savings on overheads such as rent and utilities.
- Responsiveness – With your website operational 24/7, enquiries and orders can be received at any time.
- Flexibility – Both you and your staff can benefit from the options of working remotely.
In addition to these benefits, 2025 has seen emerging trends such as AI-powered customer support, real-time analytics and mobile-first design revolutionise the digital landscape. Embracing these innovations can further enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. For more practical tips on navigating this digital evolution, take a look at our Online Business Privacy Guide.
Need Help?
At Sprintlaw, we operate fully online and have guided many clients through the digital transformation of their business models. We understand the challenges and legal considerations involved in moving your business online in 2025.
If you’d like to discuss your needs further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at [email protected]. We’re here to help ensure your move online is as smooth and legally sound as possible.
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