Welcome to the course
E-Commerce Business Basics
Welcome to E-commerce Business Basics. You will learn how to research a market before you spend money, then see how online selling works on Shopify, on Amazon, through dropshipping and in business-to-business sales. Each lesson explains the trade-offs honestly, so you can choose the model that fits an idea. The worksheets help you test an idea on paper before you commit.
Start here
Meet your course
Every course opens with a short welcome, so you know what you will build, how the lessons flow and what you will take away. Each lesson ends with a printable worksheet, and the course ends with a final exam and certificate.
What you will be able to do
Skills you will walk away with
This course covers
Market researchShopifyAmazonDropshippingB2B e-commerce
- Validate an idea for an e-commerce business
- Open an e-commerce business
- Make more sales on an online store
Course roadmap
1 focused module, 5 lessons
Module 1: Ecommerce Basics
Starting an e-commerce business may seem complicated from the outside, but there are tools and strategies that make it easier. This module covers the critical concepts you need to start an e-commerce business.
Lesson 1: Market Research
- Why market research is the first and most important step
- Tools and strategies for researching a product idea
- Example: validating a product idea before launching
- Score your own idea with the product validation scorecard
Lesson 2: Shopify
- What Shopify offers for selling online, on social media or in person
- How to build an online store with Shopify
- Example: a store set up from scratch
- Plan your store with the launch checklist
Lesson 3: Amazon
- Why Amazon is a great place to sell to customers around the world
- How to add product listings on Amazon
- Example: a strong product listing
- Draft your listing with the listing template
Lesson 4: Dropshipping
- How dropshipping lets a store sell without keeping stock
- How to find suppliers and products
- Example: a dropshipping store and its supplier setup
- Compare suppliers with the supplier comparison sheet
Lesson 5: B2B E-commerce
- Why B2B e-commerce is a huge industry with a different approach from B2C
- The key differences in buyers, pricing and ordering
- Example: a B2B store compared with a B2C store
- Map your B2B approach with the worksheet
Final exam and certificate
The final exam has 10 multiple-choice questions. Pass with 80 percent to unlock your certificate and a LinkedIn-ready badge. You can retake it as often as you like.
How every lesson works
Four short sections, built around real examples
1
Learn the concept
A clear, focused introduction to one idea, with no filler.
2
See real examples
Strong and weak examples, plus the data behind them.
3
Study an example
A realistic scenario, or a real-world case study where noted, that shows the idea in action.
4
Apply it and download
Build your own version using a worksheet or template you keep.
Free downloadable takeaway
Product validation scorecard
A scorecard to test a product idea against demand, competition and margin before you spend a dollar.
Every lesson has a printable worksheet, and the playbook gathers them all in one document. Print it or save it as a PDF, then use it in your job search, freelance projects or your own marketing.
Free template
Product validation scorecard
Certification
Pass the final exam. Earn your certificate.
- A 10-question multiple-choice final exam that covers every module
- Pass with 80 percent. Retake it as often as you like
- A certificate with a verification code, plus a LinkedIn-ready badge and an Add to LinkedIn button
A
Certificate of completion
E-Commerce Business Basics
Awarded to you by Acadium
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Quick answers
Course questions
Is this course really free?
Yes. Acadium courses are free to take.
How long does it take?
You learn at your own pace. Lessons are short and focused, so they fit around work or school.
How do I get my certificate?
Finish the lessons, then take the final exam. Pass with 80 percent and your certificate appears straight away, with a verification code, an Add to LinkedIn button and a downloadable badge.
Can this help me get an apprenticeship?
Yes. Finishing courses and building a portfolio helps you stand out to mentors when you apply for a remote apprenticeship.