Starting Online Business in Iraq

As part of our business launching & partnership programs. We help you kick start your project online, and start making money.

There's never been a better time to start your online business.

With the world changing towards digital, contactless, and everything going online.

Now is the best time to launch a business.

The Challenges Starting a Business in Iraq

When talking specifically about Iraq, Kurdistan or even as focused an area as Erbil.

The online business world is not as common as most traditional businesses.

Brick and mortar businesses of all sorts are the most popular in the country.

"Brick and mortar” refers to a business that has at least one physical location. From which customers purchase, or deal with. The term is a response to the rapid increase of internet-based businesses. Which customers could only visit online.

This is a major point to consider when starting an online business because the community/buyers are more comfortable with the traditional methods in most cases.

A real-life example would be our start as PIT Designs for web design services based in Erbil.

Not many sectors could see the real value in having an online presence.

So there is that, educating the customer, to take action online through a website.

However, today things have changed.

We’re managing e-commerce stores for major private suppliers in Erbil.

As well as small businesses of active entrepreneurs selling different items from makeup to clothes and more.

What does this change mean for you?

If you have been debating an idea, to start selling something online, or creating an online-based service. Now is the time.

And we, at PIT Designs, we here to assist you and provide all that you need from consultancy to implementation.

To create the perfect website and functional business as a unit.

Starting an online business in Iraq is easier now than ever.

How to start an online business?

Starting from the most obvious and general requirements.

Writing a business plan

It is important to outline and form a plan, which acts as the foundation of your business.

A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business.

Use the plan as a roadmap. How to structure, run, and grow your new business.

It’s a way to think through the key elements of your business.

There are many formats and standards, you can Google it and find all sorts of templates to help you get started.

You may spend a lot of time developing a plan, or be satisfied with a minimal outline.

What’s important is taking action, rather than just planning.

Which leads us to the second point.

Choosing a Business Name

You may already have an idea or a name in mind.

Or you may start from scratch and brain storm names.

There is no right or wrong in picking the name, as long as you can find something available (preferably .com for commercial companies)

We can help you pick a name with different variations, and register the domain.

Create a Logo

A logo is a symbol that represents your business. 

It could be of any shape and form, colors, etc.

Some clients go with a simple, straightforward logo, with a simple twist

Check out DHVAC Logo, BKY Logistics. As an example.

Others prefer a more structured logo, colorful, and has a symbol + text.

Again, there are no limitations when creating a logo.

Our team is ready to create the perfect logo for your business.

Setup a Websites

Probably the most important part of the online business is the actual website.

This is where your customers “visit” your store.

Browse the items, check out prices and place orders.

E-Commerce websites come with different functionalities and features.

However, they all share some common features.

Features that make eCommerce websites great

• Easy management (user-friendly backend)
• Easy for the customers to find what they need, and place orders. (front end - UX/UI)
• Finances managed within the website.
• Control over orders, customers, invoices and product management.
• SEO friendly websites, to help you rank on Google.
• Other special features that your business/website requires

Online Payment Solutions

Another obstacle for our customers in Iraq, in general, is online payments.

We have the solution for that.

We set up a PayPal account for your business, where you can easily trade, buy and sell products.

And get paid online, just as all global web standards.

More information about PayPal in Iraq, click here.

Legal Requirements

This goes without saying, that you need to check with the right department, what your legal obligations are. 

Registering the business, licenses needed, and financial statements.

Please check with the relevant government department, or lawyers, to make sure you’re operating legally and abiding the law with your business operations.