What do you need to do to open an online business?

I was thinking of opening up a websites and i'd be selling information, not an actual physical product. ...more of a "how to guide"

Figured though i need 'business name' to make it seem legit.

So wasn't sure with making a business bank account if i needed to register this or anything.

Also, if it makes a difference, i came up with this all on my own...no research or anything, nothing or no one to really influence me, just came out of the blue...

Without getting into if its sellable or not...just seeing if i have to go register my business and get a license.

Anywyas, to try to relate what my "product" is

Lets say you had a bunch of apples, and you decided to cut them up and throw them into a pot....then added some roast beef and fried chicken and orange juice (fresh squeezed) and it somehow tasted good...
so you decided to sell your recipe online.

Sounds like you should just charge a membership fee or viewing fee. You'll have to set up online payment and a privacy policy for payment information. You shouldn't need a license for anything like that but you will have to pay taxes on your income. Couldn't tell you much about that part.

To open a website, you will need to get a domain name akin to an address of your shop. Let's say you decide to compile your recipe in a form of an ebook and sell. You will have to set up a lead capture page to build up your lists.You do not want a customer based with just touch and go relationship. You will want to build up a relationship with your prospects who may you want to offer other new products in future. This is important. Prior to building up your lists, you have to know some traffic driving techniques to drive traffic to your site. The more traffic you drive to your site, the more money you will be making.