Small Business Info

10 Steps To Start An Online Business

10 Steps to Start an Online Business - The 123Print BlogIf you want to earn some extra money or even start a new line of work, the internet can be an open door to success. Experts have noted that online sales are growing and an increasing number of people are turning to the internet to find the products and services they need.

Following are ten simple steps to take when starting an online business. These steps apply no matter what type of online venture you are starting and will drastically increase your chances of being successful.

Find a Market. Start by identifying a product or service that not only serves a need but also doesn’t have too deep of a competition. This takes some time, thought and research but is key to your success.

Determine How You Can Meet the Need. Once you find the need, see what you can do to meet it. You won’t be able to do as much as you want to at the beginning, but see what a good first step would be, based on your experience, resources, budget, etc.

Make a Plan. Make a basic plan outlining why you want to start a business, why the business should be an internet-based business, what you intend to sell and why you intend to sell it. Keep this plan someplace where you can see it at all times.

Assemble Your Resources. Decide where to base your business from. A home office can be a great option and you can even earn tax breaks if the office is used exclusively for business purposes. On the other hand, there are also advantages of renting or leasing a separate location. You will also need to assemble furniture and equipment that you need for your new business. Purchase quality items that you can count on long-term.

Find People to Help You. If you need help, then find reliable, experienced people who can help you. These individuals can be family members, friends, part time or full time workers, depending on your needs and budget.

Start a Website. Create a website that is professional, good looking and easy for people to use. If you aren’t familiar with how to do this, then you can learn from various free online tutorials or hire a company that can do the job for you.

Set up a Sales Processing System. You need to have various payment options available to your clients. It is also important to organize your shipping and order tracking so that customers get their packages in a timely manner.

Set up Customer Service.You also need to have people available to take calls, answer questions and give advice. You can either hire workers to provide this service or enlist the assistance of an order fulfillment company.

Advertise. Tell everyone you can about your new business, using both internet and non-internet based advertising tools such as social media, coupon websites, flyers, etc.

Keep Improving. Never let yourself do business on autopilot. Keep improving and trying new ideas, while eliminating old processes and strategies that are no longer working.

These simple tips will greatly increase your chance of success in your new online venture! Do you have any other tips to add? Let us know by leaving a comment below, sending us a message on Facebook or tweeting us @123Print.

Author Bio: Obi Orgnot is a social entrepreneur who runs OrgNot Digital Marketing Agency and is currently working on reducing poverty by improving local businesses.

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9 Comments

  • Reply
    10 Steps To Start An Online Business | The 123Print Blog | Internet Business News
    September 12, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    […] 10 Steps to Start an Online Business – The 123Print Blog If you want to earn some extra money or even start a new line of work, the internet can be an open door to success. Experts have noted that online sales are growing … start an online business – Google Blog Search […]

  • Reply
    10 Steps To Start An Online Business | The 123Print Blog | Internet Business Ideas
    September 12, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    […] 10 Steps to Start an Online Business – The 123Print Blog If you want to earn some extra money or even start a new line of work, the internet can be an open door to success. Experts have noted that online sales are growing … start an online business – Google Blog Search […]

  • Reply
    Online Business
    September 21, 2013 at 10:39 am

    You can also become an affiliate marketer and sell other people’s products.
    Freelancing is one of the best online opportunities there are.

    Ebay is the biggest online business platform in the world now, it becomes
    more and more popular and more and more people sell and buy goods on Ebay.

    • Reply
      Rhonda Walinga
      September 23, 2013 at 10:00 am

      Thanks for the insight. You bring up a great suggestion with affiliate marketing!

  • Reply
    5linx
    September 25, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Tip #1 – Act Like You Just Started A ‘Real Business’.
    It’s a proven statistic that 97% of all network marketers fail and
    the above mentioned lack of marketing skills is the reason why.
    Simply put, I would spend any significant time or energy
    on any company that relied solely on technology products.

  • Reply
    Organo Gold
    September 30, 2013 at 5:40 am

    EH: What is the one misconception a person has about working from home.
    “The philosophy guiding Organo Gold’s Compensation Plan is not hard, yet successful. At this the current speed, many find their time, Organo Gold business cards and financial resources being washed away as these people strive so as to develop their fortune.

  • Reply
    Entrepreneur Ideas
    October 3, 2013 at 5:00 am

    You can hire an assistant, a phone answering service,
    writers, researchers or whatever other type of expertise you are seeking.
    All entrepreneurs create startups based on a dream that forms the basis of a business
    they would be excited to create. You get more time to spend with your family and
    live the life that you want.

  • Reply
    Online Business Ideas
    October 4, 2013 at 3:50 am

    It is important to break ties with a product or service that has
    become obsolete overtime even if you have an emotional attachment
    to it. The following is a list of some common press release writing tips:
    . Though most online businesses are profitable you must be
    warned that there is no short cut to being rich.

  • Reply
    ChristopherShea
    April 14, 2014 at 3:36 am

    In providing this level of information you have saved me hours of research , thanks

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