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.
Learn effective stress management techniques to keep you sane during the holiday season, so you…
Looking for effective fall marketing ideas to help your business stand out? From eye-catching direct…
Learn from experts like Disney, Marvel, and more how to create an entire universe around…
We’ve gathered insights from professional photographers who reveal their secrets to getting inspired and staying…
In the ever-evolving marketing landscape, staying ahead requires a strategic approach throughout each season. Having…
Have you ever had WINNING customer service? Customer service that doesn’t just meet your expectations…
View Comments
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.
Thanks for the insight. You bring up a great suggestion with affiliate marketing!
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.
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.
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.
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.
In providing this level of information you have saved me hours of research , thanks