Steps to Starting a Successful Online Business
If you’ve been looking to start a business from home, you’re not alone. There are over 38 million home-based business owners in the United States, each of whom has a unique reason for launching their business online. Some wanted to pursue...
If you’ve been looking to start a business from home, you’re not alone. There are over 38 million home-based business owners in the United States, each of whom has a unique reason for launching their business online. Some wanted to pursue their passions, some wanted to be self-employed, and others wanted to continue working remotely. But whatever the driving force behind your business idea is, be prepared to put in as much effort into your online startup as you would a brick-and-mortar business.
You might not be behind a counter from 9 to 5, but starting an online business isn’t as simple as it might sound. Building brand awareness and identifying where to sell your products or services are only two of the many decisions that go into the launch of an online business. As with launching any business, having someone to help navigate the challenges of starting an online business is vital. Our team at the Don Ryan Center for Innovation is committed to providing the resources to help entrepreneurs open business across the Lowcountry, both online and off.
Here are some tips for starting an online business today – helping you achieve your dream of business ownership while finding the flexibility and freedom you require.
New Platform, Same Paperwork
You might be launching an online business because you feel constrained at your desk job, but the nuts and bolts of establishing a startup stay the same no matter what. Apply for a business license, meet your tax requirements, and get your insurance squared away. You should also draft formal business and marketing plans to guide you through the next 1-3 years.
Build a Brand Identity
Once you’re clear on the products and services you’re selling, build a brand identity representing your business’s mission, vision, and values. Your logo, color scheme, and “voice” should be consistent across all of your accounts, so your business is easily recognizable.
Build Your Website.
Think of your website as your storefront. Potential buyers will start sizing up your company as soon as they land on your homepage, which is why you want your website to look as professional as possible. Paying attention to details such as readability and user experience optimization is critical. Are design and taglines not your thing? It may be worth hiring a website developer or copywriter.
Focus on Growth
You’ll want to stay engaged with your target audience and generate more buzz for your brand to drive growth and acquire new customers. Achieve this through:
Marketing strategies like influencer outreach, social media engagement, blogging, and SEO efforts.
Omnichannel strategies, including selling your products or services on other websites such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.
Email marketing, where you grow your subscriber base through newsletters, e-books, and discount codes.
No matter what kind of business you’re starting, we can help. Our team of mentors has decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs – across all platforms and industries – through each stage of their business development process. Our members receive the support, guidance, and resources they require to reach and surpass their primary business goals.
Ready to see how the DRCI can help you turn your “big idea” into a reality – either as an online business or as a traditional brick-and-mortar company? Call us today to learn more about our business growth programs and how our experienced business mentors can help you decide if an online business is right for you, and how to take those critical first steps.
Click here for more information and to sign up for your FREE DRCI membership.