In our online age of social media and uber-connectivity, starting an online business has never been easier. With a good Wi-fi connection, a few social media accounts, and some basic steps, you can start your online business in a matter of hours. And no, you don’t need to be particularly tech-savvy, well-connected or even well-versed in a particular topic in order to do so.
The first time I made money from my online business, I was shocked. As a conservative accountant raised in the traditional age of traditional businesses, I did not think you could actually set up a business online in a matter of hours. I was pleasantly surprised to note that not only can you do so, but you can actually build an extremely successful one at that.
If you’re thinking about starting an online business, you may be wondering where to begin. How do you go from watching everyone else build their own online businesses to creating your own? What do you have to do to launch this new online adventure? Can you start from scratch or do you have some pre-requisites to follow?
Here are a few simple steps to get you started from scratch, as long as you have access to a basic computer and Wi-fi connection:
- Start with YOUR idea and develop your concept
Any business starts with an IDEA! In my experience in business and as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), most ideas come from a need in the market. If you already have your business IDEA, you can get started with it! If you don’t, think about a need you or other people around you may have. A success business answers a need, or a question, so it’s valuable enough for customers to spend their hard-earned money on. What do you see as a problem, a need or gap in the market? Could you build an online business that would solve this problem?
Through this process, it really helps to map out your thoughts in a logical way. A great tool to help with this is Mindmeister, an online mind-mapping tool aimed at helping organize your insights and ideas in a logical way. If you’re more of a pen-and-paper gal or guy, it could also be as simple as working through this process on a regular notebook page (my favorites are from At-A-Glance).
- Get an online presence
It’s never been easier to get an online presence as today. These days, you can get a website up and running in a matter of hours through WordPressor Wix. You can also use the help of web hosting companies like Bluehostor GoDaddy. You can even buy your own domain name, or the web site address you envision for your business, in the same breath.
I use Bluehostfor all my web hosting needs for The Corporate Sisterwebsite, and have been very satisfied with their services. Bluehost for instance, will link to WordPress to help you create your website or blog quickly and efficiently. I’m far from being tech-savvy (quite the opposite actually) and was able to build mine with Bluehost and WordPress pretty easily.
You can also start your business by creating offers to sell directly from websites such as Leadpages. Leadpagesallows you to create free or paid online offers to your targeted audience to grow your customer base and make money in the process.
You don’t necessarily need a website to have an online presence though. You can simply begin on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, which exposes you to millions of potential customers already. However, since you don’t own those platforms, you may want to be careful and build your own platform in the long run.
- Build a connection with your audience
One crucial thing to do as you start your online business is to build a connection with your audience. You can do this by interacting with it on social media or on your website. A really powerful way to do it as well is to build an email list, so you can regularly correspond with individuals who subscribe to your newsletter in order to receive news from your business.
Mailchimpis a great tool for this, as it helps you build and send out your business news periodically.
- Set up your accounting and payroll system
Although it’s easy to set up an online business, you also have to make sure that it’s financially sound. This is where your accounting comes into play. Whether you’re accounting-savvy or not, you can do this very easily with Freshbooks.
Freshbooks Accountingis perfect for freelancers, small business owners, as well as agencies, firms and consultancies. It helps you support your growing business with accounting tools and reports, from invoicing to expense and time tracking.
As for your payroll, if you need support, Gustois an amazing tool providing payroll, benefits and HR tools and services.
- Identify resources to help you
As you start your online business, you will wear many hats, including CEO, social media manager, secretary, etc. This is why you want to identify and use resources to help you, such as Amazon Business, which tailors all kinds of business services and products from office to restaurant supplies to what you need!
Need custom designs? 99 designs helps you with original designs for your logos, book covers, websites and so much more! For any writing need you may have, you can’t go wrong with Grammarly, which offers automated proofreading and plagiarism check. An absolute must-have in business! For all your visual needs, Tailwind is one of the best platforms to help you win on social media. The point is to use as many resources and tools you need so you can focus on doing what you do best!
- Build your reputation
As soon as you’re in business, you want to build your reputation and establish your expertise by sharing it. One great way to do it online is by teaching what you know, and charging for it. You can do this by creating courses for instance, through platforms like Thinkific, which allows you to create, market and merchandise your knowledge.
The more you can share your expertise, the more your ideal audience will trust you and buy from you!
- Keep learning!
Last but not least, starting your online business also means always keeping yourself at the cutting edge of your field. Keep learning as much as you can about your industry trends and changes, and refresh your knowledge.
For me, it means stocking up on books such as Launch from Jeff Walker from Amazon or on my Kindle, or when I’m short on time, listen to audiobooks through Audibleor AudioBooksNowon the go.
Related: Try Audible and get two free audiobooks here!
If you feel like you need to go back to school for that MBA or Law degree to push your business to the next level, the Princeton Reviewcan help you with taking the related standardized tests and get into the school of your choice.
Are you ready to start your online business?
The Corporate Sister.
