It’s difficult to know where to start. With so many options available out there it’s easy to become overwhelmed because of all the planning involved. That’s we’ve gone out of our way to give you our step-by-step guide of how to build an online business.
Once you’ve studied our guide (it includes homework unfortunately) you’ll understand just what it takes to build an online business that isn’t going to just succeed, but is going to thrive.
With our guide you’ll not only be able to setup your online business, but also:
- Analyse current market trends
- Choose the right platform for you
- Direct towards your target market
- How to build brand loyalty through social media
- And finally – start selling!
Pens at the ready and notebooks open. It’s time for class!
#1 Find your niche
At the end of the day, running your own business means taking responsibility and control of your business. Whether it’s a crystal clear vision, or a flexible idea of the future, believing in yourself is the strongest foundation to build your own business. Your unique skills, services and products will see you through whatever the markets throw at you.
There are a myriad of cheap business ideas around, in fact we’ll be throwing together some ideas for you later. From handcrafted jewellery and homemade candles, to originally printed t-shirts, there’s a niche for everything! Just remember to be determined in your convictions
#2 Analysis (Or how NOT to build an online business)
Checking out your competition for what they do well is a good idea.
Checking out other competition for what they do badly is an EXCELLENT idea.
There are bound to be similar businesses offering products and services not unlike your own, because after all it is a big world. So go and check them out. Draw up a list of the things you like and dislike for each company, and most importantly – how would you overcome those problems?
Perhaps their website design is off-putting, or maybe their technical descriptions are too wordy for customers to be attracted to.
Alternatively they offer a combination of services in a unique and interesting manner, so keep your eyes peeled for who exactly is on top. If you’re careful, you will also pay attention to the phrases they use, because the more their descriptions match popular keywords in search engines, the more often they’ll appear online!
We understand that no one likes homework, especially when your passion is producing whatever is your business niche. However, just remember that an hour’s homework now will save you a week in the future! We never said learning how to build an online business was easy, but Rome wasn’t built in a day!
#3 Learn your target market
Now you’ve done a pile of boring (but necessary) research, it’s time to turn that into something useful and competitive.
Pitching to your chosen target market is essential. As target markets vary wildly you will have to lean into the style of whatever you’re selling. All of the market analysis you have completed has pulled back your bow – now you need to decide where to aim it.
Language and presentation is going to be incredibly different if you’re selling to teenage girls, than it will be if you’re selling to middle-aged men, so picture who will want to use your products and services, and WHY they want to use them.
If your niche is cute, be cute! If it is nerdy, be nerdy!
Now to the next step in building an online business – setting up your online platform.
#4 Getting online
There’s a large variety of ecommerce platforms out there. Numerous and varied beyond belief, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. You can check out our comprehensive eCommerce platforms guide here, but we suggest going proprietary rather than open-source (it saves you time, money and headaches!)
It would not be humble to suggest that our own eSuperstore is the best option for setting up an online business.
However what we will say is that you should find a platform that is:
- Easy to set up
- Is cloud-based (no manual updates, automatic backups etc.)
- Takes ZERO commission from sales
- Offers over 40 languages (for international markets)
- Fully integrates with any site-builders you have used before
It just so happens that our eSuperstore offers all of those and more, and with extremely competitive prices… What a surprise!
#5 Go social
You thought you could relax already? Oh no, we’re not done yet…
Social media has created a new home for marketing. The correct retweet or story share can see business boom overnight. Whatever you are selling, from candles to cork boards, a few pretty pictures online are a necessity. People being connected on their phones 24/7 may not be the best for mental health, but it is a marketing opportunity you can’t afford to look over!
Do you recall all that homework you did in step #2? Well here’s another section where you can make the most out of it! All your research will have revealed keywords for products or styles, and all you have to do is stick a # before a couple of them, and Instagram’s algorithms will make sure they are seen by the audiences who need to see them.
A touch here and a tweak there, the results might just astound you!
#6 More homework
There’s no rest for the wicked! We are sorry that the guide of how to build an online business did not include planning a spa weekend and a wine tasting, but it is what it is.
Constant research is what is going to make your business stand out!
By analysing market trends, you’ll understand what is working, and what is not. Eventually once you begin to specialise your entire market, you’ll not only increase your conversion rate, but cultivate an entire reputation for your business.
#7 Remain flexible!
Stop doing the splits, that’s not what we mean.
You are going to find that reality is different from paper. Those products you believed we best-selling may not be the ones your customers want, and perhaps there’s a greater demand for that one product you put on just as an afterthought.
You’re going to have to study how your market is moving, and not dig your heels in.
Improvise, adapt, overcome!
#8 Good luck on your journey!
Now you’ve completed our guide of how to build an online business, the only thing left is getting to work, and we at SuperDisty hope you make the best choices for your business.
With our comprehensive set of guides and articles available for you here, make sure to brush up on all of the tips and tricks we have on offer! Sign up for our newsletter to keep up-to-date on the latest opportunities in today’s markets, and never be left behind again!
