7 steps to a successful online business

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The internet is changing incredibly fast. There are so many concrete changes in a year. If you don't regularly follow trends, you'll quickly fall far behind. I do this myself weekly and sometimes I can't believe how quickly everything changes.


But that's not what I wanted to write about today. I dedicated my writing today to all those of my followers who are just starting their business journey.


Despite constant changes, the basics of starting and developing a business on the Internet have not changed.


If you are just starting your online business journey, I have prepared some tips for you on what you need to do. Also, all of you who have been online for a while, you can double-check if there is a step you are neglecting or not doing at all. You can never go wrong with the basics.


Having your own online business is definitely an attractive choice, but it also brings a number of challenges. Above all, you need to be aware that the independent path is truly full of ups and downs. It is about constantly testing your own limits and perseverance. Constantly!!!


You have to trust yourself to find the strength within yourself and reach beyond what you didn't think was within you.
Several of my clients have already taken their first steps into entrepreneurship. With the right business idea and a lot of hard work, you can do it too. I am proof that I built my own business with absolutely zero money.


In 2016, I became a single mother with a negative balance in my account. In the same year, I also lost my job, which no longer made me happy anyway.


I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, step by step, which I'm sharing with you today.


There are seven of them and I assure you that every single one of them is important.


1. Back up your business idea with thorough market research


If you have a good idea, ask yourself what it would contribute to the market. One of the biggest mistakes is to fall so deeply in love with your own idea that you may overlook the fact that there may already be an idea on the market similar to yours that offers a significantly better solution.


It takes careful market research to determine whether the market really needs it. It may sound harsh, but it's true: even if you think you have the best idea, it doesn't mean there's a market for it. Before you invest your time and energy into starting a business, research whether there's interest from potential buyers.


Also, look at potential competitors, check out their websites carefully. Then you can use everything you've learned to create a product for a market that may already exist, and do it better than the competition.


You can do research using surveys with 1ka tools , in Mailchimp, with Google Forms...). You can also learn a lot through posts in the form of questions and on Stories using Stickers .


EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONS IN STORIES



2. Take advantage of the free introductory promotion


Social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube) can be useful for self-promotion, building your personal brand, finding customers, suppliers, business partners, and also finding good ideas.


Other ways of promotion with lower or even no costs can be seminars, workshops, trainings, blogs, various forums, a website, etc. All of these methods are great for gaining new knowledge, promotion and are accountants email lists in united states mostly free. Of course, networking is also important, so attend various trainings, workshops, lectures, conferences, etc.

3. Write marketing content that sells


You can learn how to write marketing content. If you regularly put in the effort and educate yourself in this area (read a great book on writing sales content), writing will become a routine for you over time. You know the Slovenian proverb: "Practice makes perfect."


To get you started, I'll share a short, tried-and-true formula for writing sales copy :

Arouse interest with a compelling headline.

Describe the problem your product or service solves.

Prove your credibility.

Add testimonials from satisfied customers who have used your product.

Describe the product and especially its benefits for the user.

Present the offer.

Add a warranty.

Create urgency (this weekend only, limited stock, pre-order price until...).

Call to action (CTA).

It is important to focus on the problem your customer is having.


The task of entrepreneurs is to look for customer challenges and problems in the market, then offer them solutions.

4. Make a sales website


Nowadays, you can create your own website, because there are simple tools. The cheapest and simplest tool is Wix.com. You can also make a logo in this system or in the great tool Canva.


All you need for a website is a domain, hosting, content, photos, some video, and products to sell. If you don't have your own photos, you can use them in free libraries like Pixabay and Pexels. You can also use them in Canva itself. If you don't have the money for a domain and hosting in the initial phase, you can set it up for free on wix.com.




5. Drive traffic to your website


Once you have your website up and running, you need to make sure it gets traffic. You can do this by promoting it on social media , adding it to Google My Business, creating a weekly newsletter, building an email list, and writing your own blog. All of this helps you optimize your website by including your business keywords in the text.



6. Gradually build your visibility


As I have said before, it is very important to build your personal brand. We do business with people and it is easier to trust a person than a logo. Therefore, you will be much more successful in marketing activities if your entire team is involved, or if you are currently alone, you personally. Don't hide behind logos, but tell your story. Communicate regularly with your potential customers as a person.



7. Regularly upgrade your products or services


One of the most important online marketing strategies is to develop the lifetime value of each customer. At least 36 percent of people who have purchased from you once or will purchase your product or service again if you nurture them.


Therefore, regularly upgrade your products or services:

Offer products that complement their original purchase.

Send digital loyalty coupons that they can redeem on their next visit.

When making a purchase, also offer related products on the thank you page .

Create a loyalty club where they receive gifts or something FREE with certain purchases.

Reward your customers for loyalty.


I wish you lots of good business ideas, faith in yourself and, above all, a lot of courage to take a step towards your dreams. Anything is possible if you just believe in yourself.