Tips for Starting an Online Business
By Space Coast Daily // July 18, 2020
There are so many benefits to living in the age of technology. Thanks to technology, it’s possible to develop a multi-million dollar enterprise from the comfort of your home.
However, it takes skill, strategy and resilience. If you believe that you’re ready to embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship, consider the following tips.
1. Develop an online presence
When many people think about developing an online presence, they think about plastering selfies all over social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
This is actually the wrong way to go about it. Developing an online presence involves delivering valuable content to the people who follow you. It involves using your platform to enhance the lives of others with the products and services you bring to the marketplace.
You can develop an online presence by using social media marketing methods like live broadcasts, YouTube videos and product demonstrations. You can also serve as a guest on a podcast or a guest writer for an online news outlet that reaches your target audiences.
2. Maintain a professional website
In addition to maintaining a professional social media presence, it’s wise to find ways to redirect your followers to your website. Your website is your home base. It’s the place you control. If Facebook decided to shut down your page, you still want to have a place where you can conduct business.
Always redirect your followers to your page when you’re communicating in-person or online. Make sure the website looks professional and operates at a high level. By using platforms such as shopifyplus.com, you’ll be able to provide a great website for your business.
3. Create efficient customer services systems
If a hiccup happens with shipping, managing a return or another issue, you’ll always want to maintain great customer services systems that can take care of each customer.
In addition to developing an email system and a number to handle customer service calls, be sure to give a disclaimer regarding how you’ll manage the different requests. This includes informing the customer of the hours of operation.
It also involves letting the customer know how long they can expect to wait before hearing back from someone on your team. Whether you promise to get back to them within 24-48 business hours, be clear regarding what the expectations need to be. It’s also wise to place someone in charge of customer service operations.
Hire someone who is great with flustered or disgruntled customers. This will help you keep your sanity intact.
4. Invest in your entrepreneurial education
Entrepreneurship is a process and a journey that you’ll want to invest in. Whether you’re taking online courses, attending conferences, or reading new books each week, be intentional about how to learn as you conduct business.
There are so many aspects to the entrepreneurial journey that will force you to grow. By educating yourself, you’ll give yourself a better chance of developing into a dynamic leader and business owner.
Entrepreneurship certainly isn’t for everyone. This is a journey that some people are naturally built for. Others would much rather maintain a 9-5 job.
Both avenues are helpful, resourceful, and beneficial in their own ways. You have to know which one is best for you. However, if you choose to start an online business, know that though the process isn’t easy, it’s definitely doable and wildly rewarding.
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