Building blocks for an online business

Building blocks for an Online BusinessCupcake Online Marketing

In today’s digital world, more and more people are leaving their office jobs to set up online businesses; especially as a result of COVID-19. The reasons for this are understandable – running an online business offers a way to work from home and “be your own boss”. Setting your business up from scratch and devising your strategy for online marketing might sound like an overwhelming process (and yes, it certainly can be), but many entrepreneurs find it fulfilling!

We have listed below some building blocks for getting started with your brand new online business.

1. Decide what your online business will be

It might seem like we are stating the obvious here, but it’s essential to consider all options before making this decision. This includes conducting and evaluating relevant market research. For example, if you select a market that is highly saturated, you are likely to be entering a challenging marketplace with many competitors. You might struggle to gain momentum in your early years until you can gain brand awareness and establish your reputation.

There are two important factors to determining what your online business venture should be:

  1. Where are there gaps in the market? What is something that people need, that isn’t currently offered (or difficult to find)? Think about your own life and consider the frustrations when you’ve wanted or needed something that just wasn’t available?
  2. What do you enjoy doing? If you’re lucky, there will be a market for something you are passionate about. If you are getting started in a field you don’t particularly enjoy, you are not setting yourself up for an enjoyable and profitable future in business.

In short, to be successful, your business must fill a need. You don’t have to be the only business of its kind in your area – in fact, other existing businesses prove there is a need for your goods or services – but it still must offer a solution to an issue people face.

Candle Online Marketing2. Build a website

You will need a website for your business. While many business owners are solely using social media marketing to generate sales, a website will increase your perceived legitimacy, it markets you 24 hours a day and gives you a reliable place to sell your products. Your website must have engaging content that includes keywords, a user-friendly design, and a way to collect email addresses so you can continue marketing new goods and services to your website’s visitors.

It should also provide an easy way for clients or customers to contact you to ask questions or set up an appointment. If customers have to click too many times, they’re likely to just leave your site. Unfortunately, our attention spans are short these days!

If writing content and designing websites are your thing, great. If not, it might be worth looking into hiring a writer and/or designer to help you. Your content and design are vital to the success of your online business; although it might be potentially costly in the beginning, the investment into your website will be worth it in the long run.

If you need assistance developing engaging website content, blogs, graphics or social media for your business, The CloudSitters are experts and enthusiasts in the area of creative writing and will be more than happy to help.

3. Establish your reputationFlower Jars Online Marketing

As with any business, your reputation will go a long way to ensuring your business has a steady stream of customers and clients. This is especially the case with online businesses as there will be little to no face-to-face contact. Establishing trust with consumers will be essential -this means you need to build a positive reputation. Deliver your goods or services on budget and on time. Address customer concerns or issues. Be easy to reach. Return enquiries or phonecalls as soon as possible.

One of the best ways to establish your business reputation and personality is through social media marketing. Social media platforms offer a channel to showcase the “voice” of your business using fun and insightful content. This could include behind the scenes videos, tips and tricks, photos of your team or even shares of your reviews.

An additional benefit of social media is that it can be used to drive traffic to your website. There, you should continue to provide helpful content; whether it be your pricing structures, about your services or blog post that will provide value while establishing you as an “authority” in your industry.

Finally, collecting Google reviews is an extremely powerful tool to increasing your visibility on Google while establishing further your wonderful reputation. If you need assistance asking for Google reviews, speak to the team at The CloudSitters.

 

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The CloudSitters Online Marketing

Running a business does take time and energy, but starting an online business doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a bit of thought and planning, and by creating compelling content that attracts viewers, you will soon be on your way to building a thriving business.

If you need assistance with marketing your new online business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our classic, digital and social media marketing services are completely customisable and we are passionate about supporting small businesses to grow and succeed. The introduction of your brand new business is an exciting time and we’d love to share the excitement with you!

Get in touch with the friendly team here, or submit a form below.

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