Enter the Business World: 7 Steps to Starting a Small Business Online
Beginning an online business starts with the fulfilment of a need and the development of credibility. However, many factors govern making the online business a great success. Although the barriers involved in starting up a business online are low, the majority of people starting an online business fail basically because of the mistakes they make which appear to be obvious in hindsight. Overestimation of profits or trying to do too many things for the clientele right from the onset. However, there is a sequence of steps you may take that improves the chances of success while starting your online business.
1. Opt for a business that will fulfil a requirement
Many people that are just beginning commit the mistake of looking for their product first and then looking at the market. For boosting the chances of success, you need to consider the market first. The idea is to look for a group of people that are searching for a solution to some issue and not being able to do so. This type of market research is simple due to the presence of the internet. You can visit the online forums or perform keyword research to understand the problem people are looking to resolve. You can start a business catering to a specific country such as Hong Kong. You can use Hong Kong company formation services for this purpose.
2. Write content that will sell
There is an established sales copywriting formula that guides the visitors in the selling process right from the moment they have arrived at the website to make a purchase. Use a compelling headline to arouse interest and describe the problem your product can solve. Establish your credibility as an expert in solving the issue. Discuss the product and add testimonials from past users. Make an offer with a strong guarantee. Develop urgency and ask for a sale.
3. Design and build the site
After you have decided on the market and the product, you would have nailed down the selling procedure. At this stage, you will be ready for the small business web design. Keep the design simple as you have less than five seconds to grab the attention of users. Select straightforward fonts with a white background and make the navigation bar simple and clear for every page. Just use audio, video, and graphics to enhance the message.
4. Bring the prospective buyers to your website by using search engines
PPC or Pay Per Click advertising is one of the simplest methods for bringing traffic to a website. There are two main advantages over waiting for organic traffic. First is that PPC ads appear on the SERPs immediately. The second is that they allow you to test various keywords, prices, headlines, and selling methods. You can not only get instantaneous traffic you may use these PPC ads to find the best keywords.
5. Establish a reputation as an expert
People use the web for finding info. You can provide this info for free and get more traffic with better search engine rankings. The key here is to include links to the website with all small bits of information. Provide expert and free content. Add "Send to a friend" links and become an expert on industry forums. This will allow you to reach new readers apart from getting links.
6. Use email marketing to convert prospects into buyers
After you have developed an opt-in list, you will be developing one of the more valuable assets for the online business. Your subscribers and customers would have given their consent to send them emails. Keep in mind that a person that visits your website and elects to join your list is a hot lead. There is no greater tool for follow-ups than email.
7. Raise the income through upselling and back-end sales
One of the key internet marketing strategies is the development of value for all customers. Almost a third of the clients that bought from you are likely to buy again if you keep following up with them. You can use upselling and back-end selling to entice them to purchase from you again.
Conclusion
The web keeps on changing fast and one year on the web is similar to five years of the real world. However, the principles of starting and growing an online business have not changed in the process. While starting your online business, stick to this order.