6 answers
Blaze
Student
New Castle, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
954 views
How do you start with promoting yourself if you want to start an online business?
I want to start my own online business but don't know where to get a crowd.
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6 answers
Scott Snyder
eCommerce Lead, Online Marketing at AT&T
9
Answers
Updated
Scott’s Answer
As the answer above states building an audience takes time.
Tools like Shopify or Etsy make it easier for you to start up your website, and they also have tools to drive traffic to your site —- but it’s still not easy.
You’ll need to have a product that people want and even then it takes time.
Generally you will want to understand how much each customer will spend on your website (and how much profit you’ll make from each customer) and then develop an acquisition plan to be sure you costs to acquire a customer is less than what you earn from each customer.
Google and Social media are good places to drive leads.
Free leads can be gotten from having a well optimized website (organic search) and from your Social media posts. But also investing in these (paid ads, influencers etc) can also really help drive traffic, but do cost money
Good luck!
Tools like Shopify or Etsy make it easier for you to start up your website, and they also have tools to drive traffic to your site —- but it’s still not easy.
You’ll need to have a product that people want and even then it takes time.
Generally you will want to understand how much each customer will spend on your website (and how much profit you’ll make from each customer) and then develop an acquisition plan to be sure you costs to acquire a customer is less than what you earn from each customer.
Google and Social media are good places to drive leads.
Free leads can be gotten from having a well optimized website (organic search) and from your Social media posts. But also investing in these (paid ads, influencers etc) can also really help drive traffic, but do cost money
Good luck!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Promoting yourself and your online business effectively is essential for success. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. **Define Your Niche and Target Audience**:
- Clearly identify what your online business offers and who your ideal customers are. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points.
2. **Create a Business Plan**:
- Outline your business goals, strategies, budget, and timeline. A well-thought-out plan provides direction and helps you stay on track.
3. **Build a Professional Website**:
- Your website is your online storefront. Ensure it's user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides essential information about your products or services.
4. **Leverage Social Media**:
- Create profiles on social media platforms relevant to your business and target audience. Regularly post engaging content, interact with followers, and use relevant hashtags.
5. **Search Engine Optimization (SEO)**:
- Optimize your website for search engines to improve its visibility. Use relevant keywords, create high-quality content, and earn backlinks from reputable sources.
6. **Content Marketing**:
- Create valuable and relevant content, such as blog posts, videos, or infographics, that addresses your audience's needs and interests. Share this content on your website and social media.
7. **Email Marketing**:
- Build an email list by offering incentives like newsletters, discounts, or free resources. Send regular email campaigns to nurture leads and convert them into customers.
8. **Paid Advertising**:
- Consider using paid advertising platforms like Google Ads or social media ads to reach a broader audience. Start with a modest budget and monitor results.
9. **Online Marketplaces**:
- If applicable, list your products on popular online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy to tap into their established customer base.
10. **Influencer Marketing**:
- Partner with influencers in your niche who can promote your products or services to their followers.
11. **Networking**:
- Join online communities, forums, and groups related to your industry. Engage in discussions, offer valuable insights, and subtly promote your business when appropriate.
12. **Customer Reviews and Testimonials**:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your website or third-party review platforms. Positive reviews build trust with potential customers.
13. **Analytics and Data**:
- Use web analytics tools to track the performance of your online efforts. Adjust your strategies based on data insights to improve your marketing.
14. **Customer Service**:
- Provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation. Happy customers are more likely to refer others to your business.
15. **Adapt and Evolve**:
- Stay adaptable and open to changes in your marketing strategies. As your business grows, you may need to explore new promotional avenues.
16. **Consistency is Key**:
- Be consistent in your branding, messaging, and content. Consistency helps establish brand recognition and trust.
17. **Patience and Persistence**:
- Building an online presence and customer base takes time. Be patient, and don't be discouraged by slow initial progress.
Remember that promoting an online business is an ongoing effort. Continuously assess your strategies, listen to customer feedback, and adapt to the changing digital landscape. Building a loyal customer base and online presence requires dedication and persistence, but with the right strategies, you can effectively grow your online business over time.
1. **Define Your Niche and Target Audience**:
- Clearly identify what your online business offers and who your ideal customers are. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points.
2. **Create a Business Plan**:
- Outline your business goals, strategies, budget, and timeline. A well-thought-out plan provides direction and helps you stay on track.
3. **Build a Professional Website**:
- Your website is your online storefront. Ensure it's user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides essential information about your products or services.
4. **Leverage Social Media**:
- Create profiles on social media platforms relevant to your business and target audience. Regularly post engaging content, interact with followers, and use relevant hashtags.
5. **Search Engine Optimization (SEO)**:
- Optimize your website for search engines to improve its visibility. Use relevant keywords, create high-quality content, and earn backlinks from reputable sources.
6. **Content Marketing**:
- Create valuable and relevant content, such as blog posts, videos, or infographics, that addresses your audience's needs and interests. Share this content on your website and social media.
7. **Email Marketing**:
- Build an email list by offering incentives like newsletters, discounts, or free resources. Send regular email campaigns to nurture leads and convert them into customers.
8. **Paid Advertising**:
- Consider using paid advertising platforms like Google Ads or social media ads to reach a broader audience. Start with a modest budget and monitor results.
9. **Online Marketplaces**:
- If applicable, list your products on popular online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy to tap into their established customer base.
10. **Influencer Marketing**:
- Partner with influencers in your niche who can promote your products or services to their followers.
11. **Networking**:
- Join online communities, forums, and groups related to your industry. Engage in discussions, offer valuable insights, and subtly promote your business when appropriate.
12. **Customer Reviews and Testimonials**:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your website or third-party review platforms. Positive reviews build trust with potential customers.
13. **Analytics and Data**:
- Use web analytics tools to track the performance of your online efforts. Adjust your strategies based on data insights to improve your marketing.
14. **Customer Service**:
- Provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation. Happy customers are more likely to refer others to your business.
15. **Adapt and Evolve**:
- Stay adaptable and open to changes in your marketing strategies. As your business grows, you may need to explore new promotional avenues.
16. **Consistency is Key**:
- Be consistent in your branding, messaging, and content. Consistency helps establish brand recognition and trust.
17. **Patience and Persistence**:
- Building an online presence and customer base takes time. Be patient, and don't be discouraged by slow initial progress.
Remember that promoting an online business is an ongoing effort. Continuously assess your strategies, listen to customer feedback, and adapt to the changing digital landscape. Building a loyal customer base and online presence requires dedication and persistence, but with the right strategies, you can effectively grow your online business over time.
Kristan Browne Swan
Business Consultant and Coach
15
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristan’s Answer
Online followings are built over time; remind yourself to be patient. In order to get started, ask yourself a few questions:
To whom am I selling ? Do you have real life experience delivering your product or service to actual people? Have you done market research? What is the feedback you have received from real people?
Be willing to get very specific, even envisioning your ideal client as an actual person you may know. The moment someone comes across your product or service, you would like them to be able to identify if it is something they want/need or perhaps they know someone.
Who else is providing a similar product or service?
Study what other people are doing, borrow what you like, and pay attention to how you would like to approach your business differently. This isn't about being in competition as much as it is about information gathering and getting curious. Some of these other businesses can be potential partners and referral sources, particularly if your business is geographically specific or different in some way.
How will you deliver your product/service?
Figure out the simplest way to deliver to your customers. Having your infrastructure in place is key. Do you have a business name? Have you secured a domain, social media accounts, and email? Pricing?
Then you can begin to create and post on social media. My recommendation is to start with one platform and developing a posting schedule for yourself. The main thing is to post consistently.
Lastly, have fun with this and allow yourself to learn from your mistakes.
To whom am I selling ? Do you have real life experience delivering your product or service to actual people? Have you done market research? What is the feedback you have received from real people?
Be willing to get very specific, even envisioning your ideal client as an actual person you may know. The moment someone comes across your product or service, you would like them to be able to identify if it is something they want/need or perhaps they know someone.
Who else is providing a similar product or service?
Study what other people are doing, borrow what you like, and pay attention to how you would like to approach your business differently. This isn't about being in competition as much as it is about information gathering and getting curious. Some of these other businesses can be potential partners and referral sources, particularly if your business is geographically specific or different in some way.
How will you deliver your product/service?
Figure out the simplest way to deliver to your customers. Having your infrastructure in place is key. Do you have a business name? Have you secured a domain, social media accounts, and email? Pricing?
Then you can begin to create and post on social media. My recommendation is to start with one platform and developing a posting schedule for yourself. The main thing is to post consistently.
Lastly, have fun with this and allow yourself to learn from your mistakes.
Naja Mcdonald
Social Media Influence & Advocacy Lead
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Naja’s Answer
Leverage your network. I suggest using personal recommendations and social media platforms as a simple method to begin marketing your business. It would be beneficial to establish a website or design business cards, allowing potential customers to view your product.
Matt Steffen
Marketing
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Consider posting thought leadership content in LinkedIn. Try to understand what learning opportunities your target audience is seeking, and write content that speaks to those themes. The more valuable insights you can provide, the more it will be liked and shared.
Tia Nix, PHR
Business Development Professional
5
Answers
El Cajon, California
Updated
Tia’s Answer
Hi Blaze,
If you are already on social media that is a great way to promote what you do. Promoting could mean a few things such as;
- Speaking with local business owners who do what you do, to learn from them. (What to do - and - what not to do!)
- Reaching out and interviewing people who may be your competition one day, to learn from them. (There's enough success to go around, remember that!)
- Collaborate with businesses in your area, to establish your presence and interest in your industry.
- Practice making a website through wix.com (free version)
- Practice creating what you want your brand to look like, through canva.com (free version) (colors, logo)
- Do research, to figure out what online platforms have the most customer activity, what brands are doing the best, and why that might be.
If you are already on social media that is a great way to promote what you do. Promoting could mean a few things such as;
- Speaking with local business owners who do what you do, to learn from them. (What to do - and - what not to do!)
- Reaching out and interviewing people who may be your competition one day, to learn from them. (There's enough success to go around, remember that!)
- Collaborate with businesses in your area, to establish your presence and interest in your industry.
- Practice making a website through wix.com (free version)
- Practice creating what you want your brand to look like, through canva.com (free version) (colors, logo)
- Do research, to figure out what online platforms have the most customer activity, what brands are doing the best, and why that might be.