5 answers
Jaden
Student
Delaware City, DE
1
Question
Asked
591 views
How can i start a business online?
Steps and guide to start a business online
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5 answers
Nada L
IT Software
123
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Nada’s Answer
Hi Jayden,
It's awesome that you're thinking about starting an online business right out of school! It's a great way to be your own boss, learn valuable skills, and potentially build something amazing. Here's some advice to help you get started:
1. Find Your Niche:
* What are you passionate about? What skills or knowledge do you have that others might find valuable? Your business should be something you enjoy and are knowledgeable about.
* Is there a need? Do some research to see if there's a demand for what you want to offer. Are people already searching for it online? Are there existing businesses doing something similar?
* Consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their needs and preferences?
2. Choose Your Business Model:
* E-commerce: Selling physical or digital products online (e.g., through your own website or platforms like Etsy or Shopify).
* Freelancing: Offering your skills and services to clients online (e.g., writing, design, programming, virtual assistant).
* Blogging/Vlogging: Creating content and building an audience, then monetizing through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
* Online Courses/Coaching: Sharing your expertise through online courses, workshops, or one-on-one coaching.
3. Build Your Online Presence:
* Create a website: This is your online storefront. Make sure it's professional, user-friendly, and mobile-responsive.
* Establish social media presence: Choose the platforms where your target audience hangs out and start building a community.
* Content marketing: Create valuable content (blog posts, videos, social media updates) to attract and engage your audience.
4. Essential Business Skills:
* Marketing: Learn how to promote your business online. This includes SEO (search engine optimization), social media marketing, email marketing, and potentially paid advertising.
* Sales: Develop your sales skills to convert leads into customers.
* Customer service: Provide excellent customer service to build loyalty and get repeat business.
* Financial management: Track your income and expenses, manage your cash flow, and understand basic accounting principles.
5. Important Considerations:
* Legal and tax requirements: Make sure you understand the legal and tax obligations of running a business in your area.
* Time management: Running a business takes time and dedication. Be prepared to work hard and manage your time effectively.
* Resilience: Building a successful business takes time and effort. There will be challenges along the way, so be persistent and don't give up easily.
Resources:
* Online business courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a wide range of courses on starting and running an online business.
* Small business development centers (SBDCs): These centers offer free or low-cost counseling and training to small business owners.
* SCORE: This nonprofit organization provides free mentoring and resources to entrepreneurs.
Starting an online business is an exciting adventure! With careful planning, hard work, and a willingness to learn, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck!
It's awesome that you're thinking about starting an online business right out of school! It's a great way to be your own boss, learn valuable skills, and potentially build something amazing. Here's some advice to help you get started:
1. Find Your Niche:
* What are you passionate about? What skills or knowledge do you have that others might find valuable? Your business should be something you enjoy and are knowledgeable about.
* Is there a need? Do some research to see if there's a demand for what you want to offer. Are people already searching for it online? Are there existing businesses doing something similar?
* Consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their needs and preferences?
2. Choose Your Business Model:
* E-commerce: Selling physical or digital products online (e.g., through your own website or platforms like Etsy or Shopify).
* Freelancing: Offering your skills and services to clients online (e.g., writing, design, programming, virtual assistant).
* Blogging/Vlogging: Creating content and building an audience, then monetizing through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
* Online Courses/Coaching: Sharing your expertise through online courses, workshops, or one-on-one coaching.
3. Build Your Online Presence:
* Create a website: This is your online storefront. Make sure it's professional, user-friendly, and mobile-responsive.
* Establish social media presence: Choose the platforms where your target audience hangs out and start building a community.
* Content marketing: Create valuable content (blog posts, videos, social media updates) to attract and engage your audience.
4. Essential Business Skills:
* Marketing: Learn how to promote your business online. This includes SEO (search engine optimization), social media marketing, email marketing, and potentially paid advertising.
* Sales: Develop your sales skills to convert leads into customers.
* Customer service: Provide excellent customer service to build loyalty and get repeat business.
* Financial management: Track your income and expenses, manage your cash flow, and understand basic accounting principles.
5. Important Considerations:
* Legal and tax requirements: Make sure you understand the legal and tax obligations of running a business in your area.
* Time management: Running a business takes time and dedication. Be prepared to work hard and manage your time effectively.
* Resilience: Building a successful business takes time and effort. There will be challenges along the way, so be persistent and don't give up easily.
Resources:
* Online business courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a wide range of courses on starting and running an online business.
* Small business development centers (SBDCs): These centers offer free or low-cost counseling and training to small business owners.
* SCORE: This nonprofit organization provides free mentoring and resources to entrepreneurs.
Starting an online business is an exciting adventure! With careful planning, hard work, and a willingness to learn, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck!
Rich Bianculli
Regional Director - Network Strategy Department
19
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Rich’s Answer
My first suggestion would be creating a website,
The easiest wuld be a blog, community website centered around something you are passionate about.
Once you build that out, identify a way to monetize it, trusting your audience for feedback.
Alternatively, you can look at dropshipping or other business models that have a template, but understanding how to build an audience, a customer base and go from there is paramount to building an online business.
The easiest wuld be a blog, community website centered around something you are passionate about.
Once you build that out, identify a way to monetize it, trusting your audience for feedback.
Alternatively, you can look at dropshipping or other business models that have a template, but understanding how to build an audience, a customer base and go from there is paramount to building an online business.
brian b
Security Technology Specialist
15
Answers
Chandler, AZ
Updated
brian’s Answer
I would recommend focusing on the first six words of your question and then determining if online delivery is a modality that compliments the first six words. Said another way, focus on what the purpose is of the business. What problem does it solve, what unmet need does it address (for the ideal Customer profile). Online services should support and compliment the core business value which your business is designed to deliver. Therefore, I cannot address your question, unless I know (or you can communicate clearly) what your business is.
Nico Cerceo
Utility Locate Technician
18
Answers
Noblesville, Indiana
Updated
Nico’s Answer
Starting an online business as a novice is an exciting venture! Here's a breakdown of how to begin your journey:
Find Your Niche:
Identify your passions and skills: What are you naturally good at or interested in?
Research market demand: Are there people willing to pay for what you offer? Use tools like Google Trends or social media analytics to gauge interest.
Choose a Business Model:
E-commerce: Sell physical products online.
Dropshipping: Sell products without holding inventory.
Digital Products: Create and sell online courses, ebooks, or software.
Freelancing: Offer services like writing, design, or programming.
Blogging/Vlogging: Create content and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
Build Your Brand:
Choose a name: Make it memorable and relevant to your niche.
Design a logo: Create a visual identity that represents your brand.
Develop a website: Use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify for easy setup.
Market Your Business:
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to reach your target audience.
Content Marketing: Create valuable content (blog posts, videos) to attract and engage potential customers.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters.
Paid Advertising: Consider using Google Ads or social media ads for targeted reach.
Legal and Financial Considerations:
Business Structure: Choose a structure like sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation.
Taxes: Understand your tax obligations and consult with an accountant.
Licenses and Permits: Research any necessary licenses or permits for your business.
Continuous Learning:
Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer courses on various business topics.
Networking: Connect with other entrepreneurs for advice and support.
Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Remember, starting a business takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by initial challenges. Stay persistent, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes along the way!
Find Your Niche:
Identify your passions and skills: What are you naturally good at or interested in?
Research market demand: Are there people willing to pay for what you offer? Use tools like Google Trends or social media analytics to gauge interest.
Choose a Business Model:
E-commerce: Sell physical products online.
Dropshipping: Sell products without holding inventory.
Digital Products: Create and sell online courses, ebooks, or software.
Freelancing: Offer services like writing, design, or programming.
Blogging/Vlogging: Create content and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
Build Your Brand:
Choose a name: Make it memorable and relevant to your niche.
Design a logo: Create a visual identity that represents your brand.
Develop a website: Use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify for easy setup.
Market Your Business:
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to reach your target audience.
Content Marketing: Create valuable content (blog posts, videos) to attract and engage potential customers.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters.
Paid Advertising: Consider using Google Ads or social media ads for targeted reach.
Legal and Financial Considerations:
Business Structure: Choose a structure like sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation.
Taxes: Understand your tax obligations and consult with an accountant.
Licenses and Permits: Research any necessary licenses or permits for your business.
Continuous Learning:
Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer courses on various business topics.
Networking: Connect with other entrepreneurs for advice and support.
Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Remember, starting a business takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by initial challenges. Stay persistent, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes along the way!
Miguel Guillen Galarza
Project Manager
4
Answers
Lima, Callao Region, Peru
Updated
Miguel’s Answer
1. Discover Your Passion:
What makes your heart sing? Reflect on your hobbies, talents, or interests.
What's your forte? Perhaps you're an exceptional writer, artist, or programmer.
What issue can you tackle? Is there something that irks you that you could rectify?
2. Select a Business Concept:
Here are a few suggestions to kick-start your journey:
Sell Your Handiwork: If you're into crafts, sell your unique handmade items online.
Share Your Expertise: Tutoring, graphic design, or web development could be your path.
Start a Blog or Vlog: Broadcast your wisdom or passion to the world.
Become a Virtual Assistant: Assist busy individuals with tasks like email, planning, or social media.
Dropshipping: Sell merchandise without needing to stock up.
3. Establish Your Brand:
Name Your Venture: Opt for a catchy and unforgettable name.
Design a Logo: Create a straightforward logo that embodies your brand.
Set Up a Digital Presence: Utilize platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Instagram to display your products or services.
4. Promote Yourself:
Spread the Word to Your Circle: Inform your friends and family about your venture.
Leverage Social Media: Showcase your work on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter.
Network Virtually: Engage with online communities that align with your niche.
Offer Special Deals: Implement special offers or discounts to draw in customers.
5. Stay Orderly and Optimistic:
Set Targets: Decompose your lofty goals into smaller, manageable milestones.
Monitor Your Finances: Maintain a record of your earnings and expenditures.
Stay Positive: Cultivating a successful business requires time. Don't lose heart.
Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and pursue what you love.
What makes your heart sing? Reflect on your hobbies, talents, or interests.
What's your forte? Perhaps you're an exceptional writer, artist, or programmer.
What issue can you tackle? Is there something that irks you that you could rectify?
2. Select a Business Concept:
Here are a few suggestions to kick-start your journey:
Sell Your Handiwork: If you're into crafts, sell your unique handmade items online.
Share Your Expertise: Tutoring, graphic design, or web development could be your path.
Start a Blog or Vlog: Broadcast your wisdom or passion to the world.
Become a Virtual Assistant: Assist busy individuals with tasks like email, planning, or social media.
Dropshipping: Sell merchandise without needing to stock up.
3. Establish Your Brand:
Name Your Venture: Opt for a catchy and unforgettable name.
Design a Logo: Create a straightforward logo that embodies your brand.
Set Up a Digital Presence: Utilize platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Instagram to display your products or services.
4. Promote Yourself:
Spread the Word to Your Circle: Inform your friends and family about your venture.
Leverage Social Media: Showcase your work on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter.
Network Virtually: Engage with online communities that align with your niche.
Offer Special Deals: Implement special offers or discounts to draw in customers.
5. Stay Orderly and Optimistic:
Set Targets: Decompose your lofty goals into smaller, manageable milestones.
Monitor Your Finances: Maintain a record of your earnings and expenditures.
Stay Positive: Cultivating a successful business requires time. Don't lose heart.
Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and pursue what you love.