So, you want to start and have your own successful internet business? Unlike a physical business, the Internet offers the opportunity to be your own boss without a lot of start-up money. The Internet has become highly structured, creating a playground for go-getters and a democratic system for entrepreneurs. Almost anyone can start a successful online business, even in times of uncertainty and crisis. Here are some business rules and useful tips so you can realize your dreams and succeed in your online business.
Find a need and choose a name
Many people start making the mistake of researching products first, then marketing. The first step is to identify people’s needs or solutions, but not to find results.
Visit online forums to see what questions people are asking and what problems they are trying to solve. Do keyword research to find keywords that a lot of people are searching for, but few competing sites. Learn about potential competitors by visiting their sites and seeing what they are doing to meet needs. You can take what you’ve learned and create a product for an existing market – and do it better than the competition.
It’s worth taking the time to choose a unique name for your online business. Once you have a name in mind, you can do a Google search to see if any businesses with the same name come up. You can also search for brand names on the US Patent and Trademark Office website, and most states allow you to search for registered trade names online. A unique name helps me market your business; ii) reduces the risk that a company with a similar name will accuse you of trademark infringement; iii) increasing the likelihood that you will be able to obtain a domain name that matches your business name; iv) comply with state laws requiring that the name of the corporation or LLC be different from all other names registered in your state.
Business structure and formation
When starting a business, you need to decide whether you will operate as a sole proprietor, a limited liability company, or a corporation.
Private business. A person or a couple can work as a single person. This is the simplest type of business process and you don’t need to fill out any documents to create one. However, consumers alone do not have any protection against liability for trade and service charges.
A corporation or limited liability company. An LLC is more flexible and involves less registration and reporting than a corporation. However, a company can be a good option if you want to attract money from outside investors. The owners or members of these companies do not personally pay for the company’s services.
You must form an LLC or corporation by filing documents (articles or articles of association) with the state’s business registration office (usually a division of the secretary of state). You will also have to pay an application fee, which varies from state to state. For most small businesses, it’s best to file for incorporation in the state where you live. By doing this, you will avoid the additional costs of registering to do business in your home state and bringing in an out-of-state registrar. However, if your business has large national operations or you hope to attract capital, you may want to consider incorporating in Delaware. Once your corporation or LLC is formed, you will receive a certificate confirming that your new business entity exists.
Get a domain name
Once you’ve filed the paperwork for your new business, register a domain name for your business. A domain name is your internet address, usually ending in “.com”. You can check the existence of the desired domain name by typing it into the address bar of your Internet browser and see if an existing website appears. Many companies offer domain registration: you just create an account, specify the name you want to register, and pay an annual fee.
Fees, Sales Tax and Licensing Requirements
EIN. You can get a federal tax identification number on the Internal Revenue Service website. If you are a sole proprietor or a single-member LLC, you can choose to use your social security number instead.
Banking and payment services. Open a business bank account when starting an online business and, if you plan to process transactions through your website, an account with PayPal, Venmo, or another online payment service.
Sales tax. If you sell something online, you must collect and pay sales tax for the transaction in each state where your business has a physical presence. However, procedures vary from state to state and it’s a good idea to contact your state’s tax department and/or accountant to determine your responsibilities.
Business license. You should check your state or province to see if you need a business license or if you want to register a business name or DBA. Write a copy that sells
A sales funnel guides visitors through the sales process from the time they land on your site until they make a purchase:
- Define your audience;
- Describe the problem your product solves / report;
- Build your confidence as a problem solver / overcome obstacle;
- Add testimonials from users of your product;
- Value-focused language / how it benefits your customer;
- 3) Offer / call to action;
- 3) Consent;
- Create fast;
- Ask for a sale.
In all your copy, you should focus on how your product or service can solve people’s problems or improve their lives. Think like a customer and ask, “What’s in it for me?”
Design and build your website
Once you have your market and your products and you have created your marketing plan, you are now ready to create your small business website. Remember how simple it is. You have less than five seconds to grab someone’s attention. Important tips to keep in mind:
- Choose one or two simple letters on a white background;
- Make your navigation clear and simple, and unique to each page;
- Only use graphics, audio or video if they enhance your message;
- Include group offers so you can collect email addresses;
- Confirm the purchase (not more than two clicks between the customer can pay);
- Make your website user friendly;
- Buying web hosting, which is usually provided by the same company that provides domain registration (Bochum provides your website where you will live on the Internet);
- If you have the budget, consider getting a professional to help you with all or part of the website (setting up the site, creating and adding logos, making the site suitable for search engines and creating text and images);
Use search engines to attract targeted customers to your site
Pay-per-click (“PPC”) advertising is the easiest way to drive traffic to new sites. This has two advantages over waiting for traffic to come to you organically. First, PPC advertising appears directly on the search page, and second, PPC advertising allows you to test different keywords, as well as names, prices and marketing methods. Not only do you get direct traffic, but you can also use PPC advertising to find the best, highest converting keywords. Then, you can share those keywords on your site with copy and code, which will help your ranking in organic search results.
Create a reputation as an expert
People use the Internet to find information. Offer this information for free on other sites and you will see more traffic and higher search rankings. Always include links to your site and any information that: i) Provides free, professional content; ii) Create articles, videos or other content that people will find useful; iii) Share content through online directories or social media sites; iv) Include “send-to-a-friend” links and useful content on your website; v) Be an active expert on industry forums and social networking websites where your target market is.
Use the power of email marketing to turn visitors into buyers
When you create an opt-in list, you are creating one of the most valuable assets of your online business. Your customers and subscribers have given you permission to send them emails. This means i) You give them what they ask for; ii) You develop lifelong relationships with them; iii) Response is 100 percent of the sample; iv) Email marketing is cheaper and more effective than print, television or radio because it is highly targeted.
Increase your income through referrals and referrals
People who have bought from you before will buy from you again if you follow them. Closing that first sale is the hardest part. Use reverse sales to entice them to buy again. Offer products that complement their first purchase, send electronic loyalty coupons they can use on their next visit, offer related products on the “Thank You” page after their purchase and reward your customers for their loyalty and they will be more trustworthy.
