Brick-and-mortar businesses are hardly going out of style, but they do demand some upgrades if they are to keep up with companies that operate online. For example, some people prefer the convenience of using promo codes on their phones, over socializing in a betting house. So, what do you need in order to start your very own online business?
Website and Hosting
Like brick-and-mortar companies, you need a place to display your goods and/or services. In order to do that, you need to design a website or hire someone to do it for you. If you are low on funds, you can opt for one of the cheaper options where you take over all changes and updates to your website and build it via WordPress, though, we would still recommend consulting or hiring a professional to do it unless you are absolutely certain you know your way around the platform and have dabbed in HTML, PHP, and CSS for a while.
Hosting is also very important, as your website has to be placed on, for a lack of a better term, virtual property. Think of it as renting a building for your shop in real life – you need to pay rent and take care of the utilities while coordinating with the landlord on the issues.
Protect Your Info
This should go without saying, but the computer which you use to access these websites has to be dedicated to operating efficiently. In other words, don’t use it to visit any suspicious websites that could fill your computer with malware, spyware, and adware.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to back up your data every month or so. You can do it more often if you’d like, but don’t put it off for too long, as a server failure or a cyber-attack could leave you with weeks of work gone down the drain.
Social Media
Any online and offline business worth their salt knows that it is vital to have a strong online presence in this day and age. You need to use social media to build and maintain your brand. Make it so that every time there is a new deal or a piece of news you would like to share with your customer base, you post on your Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and other accounts.
There are many programs that automatize this process, saving you a lot of valuable time. Some of them even integrate several social media accounts together, so that you notify everyone of everything. Even if you have nothing really worth reporting, post at least once every two weeks with your thought of the day, company slogan ideas, or input regarding current events.
This is an old-school marketing strategy, but it works – as long as you don’t abuse it. The downside of the email is that people often feel like you’re trespassing on their account if you spam them with deals and newsletters they didn’t ask for. It is still one of the most relevant communication tools today, so make sure you use it wisely.
Customer Support
Be ready to answer any queries your customers may have, as well as address their concerns immediately after they arise. This shows your customers and clients that you are professional and ready to accommodate them. Like with every other item on the list, if you can’t do it yourself, hire someone.
