The 6 Things Every New Online Business Needs When Starting Out
So, you're diving into the world of online business? I’m so happy for you. I’ve been building and running my business since 2018, and love working for myself.
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey - business is a wild ride! I’ve learned from my years serving clients and my own experience as a biz owner that having things like clear boundaries, aligned values, and a core mission really help you move through the tough times with more ease and clarity.
For this post, I’ve mapped out the first 6 things you need to start growing and building an aligned, authentic business, that feels good (we’re all about making an impact with our work and an income that feels expansive over here.)
Before you can start making money and impact, let's go through the six essential things you'll need to have in place.
You Need to Know Your Target Customer: Picture your dream customer—the one who's absolutely head over heels for what you offer. Take the time to understand them inside and out. Who are they? What do they like? What problems do they have? What are their goals? The better you know them, the more effectively you can tailor your product and messaging to capture their energy and attention.
A Profitable Authentic Product: It's time to roll up your sleeves and create a product that truly wows your customers. The sweet spot is finding where your passion meets their needs. Conduct thorough market research to identify what's missing or can be improved upon. Craft a high-quality, unique offering that not only delights and inspires, but is profitable AKA you can sell it more than once.
Clear and Compelling Messaging: Now, let's talk about the power of words. You want your message to be crystal clear and irresistible to your target customers. Share the benefits, features, and magic of your product in a way that's easy to understand. No fancy jargon, just real talk that connects with your audience and sets you apart from the crowd. Think about your core values, your unique approach, and how you might explain what you do and why to someone in real life.
Authentic Brand Values and Mission: Your business has a purpose—a reason for being. Take a moment to discover what drives you and what impact you want to make in the world. Define your brand values and create a mission statement that represents the heart and soul of your business. Infuse these values into everything you do, from your branding to your customer interactions.
Marketing Pillars and Platforms: You’ll want to pick a few key content pillars and platforms that align with your dream customers and business goals. Are they hanging out on social media? Are they devouring blog posts or podcasts? Tailor your marketing strategy to engage them where they're most likely to be found, and make sure you lean into your own strengths. Love writing? Start a blog. Wanna chat someones ear off? Maybe a podcast is for you. Whatever you pick, find a cadence that allows you to be consistent across all channels, showing up as your authentic self.
A Sustainable & Ethical Sales Approach: Decide how you want to approach selling your amazing product. Will you sell directly through your website or explore partnerships with retailers? Do you want it to be evergreen (always available) or do you want to live launch it? Find the best path that suits your product and target audience. Consider factors like pricing, fulfilment, and customer experience as you create your sales strategy.
Bonus Tip: Stellar Customer Support and Engagement: The hardest sale is the first. Having repeat customers who return and will become loyal fans who share what you do with their friends and network is a great strategy. Map out a solid plan for customer support and engagement. Set up various channels for them to reach out to you—emails, phone calls, or live chat. Train your support team to provide friendly, efficient assistance, resolving issues with grace. And don't forget to engage with customers proactively through personalised emails, social media interactions, and loyalty programs. Show them the love they deserve.
Now that you have the essential componants in place, you're well on your way to success in the online business world. Remember, it's all about staying true to yourself, adapting to feedback, and keeping things simple and aligned to your core mission and values.
