If you’re looking to start an online business in 2023, you aren’t alone. Online businesses are an increasingly popular choice for budding entrepreneurs and are more accessible as a career path than ever before.
With the right tools and resources, anyone can launch their own successful internet venture. If you’re taking the plunge and starting something new, growing your side hustle, or doing the groundwork to actualize your dream, this beginner’s guide can get you and your new business up and running in no time.
Summary/Overview
Decide what problem your online business will solve.
Your first step is to decide what problem your online business will solve.
Is there an audience that would benefit from your product? Is the market begging for the idea, innovation, or product that you’re ready to bring to the world? Asking these types of questions determines your position in the competitive ecommerce landscape, as well as how you go about marketing your online business.
Be sure to research potential problems that your prospective audience or customers will have, as well as any available answers or solutions to these problems — this ensures your online business offers something distinct and helpful. Set yourself and your brand apart from competing businesses and ventures to cut through the noise of a busy online marketing, and customers will develop a familiarity and trust in your online business.
Define your online business model.
Choose your business model carefully. Consider several factors, including the products or services being sold, target customer base, and expected revenue.
Depending on the type of venture, there are several different types of business models to choose from, which include affiliate marketing models, ecommerce models, and services.
What will you sell?
Before settling on a business model, decide whether you will produce your products or services, or outsource production to third-party suppliers.
Producing goods and services on your own gives you control over quality, price, and turnaround times, while outsourcing can provide cost savings and access to expertise that you may not be able to otherwise achieve on your own.
Look for products or services needed in daily life.
We are constantly looking for ways to make life more convenient and efficient, always seeking ways to save time and maximize productivity. There is a growing demand for solutions that simplify everyday tasks, from booking travel to clocking into work. Your online business should seek to create a value proposition that customers will understand as an improvement to their life.
To start, consider what occurs in your own life that a product or service could make a little easier. Maybe you would benefit from a service that reduces the time spent on a particular mundane task. Ideas like scheduled meal delivery and virtual assistants help people save time and energy.
Knowing what people are looking for can help you identify their needs and provides insights into how to market to them. You can use surveys, focus groups, or even one-on-one interviews to gather data and feedback from potential customers that will help you shape your idea and your brand profile.
With your online business idea in-hand, find out if your product or service would actually solve the identified problem. Do this by conducting surveys and interviews with potential customers, as well as networking within the community — and don't forget your personal connections! Asking family, friends, and neighbors for their input can be very enlightening.
Determine actual market need.
Just because you think you have a great concept doesn't mean there will be people willing to pay for it. With that in mind, narrow your ideas down to the two or three that are most promising.
Next, weigh the feasibility of each solution. Consider the actual market need for your ideas, and analyze the costs involved to determine which one will be most profitable in the long run.
Research your market niche and competition. The SEO-based skill of keyword research can be a critical tool in this process, as it allows you to identify what keywords are being used by competitors and how much competition there is for each keyword.
Use online tools to analyze the keywords that your competitors are targeting and determine how they are positioning themselves in the marketplace. View this information in terms of what you need to do to stand out.
Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors to perfect your business angle. Identify areas where you can differentiate yourself and build a unique identity in the marketplace. Notice what is working for your future competitors to develop your own strategies for success.
Look at pricing models, customer service offerings, product features, and any other advantages your competition may have over you. From there, spot their weaknesses, make improvements, and provide a better solution for customers.
Today's market requires you to remain agile and alert to changes that could affect the success of your venture. Technology constantly advances and customer demands steadily evolve, so it's crucial to stay up to date on the latest trends and adjust your product or service accordingly.
The introduction of new technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) for instance, could drastically change the way you do business. To stay competitive, keep informed about these kinds of advancements and how they could affect your online business. Your company remains relevant and successful by allowing the latest and greatest trends and tech to shape growth.
Who is your customer?
There are several places where you can find your online customers. You can sell your products or services to customers, businesses, or other companies through sites like eBay and Craigslist.
Selling B2B (Business to Business), B2C (Business to Consumer), or C2C (Consumer to Consumer) through these platforms is a great way to reach a wider audience and increase revenue. In addition to these sites, you can also create your own online store by using an ecommerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Business to Business is a type of model in which companies sell products or services to other businesses. B2B transactions can take place between two large companies, two small businesses, or a small business and a larger company.
A key advantage of this model is that it reduces overhead expenses by allowing you to order larger volumes of products or services at a discounted rate. You also have more potential for larger sales, and for recurring revenue.
B2B is an excellent choice if you have already established relationships with businesses, and if you have experience working in the corporate world.
D2C (Direct to Consumer) is a business model in which companies sell their products directly to customers. This type of model allows businesses to control their entire production and sales processes from start to finish and eliminates the need for third-party wholesalers or retailers.
This model is particularly beneficial if you offer unique products, as it allows you to capture more of your customers' spending power. By cutting out the middleman, you can save on overhead costs associated with inventory storage, packaging, and shipping.
C2C (Consumer to Consumer) is a type of business model in which consumers sell products or services directly to other consumers, without the need for a middleman.
C2C transactions are typically characterized by low overhead costs, as you do not need to invest in inventory or packaging. This type of business model is increasingly popular due to platforms like Craigslist, which allows users to buy and sell items with ease.
Affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing occurs when a business pays you to promote their product or service — which is an excellent choice if you want to sell products or services already on the market, and if you already have a solid customer base. This model allows the business to monetize its existing customer base, as well as tap into new markets and expand their reach. For example, Amazon has a robust affiliate marketing program.
Unlike traditional online advertising methods — where businesses must pay for each click or view — with affiliate programs, businesses only pay when a sale is made. In other words, you earn a commission each time someone buys the product or service you’re promoting.
If you have a product ready, turn the arrangement around and partner with an influencer. This arrangement is a cost-effective way for you to market your products and services, since an influencer would be promoting on their behalf.
Influencers work to build credibility with their fan base. When they have a large audience who trusts their opinions, their product recommendations can significantly impact sales. By partnering with influential figures in your niche, you can increase conversions and drive sales for your business.
Affiliate marketing is a low-risk, low-cost way to get started as an online entrepreneur. Whether you’re the company selling the product or the person doing the promoting, this type of business model requires minimal overhead expenses and can be quickly set up with few startup costs.
Ecommerce.
Ecommerce can take on both physical and digital forms. Before you can determine if this is the right approach for you, you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both types of products.
Physical products, such as clothing or furniture, require more time and resources for storage, shipping, and tracking orders. Digital products, such as software or eBooks, can be delivered quickly and easily without any overhead costs.
Examine the business models available for selling ecommerce products. Depending on the type of product you are selling and your intended customer base, one of these models may be more suited for your online business than others.
Retail is a popular ecommerce model for selling physical products. This involves purchasing items from a wholesaler or manufacturer and then reselling them to customers.
Retailers are able to control their inventory and pricing while also taking advantage of discounts offered by suppliers. This type of business requires you to make a significant upfront investment. You also need to establish efficient systems for order fulfillment, customer service, and product returns.
Wholesale ecommerce offers advantages for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, wholesale models provide access to a wide variety of products at much lower prices than retail stores. This allows customers to purchase goods in bulk or in larger quantities at discounted prices, thus saving them money. Plus, it provides convenience for shoppers who do not have the time or resources to visit a retail store.
As an ecommerce seller, wholesale models offer you an opportunity to purchase goods in bulk at discounted prices and then resell them for a higher price. This allows you to maximize profits while still providing customers with competitively priced merchandise. If you run your business entirely online, another benefit is that this type of model requires minimal overhead costs as there is no need for storage or shipping.
Dropshipping is a great business model for ecommerce entrepreneurs who want to start their own online store without the overhead costs of inventory, packaging, and shipping.
In this model, you can partner with a wholesaler or manufacturer that will store, package, and ship products directly to customers on the business’s behalf. This allows you to focus your resources on marketing and promotion, as well as customer service. Running a dropshipping business also allows you to quickly respond to changing customer needs by easily offering new products.
If you opt to own your own inventory instead of dropshipping, consider the cost of shipping and packaging the items. Also note the cost of storage space for your products. This can be significant if you sell large or bulky items and may require an additional rental fee. Furthermore, storing goods in a warehouse or other storage facility incurs other expenses, such as insurance and security costs.
Freelance or Contractor Services.
When launching a new service-based online business, one of the most important considerations is how you will present your service to customers. They will make their determination by outcomes, rather than relying solely on experience or credentials.
Preferring to see tangible results demonstrating the quality of the service, this shift in preference means that you must be willing to invest in a robust online presence and marketing strategy. Among other things, this includes a well-crafted website with quality content, such as a portfolio and customer testimonials.
Customers will also consider the price of the service you provide. While quality and credentials are important indicators of value, customers also want to be sure that they are getting the best deal for their money. This means that you must not only offer competitive rates, but also provide a clear breakdown of what is included in the service so customers can make an informed decision.
You might be wondering where these customers would come from. Finding freelance customers through your network, freelancer communities, freelance marketplaces, and social networks is an indispensable part of launching a successful service-based online business. Consider using a freelancing marketplace, such as Upwork, to find new customers. By leveraging these resources, you can quickly reach potential customers.
Software as a Service (Saas).
Are you digitally-savvy? Consider Software as a Service (SaaS) among your online business model options.
SaaS products provide customers with access to applications and services over the internet, eliminating the need to install software or maintain in-person IT infrastructure. This type of model allows you to offer customers high-quality services and products with low upfront costs.
Unlike traditional software products that require the user to install a program on their machine, SaaS products are completely hosted in the cloud. In addition, SaaS products can be quickly and easily updated without the user taking additional steps. This drastically reduces your maintenance costs yet provides a seamless experience for your customers.
To be competitive, consider pricing models carefully. Many SaaS products offer customers subscription-based access, allowing them to pay for only the services they need. This type of model allows you to quickly scale your product(s) and reach new markets without investing in the development of additional features or functionality.
Before launching SaaS products, you must be absolutely certain that your product is secure, reliable, and user-friendly. This means your product must be scaled to meet customer demands, and new features must be well-tested before being released. You must also offer value-added services — like customer support, data backups, and technical assistance — in order to remain competitive.
To thrive in the realm of SaaS, networking is a must. Let strong connections guide your strategy and approach. Build meaningful collaborations with partners and remember that word-of-mouth is often the best source of advertising.
Finally, one of the best strategies for success in software as a service (SaaS) is to focus on a particular industry or product type. This means that online businesses should look to identify their target audience and develop products that meet their needs. Focusing on a niche within an industry can help you better understand your customer base and create more successful products.
Selling digital products such as eBooks, worksheets, templates, and online courses is a great way for you to start an online business. They require no inventory or shipping costs, and can be delivered quickly and easily, allowing you to tap into new markets and reach customers all over the world.
If you have particular expertise, selling digital products is the perfect way to monetize your knowledge. Customers can buy online courses on their topic of choice, creating a passive income stream.
An online learning program can be broken into various levels, starting with an entry-level course, for example. Entry-level courses are typically priced around $500, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers while still providing you with a good ROI (return on investment).
In addition to offering entry-level courses, you could design and market simple learning tools, like PDF worksheets (which can be edited with help from Adobe Acrobat), alongside more advanced products, like higher level courses, in-depth workshops, eBooks, books, or educational retreats.
Posting valuable content is a key factor in building your business' social media presence. The content you post should be relevant to your industry and product offering, as well as engaging and informative. This could be an educational graphic posted on Facebook, an entertaining TikTok video, or a creative Instagram story — all made with the help of Adobe Express.
Engaging with and responding to your audience on social media is a must. This way, you make a positive impression and build customer relationships. Stay active on social media and interact with customers to create an environment of trust and loyalty, which will ultimately lead to more repeat customers, as consumers appreciate feeling heard and valued.
Similarly, make it a point to respond quickly to customer inquiries. Customers view quick responses as a sign of professionalism and reliability, making a positive impression on both existing and potential customers. Responding quickly also demonstrates that you value your customers and are committed to providing them with the best level of service.
Hone in on your target market.
Narrowing down your target market is indispensable. Focus on a specific group of people to ensure that your marketing efforts are tailored to their needs and interests. This maximizes your marketing campaign ROI to effectively reach those individuals who are most likely to purchase your product or service.
Research your target customers, determine their interests and behaviors, and analyze current market trends to create a successful marketing strategy that resonates with the people you’d like to reach.
Identify your ideal customer.
Once you identify your target market, further analyze and understand which segments are most valuable for your online business. Factors such as purchase history, customer lifetime value, and customer loyalty can help you understand which segments are most meaningful to focus on. By understanding your ideal customers, you can create marketing strategies that cater to their needs.
Native audience insight tools on social media platforms are an incredibly powerful way to get a deep understanding of your target customers. Leverage these tools to gain access to detailed data about your followers and gain invaluable insights into their interests, behaviors, and purchase habits — then craft strategies that reach the right people with the right message.
You can use online surveys or email survey campaigns to gain a better understanding of your target customers’ interests, behaviors, and desires. These surveys can include questions on topics such as demographics, lifestyle choices, purchasing habits, and interests. Such data can then be used to improve customer segmentation and marketing strategies.
Demographics can be useful indicators for potential customers. For example, if your business targets a younger audience, focus on marketing strategies that are tailored toward those in the 18-35 age range. If you are targeting a specific field, like technology or fashion, focus on interviewing key players in relevant industries. You can also leverage customer interviews to learn about the needs and wants of your target market and generate marketing strategies based on these insights.
When it comes to understanding the interests of your audience segments, research is key. The data you gather can provide important information about customer interests and behaviors, which you can then use to shape content, campaigns, and other marketing strategies.
Conduct a product trial.
Trials are a great way for you to gauge how your target customers are going to respond to your product. By giving potential customers the opportunity to test a product before making an investment, you can gain vital feedback on the user experience to inform improvements and strategies.
Informing your audience is the first step towards a successful product trial. To reach the widest possible audience, you should consider utilizing multiple channels to promote the trial, including your website, pay-per-click (PPC) ads, and social media platforms.
Add a designated page to your website containing information about the product trial. This page should give potential customers an understanding of the offering and answer any questions they may have. Also, provide contact forms so that customers can easily get in touch with any queries that arise.
In addition to your website, consider utilizing PPC (pay-per-click) ads and social media platforms to promote the product trial. PPC ads are a great way to target potential customers based on their interests and behaviors, helping businesses reach individuals who may be interested in their offering.
Several things will help you determine the duration of a product trial. Cost is a key factor, as longer trials can be more expensive to execute. Also weigh how much data you need to collect. Technology products, for instance, tend to require longer trials than non-tech products to form a comprehensive understanding of the user’s experience. Finally, consider how long it takes for customers to form opinions about the product or service.
Communicate the parameters and expectations of the trial with participants. This communication should be clear and concise so that they know what to expect from the trial. Also, provide ample resources and support throughout the process so that participants easily understand any changes or updates to the trial.
For meaningful insights, engage with participants throughout the trial. Establish a clear business plan to connect with participants. This helps ensure that they stay engaged and provide feedback.
You can use an array of methods to keep customers involved, like regular emails and conducting customer interviews. Offer incentives like discounts or free products in return for feedback and participation in the trial.
You may find that participants are slow to engage or provide feedback about their experience. If this is the case, extend the trial period. This gives participants more time to become familiar with the product and provides helpful thoughts and ideas. Plus, it gives you more time to improve your products and services before releasing them to the public.
Following up with participants after a product trial is another essential step in the process. After gathering feedback from customers, take the time to thank them for their participation and let them know that their opinions were heard and considered.
Various methods are available for following up with participants, like emails, direct mail surveys, or social media platforms for direct outreach. These methods allow you to thank your customers for their feedback and their insights, and simultaneously allow you to collect more data to shape your product or service.
Launch your product.
There are a few considerations in launching a new product. The first step is to carry out market research and analysis to ensure that the product is viable. This involves researching customer needs and desires, analyzing competitors, evaluating potential demand for the product, and more. Once your market research is complete, create a detailed launch plan outlining goals and strategies.
Prepare for your launch.
Several things can influence the timeline of your launch. The complexity of the product and how much development is required, the resources available for marketing and promotional activities, and the budget allocated for the launch are key factors. Be sure to consider external factors that may affect your business plans, like current market trends or customer expectations.
Effective promotional materials are necessary for a successful product launch. Utilize the right design to ensure your products stand out from the competition and draw attention from potential customers. Consider factors like your target audience, the message you are trying to convey, and the overall aesthetic of your content.