So in my first month of starting my online business, I have found out and learned many interesting things about the world of social media, website design, html, SEO, back-linking, monetization, tips, advise, statistics, you name it. The industry is fascinating to say the least. I love it though. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of trying to get this business started. Here is what I have learned so far about getting started and hopefully I can provide some helpful and relevant content here.
First thing first. You need a basic understanding of how to use a computer and the various programs that accompany it. If you have troubles turning on the coffee maker, then I would suggest looking for some courses to brush up on your computer skills. I'm not saying you have to be an expert, but a basic knowledge of how to use Microsoft Office products, email platforms such as lotus notes and outlook, and how to use an internet browser will certainly make your journey to start a business that much easier. Go to you local community college to see if they have any offerings for basic level computer courses. Then from there you can work your way up to intermediate and more advanced level courses. For me, as I work in the business world, I am very familiar with how to use a computer so it was not that difficult for me to get started.
Actually, you need an idea first but I was getting ahead of myself a bit. What do you want to do when starting an internet business? Do you want to offer a site that sells goods, services, etc? You need a plan of what you want to do, a brand. One thing you do know is that you want to start a business of your own so I would assume the spirit of the entrepreneur lives in you. That is the start of a foundation. What do you want to do? I started with the idea and brand of being what is called a "Social Media Strategist." What is this, what services do I provide, how do I make money? Well, you need to build a following, get likes, get exposure, get some buzz going. My tag line is "Getting you the Buzz you need!" Well, it is more complicated then I thought, but still fulfilling. It takes time, it takes reading a lot of information, both off and online, it takes patience. Developing the following you need takes a lot of time. Starting a business such as this should be something you do on the side at first, then as you do get going pull away from your day job. Remember, never, never, never give up!
Once you have that knowledge and comfort level, you need to purchase a computer. Go to Best Buy or wherever, and look at laptops. You may think a desktop is the way to go, but laptops these days come with very large screens, lots of programs you need, and the speed and agility of todays laptops is excellent. I would suggest spending in the range of $400-800 on one. 750 GB of memory is more then you will ever need. If you don't know what GB is, it is Gigabyte.
Second thing, you need a basic understanding of social media and the various platforms. Facebook, Twitter, Linked, Google+, Pinterest, Myspace, Instagram, Vine, etc. The accounts are free, and best way to learn how to use them is to open an account and get started. Each social media platform is different, and attracts different types of users. While Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with people, Twitter is more of a way to follow current events and what people are doing on a daily basis.
You will need a website. Ultimately, you want traffic from various sources to visit your website. Based on search engines such as Google and Bing, rankings, links to other sites, you need to develop and design a website. It is all about website traffic and getting people to your site. You can take courses on website design, buy books, get advise online, etc. There are host providers such as Hostpapa, Hostgator and GoDaddy that provide template website design services. They are fairly user friendly, but again having a basic knowledge of how to use a computer and the internet is a must.
Next thing, and this can drive traffic to your site and platform pages is starting a blog and sharing your knowledge with the world (once you have obtained that knowledge.) The number one thing I have read, and heard from many sources is that you need to engage your followers with content that is interesting and relevant to what they are interested in. This is very true. If you talk more about you, your dog, your favorite colour, or whatever, you will not engage anyone. Remember this, use the 80/20 rule. 80% should be about something other then you, some knowledge, information, pictures, videos of something that your audience would be interested in. 20% can be engagement with your audience, chatting, a joke, something shared that's funny, etc. Keep it informative and relevant.
Next is making money. You have done all this work, now you need to make money, yes! With blogging and your websites, yes you can make money with it, but I would say to start off you are not going to have a following of million people, so you may have to make money via other sources. Selling on your sites is one way. Everything from amazon.com to web hosting companies can help you start the ball rolling with affiliate programs. Once you get a good following, eventually when you are selling something you will catch someone in a buying mood. here is a link to a great blog post with strategies to help you make money with your site: http://letsbuildwebsites.com/website-monetization-strategies/
The number one thing to remember when starting up is to never give up on your dream to be your own boss and to have your own business. It is daunting, and yes it is risky. But with high risks, come high rewards. Good luck to you!
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