5 Simple Steps How to Start an Online Business

If you’re ready to be your own boss, but don’t have the capital to buy a franchise or open up a storefront, consider starting an online business with which you can reach millions of customers worldwide.

Below are simple steps to help you maximize revenue when starting an online business:

1. Define your product or service.

Starting an online business gives you the benefit of having access to millions of customers, but you also have a lot more competition. So pick a niche or create a product that no one else has so you can position yourself ahead of the competition.

2. Setup your website.

start with registering a domain name. Like the name of any other business, go for something short and catchy that will be easy for people to remember. Visit the website of a domain registration company and test out some of the names you’re interested in to determine whether they’re available. Once you land on a good name, go ahead and register it then get hosting for your website, or use WordPress.com to host your web site free of charge.

3. Create a stylish and functional website.

Elegant or funky, classical or hipster, your online store should reflect what you’re selling. No matter what your style is, it’s important to give of a professional air. Since you won’t be able to earn people’s trust in person, your website will have to do the selling for you. Your site should be engaging, and most importantly, easy for customers to use when they’re ready to make a purchase.

4. Become an affiliate marketer.

There are many companies and webmasters who use affiliate programs to boost their online sales, and most of these affiliate programs are free to join. When you sign up for an affiliate program, an affiliate link with a unique affiliate ID will be assigned to you. The affiliate link is used for marketing the products of your merchant. When a visitor buys an item through your affiliate link, you earn affiliate commission. Some of the best affiliate programs out there include ClickBank, Amazon and Google AdSense.

5. Be social.

Whatever your business, whatever your venue, keeping your name in the the air is key to internet success. Have a business account on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If your business is graphically oriented, have accounts on Flickr and Tumblr as well. Whenever there is news of any kind—a new contract, a new page, a new entry, a new photo—cross-post it to all your social media sites. Also make sure those sites link back to your main website, and that your website has links to all of them.

When it comes to starting an online business, all you need is a little time, energy and of course, a computer!