Do you want to start an online business? Maybe you’ve been thinking about this for a while, but just don’t know where to start. It can be really overwhelming, especially if you think you have to figure everything out before you even begin. But it can actually be easier than you think to get started with an online business. If you follow these steps and recommendations, you can build one piece at a time instead of trying to figure everything out beforehand. And yes, it’s still possible to start a successful online business, even in 2024.
1. Decide what your online business model will be.
Do you want to create and sell things? Or digital products, maybe? Do you want to offer consulting or coaching? Maybe you’d like to repair things or take custom orders? How about offering a subscription-based membership? If you like teaching, you may want to offer an online course? Or work with an affiliate program and offer recommendations? Perhaps you just want to show off your skills so people will schedule a meeting with you or contact you for in-person services? And of course, some people take ads and sponsors for their content. Or, you could use sub stack or patreon to get people to pay you for your content, as well. If you like working with clients, maybe become a freelancer? And of course, let’s not forget YouTube!
There are SO many ways to run an online business. You can pick one or create multiple streams, depending on what works for you. This list can be overwhelming, so I recommend starting with just ONE way of earning money online. Once you have that one up and running, you can always add more, but it’s best to get one thing working first.
2. Find a platform or build a website.
Once you’ve decided on what you’re going to do and what your online business model will be, it’s time to start building and put it out there. (Yes, even if you don’t feel like you’re ready!) If you picked something with an existing platform (like an Etsy store or course on Udemy), you’re ready to just start building your thing(s). However, if a ready-made platform doesn’t exist, you’ll likely have to build your own website for your online business.
Even if you do go with a third party platform, I’d still recommend building your own website right from the start. Etsy can shut down your store with no notice, for no reason. Even if you’re on YouTube, it’s good to have your own website where you can provide additional info and add more income streams (like merchandise or ads or affiliate links) later on.
The good news is that you don’t have to make all of the decisions right now. If you go with a WordPress website, you’ll be able to do just about whatever you like with it. You can start out with an online store and add a membership site later on. Or, start out with affiliate links and add a subscription site later. Pretty much any of the online business models can be done on a WordPress website with the right add-ons. Plus, if you go with a user-friendly theme like Divi, you’ll be able to change your design and branding later on, as well. No need to have everything figured out perfectly before you start, so no more analysis paralysis!
3. Figure out the functionality details.
If you’re only going with a third party platform, you’re done! But if you’re adding a website as well, you’ll want to figure out the exact steps of how your business will work. Will clients pay first and be charged for tax and shipping and then you’ll send the items? Or maybe they will immediately get a download or access to a locked part of the site?
Map out the steps of exactly what will happen and how those pieces will be built. This is where it’s probably a good idea to hire someone to help make sure everything works properly, as well.
4. Keep growing your online business.
Once you have everything up and running and functional, you’re all set with your online business! But of course, the internet moves fast. And every entrepreneur wants to keep growing and improving their business, even if it’s a ‘side hustle.’
If you built yourself a WordPress website, you’ll be all set to keep growing and adding well into the future. WordPress has been around forever and a huge chunk of the internet is run on its platform. You can add functionality, content, or even huge new sections of your site. The possibilities are really endless!!
