10 Point Checklist for Starting an Online Business
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Most of us aren't lucky enough to have a viral video .
But we still want to build an online business..
But where do we begin?
Follow these 10 steps outlined here and you will have a solid foundation that will put you well on your way to starting a successful online business.
Follow these 10 steps outlined here and you will have a solid foundation that will put you well on your way to starting a successful online business.
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Maybe you've done a lot of searching and can't seem to find all the information you need in one place.
I was the same way, search after search, video after video.
I was the same way, search after search, video after video.
Getting a lot of information, but nothing to put it all together in a workable plan that I could implement.
After much searching, I've found a clear path.
I had to go through months and months of trial and error to come to the point where I am today.
I know starting an online business can be an enormous task and I want to help you out in your journey to avoid some mistakes and take advantage of some of the treasures that I've found.
It is work.
Hard work?
If you consider sitting behind a computer, reading, typing and having online conversations hard work.
Then, yes .. But, relative to some other types of hard labor outside in unbearable temperatures, putting a strain on your body.. I would say it's work, but relatively easily physically.
You may already be a business owner that has a traditional brick and mortar location, or maybe you're a a beginner pursuing a dream,.
Wherever you find yourself currently, there are numerous challenges to overcome, trends to keep an eye on and a huge need for proper preparation.
To make it at least a tiny bit easier for you, I've decided to put together this 10-point checklist,
You may already be a business owner that has a traditional brick and mortar location, or maybe you're a a beginner pursuing a dream,.
Wherever you find yourself currently, there are numerous challenges to overcome, trends to keep an eye on and a huge need for proper preparation.
To make it at least a tiny bit easier for you, I've decided to put together this 10-point checklist,
which will give you step by step instructions. covering all the essential steps that I've found for starting an online business.
Throughout the report, I've tried to include many resources to use as well.
2. Make ideas great again! By doing RESEARCH !!
2 areas that you need to research.
Okay. You have an idea, which seems to be interesting and also figured out a business model, that would generate constant revenue for your online business.
Don't get nervous about discovering that your idea is already out there. You can either go back to the first point and think of another idea, or tweak your present idea.
Check below for some tools that I've found handy for doing keyword research.
With every point you get closer to launching your online business, however, it also means that more and more issues or questions arise and more smaller things need to be tested to make sure they work.
Throughout the report, I've tried to include many resources to use as well.
I hope you enjoy this information and find it is as helpful to you as it was for me.
This journey should be filled with adventure and fun.
Let's get started:
1. The BIG idea
The most crucial part of becoming an entrepreneur in the online business is to have at least a rough idea of what you want to offer for your audience or customers.
1. The BIG idea
The most crucial part of becoming an entrepreneur in the online business is to have at least a rough idea of what you want to offer for your audience or customers.
There are numerous business models out there, which you can follow and which can help you to
visualize the future of your online business.
visualize the future of your online business.
Physical products, authors, coaching, consulting, freelancers, agency, local small business, advertising, even affiliate marketing. These are a few examples of online business types.
With some research, you might find yourself coming up with an idea that fits one of these categories and seems like a real profitable one. On the other hand, if you are lucky enough to have at least a broad idea of what you would like to do, you are ready to move on to the second point.
PRODUCT AND SERVICE IDEAS FOR AN ONLINE BUSINESS
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2 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Uniqueness
If you have done your homework, you should be aware of the similar services out there. This information can help you to hone your future product or service and make it more unique. All the
data that you have gathered will give you a bunch of vital insights on your target audience, the best business models out there, the various pricing possibilities, and on the unique functions, services or extras which are needed to differentiate your own service from your competitors. This is your path to uniqueness.
If you have done your homework, you should be aware of the similar services out there. This information can help you to hone your future product or service and make it more unique. All the
data that you have gathered will give you a bunch of vital insights on your target audience, the best business models out there, the various pricing possibilities, and on the unique functions, services or extras which are needed to differentiate your own service from your competitors. This is your path to uniqueness.
Branding
You have to look at your online business as a brand. Branding is very important. It is also important to have consistent branding across all of your online presences.
You have to look at your online business as a brand. Branding is very important. It is also important to have consistent branding across all of your online presences.
The previous points can help you identify your message, and with a powerful message comes a strong brand. Think of the various aspects of branding strategies, from the smallest ones (picking the fonts and colors of your web page) to the more complex challenges (creating a slogan or logo).
Thorough research is critical and don't stop until you have a few sketches or names that seem to be catchy.
Here are my TOP recommended resources in the PRODUCT IDEA Category
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for any purchases made using the links below
Credit Repair Cloud - The credit repair industry is booming. And Credit Repair Cloud is at the forefront of providing an online solution and opportunity to business owners.
Clickbank - Affiliate marketplace. Learn how to be a top affiliate and get paid to promote others products.
Salehoo - Find 1000s of products to drop ship with seller ratings and comprehensive research. Don't miss the Amazon Product launch course.
Jungle Scout - Your All-in-one platform for selling on Amazon. All the tools you need to run a successful Amazon business.
12590 PlR - Over 10,000 PLR products to download and rebrand/sell as your own.
Sellfy - Online marketplace to sell digital, physical and subscription products.
2. Make ideas great again! By doing RESEARCH !!
2 areas that you need to research.
1. Is there demand for the product/service and 2. Who is my ideal customer/Avatar
You wouldn't want to fall into the mistake of establishing a business that offers services nobody cares about. I know that you probably think that this isn't so, however, sometimes we can easily get carried away by our own "great" ideas.
Your next step should be to make sure that there is an actual demand for the product or services that you would like to offer.
How would you do that and how is this possible?
Well, thanks to the internet and some pretty cool tools, you can gather a lot of information and data. I would suggest you gather as much data as you can, ask people on the street, send out a bunch of emails to the ones who you think would be your target audience, run polls in online communities, ask questions etc.
Other valuable sources of information:
Amazon: Search for your product on Amazon. Observe the products, the packaging, the wording, the comments, what other items is Amazon suggesting? This is a treasure trove of information.
eBay: Search for your product on eBay. Observe the results, gain information from the wording, the comments and other suggestions.
Walmart Marketplace: Shopify, Google, Amazon, and eBay are all big marketplaces, Walmart’s marketplace is often overlooked, but is a good source for research and a place to list your products for sale.
Search engine auto complete: The additional words at the end of a search that the search engine automatically suggests. These suggestions are based on other popular search terms. This information helps you to expand your search.
Also, at the bottom of the search engine results there is related search information
Both of these are a treasure trove of information to use in your research.
Keyword research helps you to understand what people are searching for on search engines. Search engine results can give you valuable insight into popular items and trends.
Take a look around
Okay. You have an idea, which seems to be interesting and also figured out a business model, that would generate constant revenue for your online business.
Now it's time to turn the focus on the other players.
Dig up everything on any other online companies, or solopreneurs who are offering the same service as you will be. The chances are high that you will bump into a bunch of future competitors, where the best scenario is ending up with a few big names who are doing something similar.
Gather every detail that you can on your future competitors. Know them and know them well.
If you are going to join the competition for online success, it is vital to know the business model of the others.
How do they generate revenue? Who is the most successful? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What is their target audience?
It might take considerable time but these insights are vital in the long run.
Why is this good? Because this can help you create value and transform your idea into an actual piece of art, that offers better capabilities compared to others and it proves that your idea is already working (it's just making others successful at the moment and not you).
Don't get nervous about discovering that your idea is already out there. You can either go back to the first point and think of another idea, or tweak your present idea.
You can make your offer something better, faster, cheaper, easier compared to other competitors.
If it seems like there are hundreds of others doing the same as you are planning to do, don't give up on your idea, but start thinking about how you could make your idea unique.
If there are hundreds out there, they were able to do the same, right? So don't give up.
Check below for some tools that I've found handy for doing keyword research.
Here are my TOP recommendations for KEYWORD and AUDIENCE RESEARCH
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for any purchases made using the links below
Answer the Public - Discover your customers true desires by using Search Listening.
Vidiq - Learn how to harness the massive search capability of YouTube with this free software.
Social Media Demographics 2020 - Where are your ideal customers congregating? Which platform? This report shows the demographics for each social media platform so you can make sure to get your message in front of them.
All in all, try everything you can to get as close as possible to having good representative data. This will not only get you closer to confirming the "greatness" of your idea but will also help you to identify YOUR real target audience.
BONUS SECTION AND VIDEOS: SOCIAL LISTENING VS SEARCH LISTENING
What's the difference?
These images sum up the difference between Social Listening VS Search Listening
People's willingness to expose flaws on Social Media is less appealing, there is usually an image that people like to portray or uphold. However people do not hold the same inhibitions when searching.
Search listening is more intimate - it can reveal people's, truer, deeper, more honest and candid thoughts.
Check out these trainings on #searchlistening.
How to use search data to read people's minds, and make better business decisions.
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How search insight can help you truly relate to the public
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Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for any purchases made using the link or the image below
You can also give Answer the Public a try for FREE..
Answer the Public takes all of the 'autosuggestions' and 'related searches' from the search engines and gives it to you in an easy to read format. You can also download the results to your device.
This image shows how search information is displayed on Answer the Public
3. Money, money, money - The budget AND PLANNING.. You must start out with a solid plan
Please listen to this short video about some of the things you should plan. This video should give you an overall idea of the things you need to plan.
Please listen to this short video about some of the things you should plan. This video should give you an overall idea of the things you need to plan.
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous business models out there which you can follow with your next online business. However, picking one in the early phase is a must! You need to be aware of how your future business will generate revenue - and I'm not only talking about having a broad idea.
No! You need to know the exact steps before setting up your business and throwing the whole idea out there. This will help you to stay on top of your game, create your detailed business plan and most
importantly, give you better chances at not failing - especially financially.
importantly, give you better chances at not failing - especially financially.
If you will not be selling products, this can be tricky, so make sure to dedicate enough time to this.
This video is short, but it covers a large amount of things that you should take into consideration when planning.This video will give you an overall idea of the things you need to plan.
GOAL SETTING VIDEO
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This video gives you a good starting point for your planning and points out several areas that need to be clear before you start on your journey.
4. Have your goals and your budget set .. Check.. Next step: Set up Your Online Foundation
With all of these things done, you should be ready to create the core of your online business, which consists of a well designed and attractive website, an email address, and social media profiles.
You can set these up without launching the whole project, which gives you some buffer time to ensure that everything will go smoothly.
Designing your website should be a top priority, as it will be your main tool to convert your readers/users/visitors into potential customers/subscribers.
Make sure that your website has your "ROCKSTAR" content, that will connect with your audience and turn them into rabid fans.
Top Recommendations for Domain name purchase and registration
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for any purchases made using the links below
Bluehost - Domain registration and Web hosting
Hostmonster - Domain registration and Web hosting
Fastdomain - Domain registration and Web hosting
Namecheap - Domain registration and Web hosting
Here are my TOP recommendations for All-in-one WEBSITE SERVICES
Clickfunnels® - All-in-one platform: Domain registration, websites, landing pages, email, payment processing, tracking.
iPage - Website page builder with all the extras.
SoloBuildit - All in one Wordpress sitebuilder.
Unbounce - Landing page builder.
Wix - Website page builder.
Wordpress - Website page builder.(use this link to get $25)
2 additional items needed along with the website. Email provider and a Payment Gateway.
Here are my TOP recommendations for CRM/EMAIL MARKETING
GET 10 FREE WEBSITE TEMPLATES TO USE RIGHT AWAY
Here are my TOP recommendations for PAYMENT GATEWAYS
Stripe - Merchant Payment processing
Paypal - Pay on website, app, email, phone, or in-store.
Melio - Pay any invoice with a bank transfer or debit card for FREE, or use your credit card to defer payment and earn rewards (2.9% fee)
Quickbooks - Invoice and accept payments with the online version of Quickbooks.
The next 2 on the checklist are Pre-launch phase
5. Testing
With every point you get closer to launching your online business, however, it also means that more and more issues or questions arise and more smaller things need to be tested to make sure they work.
To avoid a disastrous launch, it is advisable to run a testing phase, which can give you some extra time to deliver those final touches that are still missing.
Get friends, colleagues, ex-colleagues, any group that you have developed a relationship with together and a run a short test. This will give you some initial insights on how your customer experience can be improved.
If you are planning to offer a service for other businesses, it might be advisable to have a few of your potential future customers join your initial test phase. Offer them something in exchange, such as lower monthly fees for a year - which can help get your first customers.
You can also get your first testimonials, social followers, and email subscribers, so in a way, the initial testing can be your first milestone.
10. STAYING PRODUCTIVE AND GROWING
💻 Find more tools for your online business @thementalmarketer: ➡️
6. Analyze
If your test phase seems to be 100% positive, the participants probably weren't honest.
If your test phase seems to be 100% positive, the participants probably weren't honest.
You should be receiving some remarks on the colors of the buttons on your homepage, or that
your background image is not "that" cool, or that your "About us" page is not loading quickly.
your background image is not "that" cool, or that your "About us" page is not loading quickly.
These test phases get you valuable feedback and even if you are 100% sure that everything is perfect, it is usually not.
Analyze the feedback you have received and implement any additional functions, or changes that are
recommended by the bigger percentage.
recommended by the bigger percentage.
Obviously, you won't be able to offer a product that fits everyone's needs, but you should be paying attention to the needs of your future audience.
Don't be upset if you run into a bunch of negative comments or weird suggestions, remember, that there is a possibility that one of them is a real game changer. Don't get sloppy and spend time on evaluating your new data.
7. Implement It's launch time! GO TIME
You've got everything in place, so it's time to hit the big red button and go viral.
You've got everything in place, so it's time to hit the big red button and go viral.
Spread the word on social media, send out your first newsletters and watch closely. This is it, you are running an online business!
Enjoy it for a few moments and after that, get prepared for the new challenges.
Focus on creating engaging content on social media to draw more attention to your website, start ad campaigns and advertise your service as much as possible.
Your number one goal from now on is to build an engaged audience, followers, who will tell everyone about your business.
Be an active part of the community that you are building and be approachable.
Spend time on preparing and launching marketing campaigns to get traffic to your brand-new site.
Invest in PPC advertising and look for other options of cooperation to get noticed.
8. Analyzing and learning
"ing" is the key here, because these are an ongoing process.
Here are my TOP recommendations for SOCIAL MEDIA and TRAFFIC
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for any purchases made using the links below
Crowdfire - Schedule content and manage all your social contacts from one place.
Social Bee - Schedule, automate, track all your social media posts.
elokenz - Automatically analyzes your most popular content for reposting.
Proof - Personalize your website for every visitor.
Hello Bar - Website popup bar that can be customized.
Publicfast - Influencer marketing. Publicfast connects brands with influencers.
Udimi - Solo ads. Get $5 to spend towards your first solo ad.
8. Analyzing and learning
"ing" is the key here, because these are an ongoing process.
You didn't think it was time to kick back with margaritas on the beach, did you?
It's time to get back to the lab!
TRACK TRACK TRACK.
TRACK TRACK TRACK.
ANALYZE ANALYZE ANALYZE.
Track everything. Response rate to offers, non response rate to offers, open rate for email, website visits, video views, abandoned cart, viewed page but did not purchase.
All of this gives you valuable information about your message and how it is connecting with your audience.
If you are not getting the response you'd hoped. Stay calm and change the message.
Here are my TOP recommendations for TRACKING and ANALYZING
Clickmagick - Advanced click tracking.
(Don't skip tracking. Here's why it's important)
ClickCease - Don't pay for clicks coming from competitors and bot farms with this advanced click tracking software.
Pixelme - Brand, track and share custom short URLs.
Google Analytics - The best Free tracking with detailed demographics. Allows targeting based on this data.
Facebook Pixel - Track activity on and off Facebook for advanced targeting options. Absolutely critical if you advertise on Facebook or Instagram.
(Schedule a 30-Minute Facebook Pixel Zoom Consultation)
Campaign URL Builder - Use of specific tages at the end of URLs to track the origin of traffic.
➡️PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE NEXT POINT⬅️
THIS POINT WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAKING IT AND NOT MAKING IT
9. It's always lab time!
It is impossible to achieve success, without paying attention to the details.
It is impossible to achieve success, without paying attention to the details.
With the constantly changing online environment, you have to remember, that it is simply always lab time.
That means, that you will have to closely analyze all the data that you have about your new website.
Who are your most frequent visitors? Did you correctly identify your target audience? Is your service receiving positive feedback? How are my competitors reacting?
These are just a few of the questions you need to pay attention to.
Remain flexible, be prepared to change your original plan or to re-scale your business.
You will have to react to changing needs, fresh feedback from your potential customers, environment, and current trends, means a never ending cycle of the following 4 things:
- Gathering insights
- Analyzing Data
- Modifying/Implementing
- Testing
Learn, implement, test, tweak, repeat
If you keep these 4 things on your daily schedule, you will definitely be able to react to the needs of your audience. This will enable your online business to become a successful one.
10. STAYING PRODUCTIVE AND GROWING
I am a HUGE Tony Robbins fan ... I want to share with you some inspiration from one of my favorite quotes from him.
In this short audio clip, he talks about patterns of success and patterns of failures and how success leaves clues....
TONY ROBBINS
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These 10 points will help you in building your own online business success story. These are only a few basic ideas that can get you closer to achieve your goals and building your own online business. Obviously, everyone's story is different, however, these 10 steps seem to be vital, when it comes to turning an idea into reality. Don't be afraid to step out there and give yourself a chance!
Source for PRODUCTIVITY
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Whatever route you choose. I wish you the absolute best and hope that your great idea successfully transforms into a great online business!
Check out my other blog posts which are all about helping business owners and Solopreneur's start and grow an online business.
Check out my other blog posts which are all about helping business owners and Solopreneur's start and grow an online business.
Above all, the road is not always easy, there will be setbacks, delays, and situations outside of your control.
Remain focused, do the best you can to avoid Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS), develop a routine to get you moving when you're stuck. You may even need to take a step back for just a little bit. Be crystal clear on your why and remind yourself daily of your why.
It's not easy, but it is worth it.
Being an entrepreneur is as much about the mental aspect as it is about the physical aspect.
This note is from one recent business owner regarding the current climate around starting an online business.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
For best results, you'll need a more complete and thorough online training, without having to spend thousands of dollars on expensive courses and coaches.
For $100 you can get THE most thorough Online Marketing training that will have your business up and running in 30 days:
It's called the One Funnel Away Challenge.
The One Funnel Away Challenge
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What is the One Funnel Away Challenge?
Russell Brunson and two of his Two Comma Club (this means they've made over a million dollars in a sales funnel) coaches help you build and launch your first (or next) funnel in just 30 Days!
You’ll get step-by-step coaching and accountability from Day 1 through Day 30 to make sure you stay on track and get the training you need.
Live coaching sessions, audio, video, physical book, access to a support group with thousands of other like minded business owners, and much more..
This course is designed to get you results. Results at the end of each day’s training and results at the end of the 30 days.
I took this course myself and can say that it is the single most important training that I've taken to point me in the right direction. It also gave me all the tools and resources necessary to start and continue to grow my online business.
If it wasn't for this training, I have no doubt that I would still be on Google searching, trying to find, "The Best Way to Start an Online Business"
Instead of constantly SEARCHING and WATCHING videos and articles, I've BUILT a successful online business.
Join The One funnel Away Challenge Today and get these SUPER Bonuses
Solopreneurs Starter Kit
50 FREE Website Templates
800+ Headlines That sell
Email Marketing MasterClass
If $100 is too much for you at this time,
You can take the 4 Day
The top-earning Clickfunnels® affiliates were asked:
“If you HAD to feed your family with nothing but your Affiliate Commissions and you only had 100 Days to turn this hobby Into Your FULL TIME CAREER, what would you do each day for the next 100 days until you were full time?”
They each laid out their entire game plan in step by step detail, and they share
You can read about "The Queen of Social Media" , she's a Clickfunnels® Super Affiliate.
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You can watch and read her 100 day step-by-step plan as well as 15 other Clickfunnels® "Super Affiliates" plans in the 4 Day FREE training and the FREE 186 page Ebook that accompanies the training.
Just pick any of the plans and follow them step by step from where you are today, all the way to the stage where you’ll receive your Clickfunnels® "Super Affiliate" recognition.
Includes access to the FREE Affiliate Bootcamp plus:
➡️ FREE Beginners Digital Marketing Course
➡️ 10 FREE website templates/Share funnels
➡️ Video Vault with 8 videos and more than 20 ways to get traffic for your business
➡️ Growth Hacks: Resources to give your business an unfair advantage
➡️ Over $2000 worth of online savings
➡️ Multiple free reports resources and access to support
➡️ More resources to help you start and grow your business online
I still believe and highly recommend the One Funnel Away Challenge, but if $100 is too much for you at this time, then this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and your momentum moving forward.
Good luck on your journey and hope to see you on the inside!
Take Care
Mark
The Mental Marketer
💻 Find more tools for your online business @thementalmarketer: ➡️
Get a 14 day FREE trial to the BEST Sales Funnel builder on the planet earth 🌎: ➡️
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