how do you go about starting an on line business?

Answer 1

Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.

Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"

You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:

1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market

One article that I found very useful is "7 Steps to Successful Web Site Development" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol142/website.htm as it takes to you all the decision steps that you need to take when starting an online business. Like any other business, startup period is full of "should I do this" or "should I do that" questions. The article is useful because it helps you think through every step of the way - from why do you want a website to who is your audience to how will you create your website to how you will market your new website.

Here are the steps you need to take when creating your online business:

STEP 1: Set Your Goals - Why do you want a web site? What is the size of the online market? What are the goals for your website?

STEP 2: Develop Your Web Site Strategy - Who is your website target audience? What typically appeals to your target audience? How are the other websites (your competition) reaching out to this target audience? How will you measure your performance?

STEP 3: Set-Up Implementation Plans - What name will you give to your site? How do you envision the design of your web site? How will you create your website? How will you create your content? How will you maintain your website?

STEP 4: Start the Ball Rolling - Do you have a logo? For e-retailers, do you have the critical components needed to run an e-commerce site? How are you going to host your site?

STEP 5: Create and Launch Your Web Site - Have you uploaded your site with your chosen web host provider? Are the scripts and application you need for your website functioning well? Have you tested your website?

STEP 6: Promote Your Web Site and Measure Its Results - Do you have a plan in place to market your website? Do you regularly review your traffic logs and web site performance tracker? How are you going to get sites to link to you? Do you know the search engine keywords that you rank well? If your site is not visible in the search engine results pages for its keywords, what strategies do you intend to do?

STEP 7: Maintain Your Website and Grow Your Web Business - Continue to find ways to grow your web business. How do you intend to continue your education on web development?

Answer 2

The first thing I would do would be to start listening to Entrepreneur Radio (ie:EBay Radio). When I'm working from home in my own business, I always have it on. Just about every company and idea I've found, was from this radio station. They have great shows, smart guests, and excellent How-To-guides. As for reading material, I'd get a subscription to Website Services, another smart magazine for web owners. Last but not least, ask questions,ask more questions, and then ask some more questions. The biggest mistake people make trying to start an on-line business is to not ask any questions when spending their money. Most successful entrepreneurs are willing to give good advice or tips for someone just starting out. Make a schedule and stick to it. Repetition leads to automation. Have fun and good luck. The Internet makes business a level playing field for all businesses large and small

Answer 3

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky
* Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 4th Edition by Greg Holden
* How to Start and Maintain A Successful Online Business by Kelly Thornton
* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 4

I have an online business that provides me with sales from all over the world. It is easy because I only offer one product and the manufacturer handles the shipping for me. The product is highly desirable and highly consumable. When people reorder from the factory I get paid every time. I will be glad to show you more about it. The company will pay me to teach you how to do it. The more you make the more they pay me. I hope you make $10,000 per month. Bruce at [e-mail]

Answer 5

L B, go to our website at www.fhtmca.com/CHouston and check it out!! While this is not a strictly online business, it is a great business opportunity that will generate unllimited earning potential. Have FUN while making great returns for your time. Check it out!! You won't regret it. This is a tried, tested and true opportunity. Go for it! If you require additional info please contact us. Good Luck!!

Answer 6

First, hire a Web Design Company to built your web site.

Answer 7

Go to school and take many Econ and Business classes that focuses on eCommerce.