In recent times one thing has become quite evident, businesses need to move online to survive. Dealing with the pandemic a few years ago limited human contact in ways that no one anticipated.
So, basically everyone has had to try to create some sort of online presence. You need to learn how to use apps like Zoom, you need to leverage social media and even create a website if it’s needed.
In a nutshell, it’s going to be quite an unfamiliar territory if you’ve never really considered going online before. You’ll certainly need guidance, help, and good counsel.
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Out Of Business
A few years ago an old retailer in my area announced they were going out of business. I believe the reason was that they could not handle online orders when the stores were shut down in mid-March.
It was so sad to see these old stores going under. And it’s hard to believe today in 2024 that some small businesses are still not online.
But, here is some information that will give you an idea of what to do and expect to start your business online today.
Pay for a Domain Name
If you’re going to operate online, the first thing to do is to get yourself a domain name. It’s a no brainer to name your domain name after your business.
That’s the same model businesses are operating and believe us when we say it works quite well.
Note that it’s not always guaranteed to find your business name, so search for it on the platform you’re buying the domain from.
Some really good platforms allow you to search for and find a name that’s available. The great thing with this getting a domain name is that it’s easy, for as low as $15-$20 you can subscribe for a whole year.
Web Hosting to Move Your Business Online
The next step is to create a website and get our web hosting services sorted. Prices on this can vary from company to company.
You want to make sure the web hosting you purchase is suitable for the type of website you will be building.
Make sure it will allow you to do everything you need to do, e.g. sell products, allow customers to purchase products or services and complete financial transactions if required.
Discover more about cloud hosting and getting your website up and running.
Web Design
Once you have organized our web hosting, you need to create a user-friendly website that tells your visitors everything they need to know about you and what you do.
This could be via your web hosting company, or you can search online for a web designer to build you the perfect website.
A web designer will require an initial outlay but will give you greater control and flexibility over how your site works. Alternatively, you can buy premade website themes to help you get up and running at first.
Make sure you know exactly what you want on your website. Be it information and sign up forms or a retail store that allows people to purchase.
Draw up a plan of exactly what you expect from your site. Then check out similar sites to see how they function and what capabilities they have.
You can get a better idea of what to expect, what you need and what is available.
Learn Some New Marketing Strategies to Move Your Business Online
Marketing is ‘marketing’ whether you are doing it in person or online. The thing is, online it’s a whole other ball game, you need to learn the lay of the land.
Sure, you may already have a wide customer base that will follow you online.
But, you need to grow as a business even while you are online. Learn how to leverage social media platforms, as well as how to get your ads out there.
Today you have so many choices between Google AdWords, ad networks, Twitter X ads, and old fashion print and email marketing along with radio and podcasts.
All in all, learn all you can upfront and pick up a few tricks along the way. However, you will find you will need to test at various methods to learn which works best for your business.
Get a Good Payment Processor for Your Online Business
If you are going to receive payment online, then you need to get yourself set up with a good payment processor.
First, you need to ensure that the aesthetics are good because that builds trust. If customers trust your site, they will be a lot more inclined to input their payment details.
Also, make the whole process as simple as possible, if it’s complicated people become suspicious. Also, ensure that the process is as transparent as can be.
Beware if there are hidden charges you are definitely going to pay for it later on. So be sure when you move your business online to check out the payment processors in the beginning.
Learn SEO Practices to Move Your Business Online
One of the best marketing investments you can make is to invest in making sure you are using all the correct, and up-to-date SEO practices SEO is search engine optimization.
Applying this to your content, images, product descriptions amongst others will help boost your visibility. SEO can push your new website to the top of the search engine listings.
Many people find it valuable to pay a professional SEO consultant to help them get this right. It is about more than just making sure you are using the correct keywords for what you want to be found for.
If you’re newer to SEO, or just struggling, this SEO Checklist by SEO Buddy can help in a few ways as you move your business online.
Conclusion: How to Move Your Business Online
Obviously, this is not all you need to do, but these points will get you on the right track. Do your research as much as you can, for the most part, you will pick up more information as time progresses.
Do not put so much pressure on yourself, cast your mind back to the moment you first started your business.
Things didn’t pick up overnight, but they progressed. It can take months before you get your first order with competition and search engines ranking your site. Be patient!
Have you moved your business online yet? I’d love to know more about it in the comment section.
How to Move Your Business Online – The First Time Share on X
She has 30+ years of experience in marketing/advertising with 12 years of experience in content marketing, social media, blogging, and SEO.
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Hello Lisa,
Great! a well-crafted article. Recently, I’ve started my website and looking forward to getting some successes in my pocket.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Glen, welcome to Inspire To Thrive. So you are doing a deals website? Do you have a blog to go along with it? Be sure to have some patience with your website.
Thanks Lisa for your helpful advice. So motivating and encouraging. I have just started affiliate marketing and am very optimistic I will succeed.
Hi Sophia, you are welcome. Welcome to Inspire To Thrive. I’m glad you have found it motivating. I hope you will succeed with your affiliate marketing. Do not give up! Too many people online give up too quickly. It takes time to do it right. Have a great day Sophia.