It is possible to carve out a successful online small business, despite the fact that you may have a much lower profile than the “big boys” in your market. Our Columbus Ohio website design company is an example. Here are a few tips that can be applied to just about every would-be online entrepreneur.
Tip #1: Pick a market that you know
This seems obvious, but you would be surprised to hear about how many entrepreneurs go outside there area of expertise, lured by the notion of making an easy buck. At the very least, surround yourself with people “in the know”. How do you know there’s a online possibilities for your product or service? Check around for content sites on the Internet that speak to particular interests. A good indication of a niche opportunity is if you find plenty of noncommercial sites about a specific topic – bass fishing or poker, are examples – with few or no commercial sites catering to that interest yet.
How can you be sure your passion for the niche is strong enough? Would you be interested in running your site even if you had all the money in the world? That is one sure sign.
Tip #2: Save money and keep it simple
Keep your website simple and to the point. Does your new website offer a customer a low volume of ads, no Java, no loud banners, and no junk mail? A quick loading small business website design greatly pleases customers, that is for sure! Remember: for a site that yields a profit, being extravagant is a luxury. Keeping your ad copy clear and uncluttered is vital.
Tip #3: Provide additional value wherever you can
An Internet site provides the means of offering products you don’t even stock, as well as those that you do. Buying wholesale keeps the profit margin up and prices down (Sales 101, you know). Offering free information in one form or another keeps customers loyal.
Running a business online also saves the cost of mailing catalogs to thousands of people. The Internet offers vast possibilities in building a catalog. Having a good in-house inventory though is beneficial, giving you the ability to ship quickly, encouraging even more Internet sales.
Tip #4: Don’t pressure people to order online
An 800 number on your site, in large, bold type gives the customer the ability to obtain personal service, should they be unfamiliar with your product or service.
Should a customer be reluctant to provide a credit card numbers over the Web, you are providing an alternative. Thanks to secure Web sites and encryption technology, security isn’t a real problem as it once was; but taking credit card orders over the phone provides a low cost solution for those entrepreneurs low on dough and just starting out.
See our Starting A New Business – Ohio story video!
