Important! 8 Ways to Start an Online Business from Zero for Beginners

 

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      Online business seems to be one of the options in running a business. Are you interested in starting one? If so, then you are in the right place. Because this time Skill Academy will share tips on how to build an online business from scratch. 

As you know, this type of business is arguably easy to do. Yep, it looks easy and instant, but it certainly requires a lot of focus and effort. For those of you who want to run this business, here are some steps you can try. 

1. Determine the type of business you want to run

2. Develop a simple business plan

3. Market research

4. Determine target customers

5. Determine the platform to sell

6. Maximize the features in the marketplace

7. Create a store website

8. Don't hesitate to promote your products on social media

How to start an online business

1. Decide what kind of business you want to run

An important first step is to decide what business you want to run. Is it food, clothing, or electronics. Of course, by knowing the product you want to sell, you will easily determine the next steps. For those of you who are still confused about what product to sell, don't hesitate to develop ideas that are now in your head. 

"But it's not easy to decide on a business idea"

It's true, but this process is indeed important so that the business that is run later can be solid. You can start this by finding out the problems that occur around you or things that you experience yourself. In addition, you can also use your hobbies as a basis for business ideas. 

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For example, you love collecting computer equipment and accessories, such as keyboards, mice, headphones, and others. Well, this might be a suitable type of business to run, which is selling these items. If you want to sell products such as services, you might as well become a freelancer. 

2. Develop a simple business plan

The next step is arguably no less important, which is to create a business plan. Simply put, a business plan is a plan or part that you must do to be able to achieve your business goals. Usually there are several factors that you will plan such as,

Business description

A more in-depth description of the online business you want to run. 

Market analysis

Research-based information about the industry and target market such as, similar products, competitors, and customers you want to target. 

Products and services

A description of the products you want to sell. From shape, size, to price.

Marketing plan

A promotional strategy to introduce your business and products. This can include using social media, endorsements, and others.  

Logistics and operation plan

Production needs, selection of suitable vendors or suppliers, and plans for your daily business activities.

Financial plan

A breakdown of numbers to show what you need to start and run your business. Starting from how to get capital, production costs, to the cost of shipping goods to consumers. 

       In order for your business to run well, you should have a business plan in place before you actually start selling products online. In addition, if you intend to further develop your business plan better, then the following class will be very appropriate for you to follow. Just click on the banner below and you can start right away.

3. Market research

       Through market research, you can better understand your product and potential customers. You can start this market research by looking for similar products that are also sold by your competitors. Starting from the shape of the product, the price in the market, to the way of service, it is important for you to know. This can make it easier for you to analyze the advantages, disadvantages, and opportunities of the products you will sell. As for these things, you can create and develop better products later.

4. Determine target customers

   In addition to market research, you also need to determine your target customers. Simply put, if you know who will buy your product, then from the form of the product, the way of service, to the future promotion strategy, you will be able to do it more easily.

There are several ways to determine customer segmentation, namely based on demographics and psychographics. This method is quite common in determining target customers. Here are some groupings based on demographics, 

 •Age

What age will you target your customers to be? Is it 13-18 years old (teenagers)? 20-30 years old? Or 30-50 years old?

•Gender

This one you must already understand. Who will you sell the product to. Is it male or female?

•Occupation

You can target customers with any job that might be suitable for your product. 

•Income

In line with occupations, you can also adjust their income to the products you will sell, especially regarding prices. 

    In addition to demographics, you can also use psychographics to segment your customers more accurately, such as:

•Lifestyle

From lifestyle, you can also determine how the segmentation of potential customers. For example, customers with a healthy lifestyle, it will be suitable to sell food products that may be organic or do not use preservatives. 

•Social status

You can also use social status in segmenting your business. Rich people from the official circles will usually be less interested in ordinary products with standard prices. They will be more suited to premium products at a price that is certainly expensive.

•Interests or hobbies

Knowing the interests or hobbies of potential customers can also be an opportunity to grow your business. For example, by targeting young people who have an interest in beauty, then products such as makeup tools might suit them. 

   
5. Determine the platform to sell

After discussing the basics in business, then we will discuss more technical things. Yep, that is choosing a platform that is suitable for selling your products. If you sell products such as goods, then using a marketplace or e-commerce will be the right thing to do. For example, by putting your products in the "green shop" or "orange shop". 

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However, if you are more focused on service products, using social media is also very effective. Because you can directly communicate with potential customers. 

6. Maximize the features of the platform you are using

If you use marketplaces such as online stores. Then don't forget to maximize existing features, such as images, videos, descriptions, to ratings and comment columns. With the existing features, you can make your product sales effective. For example, enter product images clearly. Because with clear product images you can convince potential buyers. 

In addition, you can also build customer trust through the comments column. Don't be lazy to reply to their questions regarding the products you sell. Through the comments column you can also find out their responses to your product, so that later you can improve if there are deficiencies or develop existing ones.

7. Create a store website

Having your own website is something that cannot be underestimated in running an online business. Quoted from the article "The Advantages of Having a Website for Business" besides being able to increase customer trust, store websites also have various benefits such as,

Business information is more controlled

Reach out to potential customers more widely

Easily searchable on the internet

More economical

Therefore, the suggestion to have your own website or shop is quite appropriate for you to consider.

8. Don't hesitate to promote your products on social media

 In promotional strategies, social media can have a huge effect on your product sales. Therefore, don't hesitate to utilize social media such as, Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok as promotional media. On social media you can also establish a closer relationship with customers or potential customers. The business or store features available on each social media can also help you promote your products better. 

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But besides that, there are several things you should pay attention to in using social media such as,

•Use of quality product photos/images

•Use of interesting promotional videos

•Clear content description

•Cooperation with influencers that match the business

      That's how to start an online business from scratch that you can try to apply. How about it guys? What are you waiting for, it's time to start the business you dream of. Oh yes, you can also take various other business and marketing classes at Skill Academy. Besides being able to increase your understanding, you can also get tips from professional instructors in their fields. Come on, upgrade yourself so you can get better.