How to Start an Online Business from Scratch for Beginners
Online business seems to be one of the choices in running a business. Are you interested in getting started? はいの場合、あなたは正しい場所にいます。 Because this time Skill Academy will share tips on how to build an online business from scratch.
As you know, this type of business can be said to be tricky. Yep, it looks easy and instant, but of course it requires a lot of focus and effort. For those of you who want to run this business, here are some steps you can try.
- Determine the type of business you want to run
- Develop a simple business plan
- market research
- Define target customers
- Determine the platform to sell
- Maximize the features in the marketplace
- Create a store website
- Don't hesitate to promote your product on social media
How to start an online business
1. Determine the type of business you want to run
The first important step for you to take is to determine what business you want to run. Whether food, clothing, or electronic goods. 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 products to sell, don't hesitate to develop the ideas that are currently in your head.
"But it's not easy to determine a business idea"
It's true, but this process is indeed important so that the business being run can later become solid. You can start this by finding out the problems that are happening around you or things that you are experiencing yourself. Apart from that, you can also use your hobby as the basis for a business idea.
For example, you like collecting computer equipment and accessories, such as keyboards , mice , headphones , and others. Well, maybe this could be a suitable type of business to run, namely selling these goods. If you want to sell products like services, you might as well become a freelancer.
2. Develop a simple business plan
The next step is arguably no less important, namely by making a business plan. Simply put , a business plan or business plan is a plan or part that you must do to achieve your business goals. Usually there are several factors that you will plan for 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, to the customers you want to target.
- Products and services
Description of the product you want to sell. Starting from the shape, size, to the price.
- Marketing plan
Promotion strategy to introduce your business and products. This can be like using social media, endorsements , and others.
- Logistics and operations plan
Production needs, selection of suitable vendors or suppliers , and plans for business activities that you carry out daily.
- Financial plan
In order for the business to run well, at least you already have the business plan above before actually starting selling products online. Besides that, if you intend to further develop your business plan better, then the following class will be perfect for you to take. All you have to do is click the banner below and you can start right away.
3. Market research
Through market research, you can better understand products and potential customers. You can start this market research by looking for similar products that are also being sold by your competitors. Starting from the form of the product, prices on the market, to the method 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 are going to sell. As for these things, you can create and develop better products later.
4. Define target customers
Apart from market research, you also need to determine your target customers. In simple terms, if you know who will buy your product, then from the product form, service method, to future promotion strategies, you can 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,
- What age
are you going to target as your customer? Is it 13-18 years (youth)? 20-30 years? Or 30-50 years?
- Gender
If this one you must already understand. Who will you sell the product to? Is it male or female?
- Jobs
You can target customers with any job that might suit your product.
- Income
In line with work, you can also adjust the income from them according to the product to be sold, especially regarding price.
Apart from demographics, you can also use psychographics to make your customer segmentation more accurate, such as:
- Lifestyle
From lifestyle, you can also determine how to segment potential customers. For example, customers with a healthy lifestyle 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. Wealthy people from among officials will usually be less interested in ordinary products at standard prices. They will be more suitable with premium products at prices which are of course 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, products such as makeup tools might suit them.
5. Determine the platform to sell
After discussing the basic things in business, then we will discuss things that are more technical. Yep, that is choosing a platform that is suitable for selling your product. If you sell products such as goods, then using a marketplace or e-commerce will be the right thing. For example, by entering your product in the "green shop" or "orange shop".
However, if you are more focused on products that are services, the use of social media is also very effective. Because it can directly communicate with potential customers.
6. Maximize the features on the platform used
If you use a marketplace such as online shops. So don't forget to maximize existing features, such as images, videos, descriptions, to ratings and comment fields. With existing features, you can make your product sales effective. For example, clearly include product images. Because with clear product images you can convince potential buyers more.
Apart from that, you can also build customer trust through the comments column. Don't be lazy to answer their questions regarding the products you sell. Through the comments column you can also find out their response to your product, so that later you can fix if there are deficiencies or develop existing ones.
7. Create a shop website
Having your own website is something that cannot be taken lightly in running an online business. Quoted from the article “ Advantages of Having a Website for Businesses ” besides being able to increase customer trust, store websites also have various benefits such as,
- Business information is more controlled
- Reach a wider range of potential customers
- Easy to find 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 product on social media
In a promotional strategy, social media can have a huge effect on selling your product. Therefore, don't hesitate to take advantage of social media such as Instagram , Facebook and Tiktok as promotional media. On social media you can also establish closer relationships with customers or potential customers. The business or store features available on each social media can also help you promote your products better.
But besides that, there are several things that you should pay attention to in using social media such as,
- Use of quality product photos/images
- Use of attractive promotional videos
- Clear content description
- Collaborate with influencers that fit the business
That's how to start an online business from scratch that you can try to apply. how are you guys? What are you waiting for, it's time to start the business you dream of. Oh yes, you can also take part in various other business and marketing classes at the Skill Academy. Besides being able to add to your understanding, you can also get tips from professional instructors in their fields. Come on, upgrade yourself so you can be even better.
