As a small business entrepreneur it can be difficult to understand the complete process that needs to be followed when bringing your business onto the internet. Having a brick and mortar business vs an online business can actually involves several different strategies than what you're normally used to or have planned on when developing your business strategy.
There's a lot of planning that takes place when developing a business online. Everything from building the perfect website to creating your plan for content strategy. Other items include:
And this is not even touching any of the product development or customer systems that is necessary as well.
It's easy to say built it and they will come, however that's not reality in the marketplace anymore. A lot of time, money and effort is needed to make sure that your website and business on line is a success. This is especially true if you also have a brick and mortar business and you are starting to cross market online.
Planning is the key to any successful marketing strategy. If there are things that you need to learn about marketing online, start learning before you need the skills or outsource until you are ready to take the reins.
There's a lot of information on the internet that you can use with professionals that can help you out as well. When developing your new business online, you want to start with the basics and then slowly move into advanced marketing. Don’t try and take on to much too soon. Target the basics, learn to use them well and then move on into more processes.
Content! Always have something to share and information your customer wants to know. Connecting one on one with your potential customer is important and will serve you well as you continue to grow your online business.