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Originally Posted On: Creative Ways to Start an Online Business that Succeeds in 2021 – (ellenwilkieonline.com)

In the last year, lots of people found creative ways to work from home. One popular alternative to going to a physical office is starting an online business. It can afford you the freedom to work whenever you can while juggling the continued challenges that the pandemic presents.

If you are considering starting an online business, you need to know what you are doing. Failing to have––and execute–a business plan can spell disaster and could be a huge waste of your valuable time.

Fortunately, there are a few basic things you can do to ensure that you stay ahead of the curve. Keep reading to learn about some creative ideas on how to start an online business.

One of the positive repercussions of pandemic work shifts was that it gave people the opportunity to consider what they are passionate about. This is the driving force behind any successful venture. Sure, all the practical aspects of running a business are important, but without a zeal for what you are doing, nothing else matters.

There are many online business ideas out there. But you should be clear about what you want to do and what you aim to accomplish.

Once you have an idea of what type of online business you want to start, do some homework on your particular industry. Gather data, business statistics, and industry trends. Consider basic supply and demand.

This will give you an idea of why people will (or will not) buy your goods or services. It also will give you a sense of what is a competitive price or rate to charge.

Most importantly, it may help you discover different angles of promoting your product. Knowing what is out there already will allow you to find your niche and adjust how and to whom you will be selling.

If you are going to have an online business, then your website is your storefront. Like physical stores, you want it to be inviting and easy to navigate.

You can buy a website domain from various sites, like GoDaddy or Domain.com. Many of them offer introductory rates as low as $1 for the first year.

You can also purchase an email address associated with your domain name through these sites. These too are relatively inexpensive.

Note that hosting a website is separate from building one. If you don’t know anything about this, you may want to hire a professional. They also can incorporate things like database management and “search engine optimization,” which helps drive web traffic to your site.

While a professional may be worth the cost, note that they will cost several thousand dollars a year or more, depending on the complexity of the site and the services you select. If you’re looking at something very basic, consider using sites like Squarespace or Wix.com, which allow you to make a website on your own.

These use customizable templates that make building a unique site simple. While you don’t need any technical expertise, you should be comfortable with some basic design concepts.

Now that you have some ideas on how to start an online business, you can get the ball rolling. Remember to stay focused on your goals and the reasons you started your business in the first place. Doing so will keep you motivated and ensure success.

I hope you found this information on online business ideas helpful. If so, be sure to check out my other business startup blog posts, or reach out to me for further advice.