Wednesday, 25 May 2016

How to Start a Business Online

How to start a business online

There are steps you can follow to guarantee your success when you're starting a small business online. This includes the following:

1. Find a need and fill it.
2. Write copy that sells.
3. Design and build an easy-to-use website.
4. Use search engines to drive traffic to your site.
5. Establish an expert reputation for yourself.
6. Follow up with your customers and subscribers with e-mail.
7. Increase your income through back-end sales and upselling.
Anyone, from newbie to seasoned online entrepreneur, can benefit from this process in learning how to start a business online.

Step 1: Find a need and fill it
To boost your chances of success, start with a market. Do not make the mistake of having the product first before the market.  The trick is to find a group of people who are searching for a solution to a problem, but not finding many results. The internet makes this kind of market research easy:
Visit online forums to see what questions people ask and what problems they're trying to solve.
Do keyword research to find keywords that a lot of people are searching, but for which not many sites are competing.
Check out your potential competitors by visiting their sites and taking note of what they're doing to fill the demand. Then you can use what you've learned and create a product for a market that already exists--and do it better than your competition.

Step 2: Write copy that sells
This includes;
1. Arousing the interest of your customers with a compelling headline.
2. Describe the problem your product solves.
3. Establish your credibility as a solver of this problem.
4. Add testimonials from people who have used your product.
5. Talk about the product and how it benefits the user.
6. Make an offer.
7. Make a strong guarantee.
8. Create urgency.
9. Ask for the sale.
Throughout your copy, you need to focus on how your product or service is uniquely able solve people's problems or make their lives better. Think like a customer and ask "What's in it for me?"

Step 3: Design and build your website
Once you've got your market and product, and you've nailed down your selling process, now you're ready for your small-business web design. Remember to keep it simple. You have fewer than five seconds to grab someone's attention--otherwise they're gone, never to be seen again. Keep in mind this:
°Choose one or two plain fonts on a white background.
°Make your navigation clear and simple, and the same on every page.
°Only use graphics, audio or video if they enhance your message.
°Include an opt-in offer so you can collect e-mail addresses.
°Make it easy to buy--no more than two clicks between potential customer and checkout.
°Your website is your online storefront, so make it customer-friendly.

Step 4: Use search engines to drive targeted buyers to your site
Pay-per-click advertising is the easiest way to get traffic to a brand-new site. It has two advantages over waiting for the traffic to come to you organically. First, PPC ads show up on the search pages immediately, and second, PPC ads allow you to test different keywords, as well as headlines, prices and selling approaches. Not only do you get immediate traffic, but you can also use PPC ads to discover your best, highest-converting keywords. Then you can distribute the keywords throughout your site in your copy and code, which will help your rankings in the organic search results.

Step 5: Establish an expert reputation for yourself
People use the internet to find information. Provide that information for free to other sites, and you'll see more traffic and better search engine rankings. The secret is to always include a link to your site with each tidbit of information.
Give away free, expert content. Create articles, videos or any other content that people will find useful. Distribute that content through online article directories or social media sites.
Include "send to a friend" links on valuable content on your website.
Become an active expert in industry forums and social networking sites where your target market hangs out.
You'll reach new readers. But even better, every site that posts your content will link back to yours. Search engines love links from relevant sites and will reward you in the rankings.

Step 6: Use the power of e-mail marketing to turn visitors into buyers.
When you build an opt-in list, you're creating one of the most valuable assets of your online business. Your customers and subscribers have given you permission to send them e-mail. That means:
You're giving them something they've asked for.
You're developing lifetime relationships with them.
The response is 100 percent measurable.
E-mail marketing is cheaper and more effective than print, TV or radio because it's highly targeted.
Anyone who visits your site and opts in to your list is a very hot lead. And there's no better tool than e-mail for following up with those leads.

Step 7: Increase your income through back-end sales and upselling
One of the most important internet marketing strategies is to develop every customer's lifetime value. At least 36 percent of people who have purchased from you once will buy from you again if you follow up with them. Closing that first sale is by far the most difficult part--not to mention the most expensive. So use back-end selling and upselling to get them to buy again:
Offer products that complement their original purchase.

Reward your customers for their loyalty and they'll become even more loyal.

Monday, 23 May 2016

Mistakes to avoid when doing online business

Mistakes to avoid when doing online business


Online Business, also referred to as e-business – is any kind of business activity that happens online (over the internet). A business owner who does any, or all, of their business using the internet, is running an online business. Running an online business can include buying and selling online, and providing an online service. A wide variety of businesses can be found online, in many different industries.
Anyone can start an online business. If you have a unique product or idea, you can find a way to sell or trade it online. It’s just like a traditional business, except your office or shop is online, so you have to decide how it will look and appeal to customer.
Starting an online business is easier than starting most other types of businesses but there are plenty of mistakes that can be made. These includes but not limited to;

° Choosing a Topic You Do not Care About.

When you launch an online business, and you are in it for the long haul, you need to love what you are selling because for people to love what you are selling, you have to show the love first.
For example, if you are into bead making or fashion designing, and you are not motivated enough to always keep up with the trend of new designs, you will become obsolete and your market will not sell.
If you are in the business of making money, avoid the mistake of choosing something you don’t really care about.

°Spending Too Much Time Thinking And Not Doing Enough

Thinking for long without taking that first bold step for an entrepreneur is very dangerous and is not advisable as wasted time can never be gained back. Most entrepreneurs are held back from starting by fear; Fear of the unknown, fear that people will not buy their products, fear of failure etc. The time to start is Now as there is no perfect time to start living your dream and working on your project. Believe in yourself and the world will be your oyster.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

The Truth About Motivation 2

6.To improve your happiness spend time smiling more often throughout the day. When you smile you will automatically begin feeling better about yourself.


7.Focus on the beauty of the world around you. This will put you into a more positive state-of-mind.


8.Focus on the abundance around you. Abundance is everywhere. The more abundance you see around you the more you will appreciate what you have.


9.Focus on just the present moment. Just be there in the moment without fear, worry or anxiety. This will help you stay focused on what’s most important.


10.Be grateful for the events and circumstances of your life. Gratitude will help open your mind to more opportunities and possibilities.


11.Try pretending that you are feeling highly motivated. Acting as if you are motivated can become the catalyst for positive action and change.


12.Take some time to breathe deeply. Breathing deeply will immediately transform you physiology and put you into a more optimal state-of-mind.


13.Move your body to get yourself out of a lazy funk. You can do this through stretching or exercise, or simply by moving faster. Develop a physiology of excellence.


14.Play with children or animals. Playtime can help relax the mind and spark creative insights. When the mind is relaxed it is more open to the possibilities.


15.Spend time watching an inspiring movie. A movie with a powerful inspiring message can become a catalyst for positive change in your life.

Let's all live a motivated life... 

Monday, 16 May 2016

The Truth about Motivation

The Truth About Motivation 

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have all the motivation in the world, while others struggle to get out of 
bed in the morning?

On the one hand you have all these high achievers who appear to be buzzing with energy 24/7 doing miraculous things daily. On the other hand you have all these other people who just can’t seem to figure out why they feel so sluggish and unmotivated. They have all these hopes and dreams for a better future, but they just don’t feel capable of moving forward toward that future. Their life stagnates and they remain stuck in a place between the dreaded reality of where they are and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Beginner Motivation Guidelines:

Below I have listed down some ways you can find the motivation you are searching for.

The ideas presented here are in general quite easy to implement. However, being “easy” doesn’t mean that they are not effective. In fact, the easiest strategies may work better than any other motivational strategies you implement. It’s therefore important not to overlook anything on this list or on any other list that follows. Also, please bear in mind that some of these suggestions might not seem as though they will help boost your motivational levels, but they actually will. What they do very well is shift your focus and attention to help trigger higher levels of motivation.

1.Set big, exciting, and inspiring goals for yourself. Now take time to read these goals daily to help keep you focused and motivated.

2.Each day lay down a clear set of inspiring objectives that you will be working toward. Make sure they are challenging yet realistically achievable.

3.Set achievable personal standards that will help you stay focused and on track toward your desired goals and objectives.

4.Just decide to feel good about yourself. Decide to feel enthusiastic, energized and positive no matter what is going on in your life.

5.Focus on just being happy. Happiness will generate positive energy to help you pursue your goals.

To be continued... 

Friday, 13 May 2016

How To Make Money Doing What You Love ❤



How To Make Money Doing What You Love ❤


It's painful to sit behind a desk inside a walled office when your soul just longs to do something creative, meaningful, and exciting. It longs to use its unique talents and experiences to do good in the world and get paid well to do it. It dreams of working from a laptop anywhere in the world.
The good news is that this is possible. It's not only possible but necessary for your happiness.
 Here are some tips for getting clear on your purpose and creating a business that supports your dreams:

1. What do you love to do and talk about?
I know, I know. Maybe you're very clear on what you love, but can't think of how to make that a thriving business, or you feel so clouded that you don't even know what you love. Ask yourself:
•If money weren't a necessity, what would I spend my days doing?
•If I were out for a glass of wine with a friend, what do I love to talk about?
•What do I feel guided to click through and research online? What books am I reading?
Everything counts.
I want you to spend more time doing the things you love ... It'll make you feel good, and when you feel good, you're in the flow. Brilliant ideas come. And your soul speaks to you.
You can't think your way to your purpose, it emerges from your soul.

2. What are the major suffering/painpoints in your life?
There are people out there searching for your help. They need to know how to do something, and their pain is your opportunity to help them change something.
You have a unique blend of talents and experiences that no one else has. People feel understood (and more likely to buy from you) when they know you truly “get” them.
Have you been through a nasty childhood, a stumbled career, a bitter breakup or divorce, a life-threatening illness, lost a ton of weight, or experienced intense grief?
While these stories may not be what you want to re-live over and over again, they are the key to connecting with others. You made it through and you can help others do the same. Your unique story is the key to your business.

3. What does the world need?
The thing you love has to fix a need in the marketplace if you're going to make money. You may love something but people may not buy it. That’s why your business needs to be the perfect combo of your unique experiences and talents, something you love to do, AND something the world needs. You must solve a problem for someone otherwise they won’t buy anything you have to sell.
I know you want to help people and you’d prefer not to have to charge anything, but unfortunately that’s not the reality. You need to support your dream lifestyle. And think about this: The more money you make doing what you love, the more people you can serve. And this is about service.

4. Look fear in the face, and start already.
I know you've been thinking about this for years, but you're not taking action. What's really holding you back? FEAR. This is inner game stuff.
How do you step past the fear?
•Make time for mindful practices everyday: yoga, mantra, meditation.
•Step out of your comfort zone everyday in little and big ways. It's muscle you exercise!
•Find a supportive community. You are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time. Hire a coach, join a yoga studio or meditation class, find a mastermind group or a women’s circle.

Start before you're ready.
Finding your purpose in the world is a lot less about “figuring it out” and more about letting it “emerge from your soul.” I hear from many coaching clients that they've been spending years trying to figure out what their passion and purpose is! They usually change jobs every couple years in hopes the next one will fill the void. It doesn't. And the pattern repeats, until you finally do what you're here to do.

That’s why—as important as journaling, thinking, and analyzing are in this process—what matters more is your intuition, your gut instinct, the part of you that “just feels it.”
Follow your passions even if you don’t think you can make a biz out of it. Spending time doing activities that you love help you deepen into your heart space, the space of your soul. When you spend more time there, your offering to the world unfolds with ease. Have a great life...