To start and grow an online business is no simple task. There are a lot of vital decisions to make, including what to sell and how to get customers.
As if this were not enough, there seems to be a new business trend every week online. So to help you start and grow an online business, here are some tips to consider:
1. Carry Out Market Research
Market research is a vital step in launching a new online business. It will help you determine your selected business vertical’s profitability, depth, and competitiveness.
Since the last thing you wish to do is launch an online business that no one will find value in, consider researching to validate product:
Introducing a mobile app like Goodviser to your business will provide many valuable marketing opportunities. This will enable you to reach out to your target audience.
Additionally, you can download the app to improve direct communication with your customers or clients. Instantaneous access to the right information gives consumers impetus to take action. Moreover, mobile apps open the door to direct and clear communication between online businesses and their customers.
3. Develop a Logo for Your Online Business
Online businesses, particularly new ones, require an identifiable and distinctive symbol. This symbol, the company’s logo, enables the business to stand out from crowded online markets.
This is why the logo for your online business is so important. It will serve as the face of your business. It gives your customers a first impression about what the enterprise has to provide, both in the services or products and in the intrinsic value it embraces.
But not every self-made businessperson has a lavish budget. If this describes you, consider ordering a logo design from a local graphic artist or talented friend. Alternatively, utilize a free online logo maker that offers multiple templates you can modify as you wish. Avoid professional freelancers or design agencies who may charge you lots of money but give you only a few designs to choose from.
4. Invest in Good Content for Your Online Business
You rarely get a service or product that sells itself. Instead, the business owner must be the one to create those sales and get the ball rolling.
Your online content is your business’s most important asset. In your content is where you can showcase your creativity. This is where you set yourself apart from your competitors. Therefore, focus on quality.
If you get a large following that includes the right individuals engaging with your content, you will begin generating quality leads.
5. Set Up a Website
Be sure to set up a stunning website that uses a well-thought-out business plan as its foundation. You will find, however, that getting a website up and running is not as easy as setting a few preview landing pages.
You’ll have multiple decisions to make about design, hosting, and which platform to use. Throughout the process, remember that your aim is to represent your business effectively.
In fact, the website for an online business has to properly reflect your:
Starting and growing a new online business can be terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Know ahead of time that you will make mistakes. Everyone does. So just keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to learn all you can from each misstep. Learn to savor the lessons the road teaches you.
Everything we discuss here is quite easy to do if you take things one at a time. What’s more, these tips will lead you toward being the successful entrepreneur you wish to be.
Whether you’re in town for family fun, a convention or just to soak up the sun, Orlando has plenty to see and do. The Disney parks are a huge draw to the city, but the upcharge of staying on-property can quickly balloon your trip budget. That’s why we put together this list of the best non-Disney-affiliated…
The article The Best Non-Disney Hotels in Orlando to Book With Points originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If self-care has become your personal mantra of sorts, you’re not alone. Research has shown that millennials are more committed to personal improvement than other generations, even if it means spending a bit more money. But self-care isn’t cheap. From therapy to yoga to personal grooming and even solo trips, it can make a dent…
The article 3 Ways to Practice Self-Care with Travel Rewards Points originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Hey Divi Nation! Thanks for joining us for the next installment of our weekly Divi Design Initiative where each week, we give away brand new freebies. In the past, we shared the beautiful Corporate Layout Pack. To help you get your website up and running as soon as possible, we’re sharing a blog post template that matches this layout pack perfectly as well! Hope you enjoy it.
Download The Blog Post Template For The Corporate Layout Pack
To lay your hands on the free blog post template, you will first need to download it using the button below. To gain access to the download you will need to subscribe to our Divi Daily email list by using the form below. As a new subscriber, you will receive even more Divi goodness and a free Divi Layout pack every Monday! If you’re already on the list, simply enter your email address below and click download. You will not be “resubscribed” or receive extra emails.
Join the Divi Newsletter and we will email you a copy of the ultimate Divi Landing Page Layout Pack, plus tons of other amazing and free Divi resources, tips and tricks. Follow along and you will be a Divi master in no time. If you are already subscribed simply type in your email address below and click download to access the layout pack.
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How to Upload The Template
Go to Divi Theme Builder
To upload the template, navigate to the Divi Theme Builder in the backend of your WordPress website.
Upload Blog Post
Then, in the top right corner, you’ll see an icon with two arrows. Click on the icon.
Navigate to the import tab, upload the JSON file which you were able to download in this post and click on ‘Import Divi Theme Builder Templates’.
Save Divi Theme Builder Changes
Once you’ve uploaded the file, you’ll notice a new blog post template. Save the Divi Theme Builder changes as soon as you want the template to be activated.
How to Modify The Template
Open Post Template
To modify the blog post template’s elements, start by opening the template.
Keep Post Content Module Inside Template
Inside the Body Layout Editor, you can edit the design on the front end using the Divi Builder just like you would with a normal Divi page.
Since this is a template that has been assigned to all posts for the site, there is a post content module that is necessary for displaying the post content. You will need to keep that module in place, but you can adjust the design elements of the post content module which will design the post content that is displayed dynamically.
About the Layout
This blog post template has a lot of dynamic elements that will work with your blog posts immediately. For example, the entire post header is made up of dynamic elements including a featured image as the background, the post title, and the post metadata. This content won’t need updating, but you can tweak the design of each of those elements if needed.
Other dynamic elements in this layout include the following:
Post Content – displays the post content added when editing the post on the backend of WordPress.
Comments – a functional comment area for the post.
Here is a quick illustration that identifies the elements of the corporate blog post template.
Set up Contact Form
Complete the template by setting up the contact form inside the template.
New Freebies Every Week!
We hope you’ve enjoyed the blog post template for the Corporate Layout Pack. We look forward to hearing your opinions in the comment section below. Make sure you check back next week for more freebies!
Crafty business owners know that there are many craft ideas out there to explore. But where do you start? If you are wanting to dive into the world of entrepreneurship in the crafting industry, you are in the right place!
Here are a ton of ideas to get the ball rolling on what craft business you could technically start today along with the best place to sell your crafts!
Can A Craft Business Be Profitable?
The answer to this question is definitely yes! With a little bit of hard work and dedication, you can make your craft business profitable. It may take some time to find your groove and figure out what products and services people are most interested in, but it will be worth it in the end.
One thought to keep in mind is pricing your products. Don’t forget to include shipping costs, packaging, your time, fees associated with doing business, and any other expenses you may take on as it grows.
Craft Business Ideas
Candle Making
Candles are a craft business that has been around for years. And with good reason! They are relatively easy to make, and people love buying them as gifts or using them in their own homes.
You can find all sorts of candle-making kits and supplies online. So it’s a great craft to get into if you want to start a business on the cheap.
Jewelry is another craft that people love as gifts, and if you make your own designs they will likely be unique. You can sell jewelry at craft fairs or via an online shop – the options are virtually limitless and this is an area that will never go out of style.
Niching down even further in the jewelry industry is a great way to get more eyes on your products especially when people are searching for something specific. Here are some ideas:
Clay Jewelry
Leather products
Western-themed
Lasered Wooden Earrings
Beaded necklaces and bracelets
Resin earrings
Gemstone jewelry
Sewing
If you’re crafty, there’s a good chance you can sew too. This is a great craft to start a business with because people often need custom-made items. It also doesn’t require much in the way of equipment or supplies. You can start out by making things like curtains, tablecloths, or cushion covers and then move on to more complex items like clothing or bridal wear.
Painting
Artistic painting as a business is best for those who already have the talent to do so. People love custom prints and these make great gifts as well. When it comes to starting your business, this is another craft niche that is best when it’s specific such as portraits, landscapes, pets, abstract, etc.
Hand Lettering and Caligraphy
Hand Lettering is an art form that seems to be everywhere at the moment. People love having personalized notebooks or cards with this crafty touch. This craft business idea is best for those who have artistic talents because it requires you to create your own designs before being able to sell them.
The wedding industry is a great opportunity to show off your writing skills. People pay top dollar for handwritten envelopes, invitations, and signs.
You can also create your own designs from scratch and sell them as worksheets and workbooks for those who want to learn this craft.
Craft Supply Retailer
For those who love all things that are crafty, but just can’t find the time to actually make stuff, being a craft store owner is perfect!
Specialize in one set of supplies such as glitter, vinyl, or candle-making supplies then expand as your business grows to reach more crafters like yourself.
Soap Making
Soap making is a craft that can involve lots of specialized equipment, but as with any craft business, it’s often best to start small and expand.
You can find all sorts of soap kits and supplies online, but you will also need to invest in your own equipment.
There are various types of soap available including organic (all natural) and fragrance-free soaps which people tend to gravitate towards more these days.
Printables Seller
If you love creating digital designs, you should dive into the online world of printables! These appeal to online creators, teachers, homeschooling families, and even those who are addicted to planners and stickers.
Woodworking
Now that there are machines like laser cutters, wood is making its way back in the form of custom signs, cutting boards, tiered tray designs, jewelry, and more! This may take a little more to startup because some of the equipment can be a little pricey. However, you can network with other crafters who want to outsource their wood products and make wholesale deals.
Craft Blogger
Create your own blog and offer tutorials on arts and crafts projects, or share photos of your latest creations! This will allow people to get a feel for what kind of crafty items you make, which can help with sales when they find one they like.
If you are consistent and your blog takes off, you can actually make a living without even owning a shop. Although diversifying income streams is always a good idea.
More Crafty Business Ideas
Knitting
Ceramics
Pottery
Basket Weaving
T-shirt Maker
Cards and Stationary
Glass blowing
Wreaths
Toys
Photography
Home Decor Items
The Best Places to Sell Handmade Items
Obviously, Etsy is one of the best platforms to get started on. Some business owners use Etsy in the beginning then transition to their own site as they build their brand. Getting started on Etsy is super easy and they help with shipping logistics and support.
Shopify is another e-commerce platform where you can sell your crafts online. You may need a bit more of tech-savviness to get your store up and running, but that’s what it was built for, so they have everything you need to open a shop.
Local networking with stores in your hometown is a quick way to get eyes on your products. Many boutiques and home decor shops allow you to set up a booth and only take a small percentage of the profit.
Craft fairs and shows are filled with potential customers. Sometimes depending on how big it is, the entry fee can be a little expensive. If you go this route, be sure you have a way to accept credit cards and take a big stack of business cards with you!
We hope these craft business ideas help you dive into the small business world, so you can turn your hobby into a profit! Be sure to check out How to Gain Exposure When Starting a New Crafting Business for more tips to fast track your way to sell more crafts.
