The Golden Rules For Running A Successful Online Business

The world wide web has truly made it possible for anyone to start a business. Today, it’s easier than ever to create an online business with resources available everywhere.

With all that said, 9/10 online businesses fail within the first 3 years. While it’s very easy to start an online business, sustaining it is far more difficult. Here are some golden rules for running a successful online business:

1. Websites With User In Mind

Every business serves a purpose. Your website needs to serve the same purpose your business does. Very few website owners ever think about the user or visitor when designing and developing their website.

I did the same thing with my first two websites before people told me how bad the user experience was. Build a website that helps users achieve their purpose. Make your website clean, simple, and well-organized for visitors.

2. Have A Business Model

30% of online businesses fail because they DO NOT have a business model. Acquiring a million users and reaching out to advertisers isn’t a strong business model. The chances of you signing up 1 million users in 3 years is very low.

Before you create an online business, find a way to make money now. Come in with a clear plan to monetize your site so that you can survive on a month-to-month basis. Facebook was a one-of-a-kind success and it’s very unlikely for another website to follow the same path they took.

3. Launching Is Just The Beginning

Before a website goes live, there is a lot of work that takes place on the backend. Many people tend to take a sigh of relief once they launch their website. Success isn’t going to come knocking on your door.

Once you launch your website, you should be working twice as hard as you were before. Your website is only going to be successful by the effort you put in to market and grow your online business.

4. Honeymooners Always Fail

Honeymooners are individuals who love creating businesses. It’s fun to build a website and launch it, but that’s not enough. If you’re creating a new online business, do it for the long haul.

Don’t just be passionate about it until launch day and then snooze your way through. Find an idea or business you are strongly passionate about and are willing to stick with for more than just a few months.

5. No Marketing, No Money

Great ideas do NOT mean shit. Excuse the language, but it’s true. You could have a billion dollar idea, but if nobody sees it……it’s worth nothing. Before you build an online business, have a clear strategy on how you plan to get your website to market.

It’s not just enough to have a marketing plan because that doesn’t always necessarily equate to revenue. Create a 3 step plan all the way from branding to marketing to generating sales.

Conclusion

Launching an online business is easy, but making it successful is extremely difficult. By following these golden rules, you will be sure to increase your rate of success with an online business!

photo credit: DaveLawler via photopin cc