How To Start An Online Business

Today I want to share 15 things you need to build an online business. I believe that these things are “must-haves.”

Regardless of what type of business you want to create, whether it's selling physical products, publishing books, affiliate marketing or coaching, you will need these things. I wouldn't have been able to build all of my businesses to where they are today without them.

If you are going to invest money, time, and effort into building something of value, you don't just want to make short-term money. Rather, you want to create sustainable passive income that will provide you with the financial abundance that you desire.

Are you ready to learn about the 15 things that will take your business to the next level?

Watch the video below:

(Click here to watch on YouTube)

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Are you ready to learn which online business model is right for you? CLICK HERE to take my free quiz!

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15 Tips To Drive Your Online Business

Anybody can make money online. That's not that hard. The difficult part is building something that will stand the test of time. Let's talk about 15 things you need to build an online business that is sustainable.

1. Computer

If you don't have a computer, you will be limited in terms of what you can do. I have the newest version of the MacBook Pro. In today's world, efficiency and speed matter. If you have to wait forever for something to load, that's going to limit your ability to grow your business.

2. Email Account

I'm amazed at how many people don't have an email account or don't optimize it. Anything that you are going to sign up for will require that you have an email address. I like to use Gmail. Be familiar with the platform because there are a lot of features that they provide that can help you be more efficient in your business.

3. Credit Card

Every online business has expenses. You need a credit card in order to do things like getting hosting, buying a domain name or signing up for a tool. Having a credit card also helps to build up your credit rating. Also, be sure that your credit card allows you to buy online!

4. Personal Bank Account

I would say that 90-95% of people start their online businesses as a sole proprietor, which means that everything is run and operated under their name. This means that any money that they make is put into their personal bank account. This is vital when you're first starting out.

5. Corporate Bank Account

Eventually, you want to set up a corporate structure or entity, which could be an LLC or a corporation. Building a separate entity that you own is just another layer of protection for you and your business.

6. Education & Training 

Education and training have always been a top priority in my life, especially while I am have been building my businesses in different niches and markets. Purchase high-quality training programs that can provide you with the best resources, techniques, and strategies that you will need in order to build your business successfully.

7. Money 

You could try to get away with building your online business with no money, but you won't get far. If you don't have money, find a way to make some before you start to grow your online business.

8. Time

Building an online business takes time. The good thing is that you don't need to work full-time. That is a misconception that a lot of people have. When I first started, I worked in the evenings and on weekends. Whatever free time that I had. Initially, that's all you need.

9. Bookkeeping Software

You've got to make sure that you are tracking your income and expenses. When you are first starting out you can use an Excel doc or a Google spreadsheet. However, eventually, you are going to need a bookkeeping software. I use Quickbooks in my online business. Xero is also popular as well.

10. Paypal 

Every successful business owner that I know uses Paypal, whether that's receiving payments online, paying for certain expenses, or paying members of your team.

11. Skype 

Skype is one of the most common ways that people communicate with one another. I use it to interview people for a podcast, or when I have to interview someone for a position on my team. It's free to use, so I encourage you to start using it if you aren't already.

12. Website

No matter what type of business you are trying to build, you need a website. This is your online presence.  The good news is that websites are cheaper and easier to set up than ever before. You can create a website yourself on WordPress, which is a free tool where you can get free templates or buy one for $100-200.

13. Social Media Presence 

You will need a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest page. Identify the most common ones that people use based on your business and the niche that you are in. Again, this is a requirement of starting a business. If you are trying to sell a product or service, but you don't have a presence on social media, people are a lot less likely to do business with you.

14. Landing Page

A landing page, also known as an opt-in page, is designed to offer people something for free, in exchange for their name or email address. I use landing pages in my business, as do many other entrepreneurs. The value of your business isn't just your website or product, but also your email list. I use LeadPages and ClickFunnels, which are the two most popular landing page tools.

15. Autoresponder Email

When you have a landing page and tell people to put in their name and email, that has to integrate with something and go somewhere. That's why you will need a software to collect the people's emails and communicate with them. I like to use AWeber in my business. That is one of the best ones out there. There is also ActiveCampaign, GetResponse, and InfusionSoft.

If you want to build an online business that stands the test of time, you need to invest in these 15 things.

Successful business owners are resourceful. They are always looking for ways to raise the bar and accelerate their success. In the words of  Jack Manson, “Don't simply manage your time. Leverage it.”  Are you ready to take your business to the next level?

Are you ready to learn which online business model is right for you? CLICK HERE to take my free quiz!

Do you want to learn the top 3 myths about starting an online business? CLICK HERE to read the article I wrote on Medium!