This is a guest post by Brian Schwartz of StartupBuys, Inc.
Remember to Have FUN (Functionality-Usefulness-Niche) When Starting a Web-Based Business
Starting an online business is not without its complications, but it is possible to make an excellent profit if you follow a few guidelines. Everyone wants to believe that his or her business is what the public has been waiting for, but the truth is that it’s hard to bring in customers, and you will need all the help you can get. Online marketing is tough, but with the right help, you can certainly drive customers to your site. Once they get there, you need only to have something they need or want, and your job is done.
Functionality – While everyone wants to have the “next big thing,” sometimes it’s more important just to have the next helpful thing. This means that you should offer something that you know people will need. Novelty items are great, but you should instead focus on providing goods and services that serve a purpose in daily life. If you serve up only the latest trend, then you can be sure that your company will fail when the public moves on to the next hot item. By providing something functional, you can remain one step ahead of the game.
Useful – Be sure that your items or services are useful, too. Your best bet is to provide something the people will want or need to use again and again. While people certainly love to have a great painting on the wall, it certainly doesn’t help them through their daily life. If, however, you provide something that could assist them and make life easier, then you can be sure that you will score return customers.
Niche – Finally, don’t spread yourself too thin. Expanding into new products and services is quite exciting, but if you do so too soon, you could weaken your company to the point of ruin. Once you find a product or service that really works, stick with it. You can attempt expansion one product at a time, but to throw the door wide open only invites in chaos. Welcome your niche and enjoy your time there. Your customers will truly appreciate that you know your business better than anyone else, and that will keep them coming back again and again.
By following these simple guidelines, you can build an online business in no time at all. Remember that patience is key, and marketing will be your best friend. It takes a while to get the formula down, but once you do, no one can stop you.
About the author – Brian Schwartz, Sr. Vice President, Marketing for StartupBuys, Inc. Brian has spent the last 10 years in the Digital Space in online community building & management and has been responsible for highly effective social media marketing campaigns. He has also created and managed successful affiliate marketing programs and has worked with Fortune 100 companies in consumer products development.
It’s very helpful and important tips! thanks for the sharing with us…
We need to insure we have FUN for every business concept. A business proposition uses the same principles wherever it operates. The tools which may employ will differ- but the concept of every business is the same: Provide the user with what (he/she) wants at a price (he/she) is willing to pay so that they will recommend you and/or return. It’s the business manager’s job to insure the business is profitable.
Thank you for sharing this tips. It is very important and useful for people who are looking to create their future in the online world.
Hi Denise – We’ve retweeted your post to our followers and friends. Thanks for featuring StartupBuys – A free self-serve platform for small businesses to offer a variety of coupon deals to their customers.