5 Essential steps in starting an online business from home

Are you waiting for the right time to start an online business from home? Now would be a perfect time. With everyone at home, logged onto their social media accounts every single day. With the power of the Internet comes great opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

To create a successful and profitable online business, here are the most critical steps.

1. Choose a profitable product or service.

All kinds of businesses start from one thing: an idea, hobby, or passion that turned into an opportunity. The first step to creating a business is knowing what to offer by researching and identifying the pros and cons of the product or service. See that the product or service has an existing audience, thereby proving its potential in the marketplace. An important reminder: do not jump on trends, fads, and bandwagons that are deemed fleeting.

2. Build the core strengths of an online business

The non-negotiables are a website, an email list, and a good social media following with an online business. A clean and straightforward website should make the business’ credibility available for all to see online. An email list, on the other hand, comes in handy for marketing needs. Lastly, a solid social media presence is essential to widen the brand’s reach further, thereby converting followers into customers. Identify the top platforms used by the target audience and prioritize building a significant following in those platforms.

3. Keep the audience engaged.

A solid social media presence is the result of a significant following and engaging content. Keep in mind that an aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed can have many followers and likes. Still, the goal is to keep the followers coming, retain them, keep them entertained, and most importantly, entice and convert them to becoming customers. Focus on posting engaging content about the business that they will like and share and comment too. 

4. Establish a wide network.

A vast network is crucial when it comes to starting a business. Start building a relationship with entrepreneurs, suppliers, and even couriers by joining groups, events, expos, and online caravans to know the in’s and out’s of the digital landscape. In these trying times, collaboration, not competition, is key to the survival of a business.

5. Get the right connection.

The right connection matters — literally, in the case of online businesses. What good is an online business without a reliable and stable Internet connection? Get a strong Internet connection with affordable PLDT Home Biz Plan, plus access to a wider network through readily available eCommerce solutions that come with each subscription and virtual trade expos that PLDT Home Biz provides in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

With many people starting their businesses online, the need to stand out and get the audience’s attention and loyalty seems challenging. But with the right tools and a solid foundation, any online startup business has the potential not only to survive but also to thrive.

With PLDT Home Biz, anyone has the power to create a successful home-based online business. Find out more at www.pldthome.com/biz.