The online business world has evolved quickly and drastically over the past twenty years. In my early days as a businessman, I didn’t need to worry about websites and social media. Apps and smart phones weren’t developed. In fact, computers were just beginning to become more user-friendly!

The business world has changed quickly as technology has changed. The first iPhone was released in 2007 and quickly changed the world. Social media is now a necessity in marketing. Basically, if you are a businessman or businesswoman and you aren’t using technology to assist your endeavors, you’re making a big mistake.

Computers, smart phones, apps, and social media are an excellent business tool! How can you utilize the tools without becoming run by technology? Check out my tips below.

5 Tips for Successful Online Business

1. You need a website. 

This is a necessity and it’s easier than ever to make one. With services like Wix and WordPress, you no longer need to have a web designer to have a decent website. Yes, down the road, if your business becomes really successful, you’re going to want to have a web designer take you to the next level. But until that point, there are plenty of pre-existing themes that you can easily use.

Just remember to do a bit of research into your competitors’ websites to see what elements are important. Make sure it’s easy to contact you and purchase goods if those are relevant to your business. Also make sure the layout is functional for your audience.

2. Remember that people are regularly on their smart phones. 

Having a website and a business card are no longer good enough. People have migrated to their phones. Computers are no longer the primary way people shop and research online. The term “mobile-friendly” now dominates the market. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, then it’s a fair guess that you’re losing a significant amount of traffic.

Mobile-friendly websites adjust to the size of various screens. That means when someone visits your website on their phone, it’s sized down to make for an optimal browsing experience. Otherwise, it’s difficult to navigate and they may get frustrated and leave. Other things to consider with phones are advertising through apps and even creating your own app.

3. Utilize social media.  

Social media is a powerful tool for advertisement and brand awareness. However, don’t make the mistake of jumping into Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest all at once. Instead, do some research. You already know your audience. The next step is figuring out where they spend time online. If you’re an insurance company, Pinterest won’t be very useful for you. But if you’re a clothing company, then Instagram and Pinterest are probably at the top of your list.

Focus your efforts on growing one or two platforms at a time so you don’t burn out. Building social media presence is tedious!

Grab my FREE Do’s & Don’ts of Social Media + a sample schedule by signing up at the bottom of this post!

4. Be generous. 

Your business should offer freebies. Bottom line. From free webinars to free tips in commercials, businesses are offering freebies to pull people in. In a world oversaturated with marketing, the way to stand out has been to offer the goods up front. If you’re going to sell an expensive video program, then you need to give about 50% away of it for free.

Show your customer you can change her life by actually changing her life a little bit. By proving yourself and your product to the customer, you’re making yourself memorable and also creating a bond where the customer feels grateful to you. This will result in sale after sale.

5. Ask for help. 

The best move I’ve made was surrounding myself with good people and good educational products. I hired someone to take on social media and websites, and started learning from the best about how to successfully go about doing business in the online world.

Recognize what you don’t know and be willing to ask for help. This is HUGE and will reap many benefits as you navigate the online world of business.

The sheer volume of options and advice out there can be intimidating. However, these five tips are simple, do-able, and pertain to any business out there! Follow these five steps and you’ll have a pathway to success.

Get started with social media today by grabbing my FREE list of social media do’s and don’ts plus a sample social media posting schedule! Grab it here!