Backpacker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Are You the Next Virtual Business Success Story?
With the freedom of web communications and low-cost web publishing, thousands of entrepreneurs are turning to self made websites and blogging away to launch their entrepreneurial ventures. The virtual business is no longer a dream; we’re in the era where a laptop in your backpack and setting up shop at the local café are all you need to call it a day’ at the office’.
Online startups can easily be run virtually, generating revenue faster than any brick-and-mortar counterpart. Could you be the next virtual business success story? Here are few quick tips on getting your niche idea onto the ‘on ramp’ for launch:
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Develop and define—really define—your marketing strategy.
Every business needs a launch strategy, and your web business shouldn’t be any different. Outline exactly who you’re going to target, and where they may already be. Start social networking, join discussion forums, and just get social! Today’s Web 2.0-based networks are filled with opportunities to help you find out where your customers are. Identifying your niche market’s tastes, preferences, and even goals is easier than ever!
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Do your SEO homework.
Even if you’ve outsourced your website creative and content writing, it’s a good idea to learn how to develop your site so that it is easily picked up by the search engines. Counting on an attractive Flash-based site, for example, may help you entertain your audience, but will limit your ability to be seen by search engine crawlers. Learn the ins and outs of search engine optimization and you’ll be off to a great start.
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Think in the long-term.
The dot-bomb cycle need not be repeated, and the success of your business will require some long range planning. Build a business that can grow on itself, and develop at least three to four fundamental strategies that will help sustain your business for at least two years.
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Power up with a blog.
More and more businesses are using blogs as a complement to their website, or simply as the online business itself. Get comfortable with using blog platforms such as SquareSpace and WordPress, and you’ll quickly see the potential of reaching out to today’s blog-savvy audience.
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Create and stick with your mission statement.
Mission and purpose statements aren’t just for brick and mortar startups, they can really help you business succeed on the web as well. Developing a brand is a great way to make sure you stand out from other businesses in the competitive online world, and the more focused and purposeful your mission statement is, the easier it will be to make decisions and grow with your central purpose—consider it a ‘compass’ as you grow.
4 Comments
Graham Lutz, The Young Capitalist
August 31st, 2007 at 11:02 am
Sabah, Great post! This is so true, and I love to watch the progression that entrepreneurship is taking on the web.
lawrence
August 31st, 2007 at 5:53 pm
i like point 1, that’s important i feel.
alot of people start these idea website companies…basically shooting from the hip, learning as they go, etc etc
there’s nothing wrong with that - i like the ’school of hardknocks’, but really defining your marketing/promotion strategy is key, really key.
the web is not like brick/mortar stores, if you build it - they just won’t come.
Sabah Karimi
September 1st, 2007 at 5:44 pm
It’s also interesting to see the difference between offline and online marketing and brand strategies. Making sure your strategy RESONATES with your brand is even more important on the web. Many companies make the mistake of developing something so unique that their customers don’t have a chance to make the ‘mental’ connection.
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