If you are a young entrepreneur with a talent for spotting gaps in the online marketplace, you may have already considered starting a new online business. Every year, thousands of business-minded individuals decide to set up their own online businesses with the aim of generating a meaningful level of income. This may be to provide additional funds alongside a traditional main job or with the long-term aim of becoming a sole source of income. Many online businesses can be effectively run from the comfort of your own home. All that is needed is a business laptop, a reliable internet connection, and a profitable idea for the company. In this article, some key points to consider when creating a small online business from home will be explored.
Prioritize your webpage loading speeds
One of the most important factors for the success of any online business is the functionality of the website. Put simply, an online business must have a website that encourages visitors to navigate the site and eventually make a purchase. A key factor in website design is the loading speed of each webpage. Recent statistics indicate that 82% of consumers are less likely to make a purchase from a website with slow page loading speeds. In addition, the bounce rate (i.e., customers leaving your site after only viewing one webpage) increases by 32% when page loading times rise from 1 to 3 seconds. When building your business website, ensure that it runs on a fast hosting server and test the webpage loading speeds to check that they perform effectively.
Use courier services to deliver your products
It is highly likely that your online business will sell products to the end consumer. A key factor in the success of such online firms is being able to deliver products in a suitable timescale and ensuring that the items arrive in perfect condition. For small online businesses, one of the most effective ways to ensure this is by using a dedicated courier service. Search online for courier quotes to find a list of companies that specialize in sending goods quickly and securely. The price for these services largely depends on the size, weight, and required delivery timescales. Rapid delivery timescales are typically far more expensive, so it is wise to offer potential customers a range of delivery options with varying prices for shipment.
The power of networking
One of the key challenges for any small online business is building its reputation and becoming more visible in the industry it serves. As e-commerce continues to grow, competitors become more prevalent, and it is important to distinguish your firm from them. Put simply, you must aim to build a company image that allows customers to choose you over competitors. One way this can be achieved is by effective networking. Attend trade shows that are relevant to your business. These can be the ideal opportunity to highlight your products and make contacts with other key players in the industry. In addition, being active and visible on sites such as LinkedIn and other social media channels can help your business to become more visible and grow a network of both professional contacts and interested consumers.
