Although when the Internet first started it was a wide open field for business, it has since narrowed down to more of a niche market for those entering it. Because of the vast competition already in place, you need to offer something unique, special or innovative to succeed. How can you find the niche that will work for you? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Remember that you are going to pour enormous time and effort into the Internet business you start. You need to really like the product you are selling, and see its usefulness to people. If you do not really care about it, your motivation will be lacking and you will likely fail to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed. So sit down with a pen and paper and make a list of your passionate interests. Or sit around the kitchen table with friends and family and brainstorm. There is still room on the Internet for a good idea. Spend time first developing a product or service idea, before you even think of designing your website. Once you start your business, your enthusiasm will show and will help draw customers to you.
It almost goes without saying that the niche market you choose should be one you have long experience and skill in. This experience will allow you to set up a good website. Your passion and expertise will show. It will also give you a basis for creating a network. You can link to others you know in the business. You will have information to add to online forums in your field. You will have ideas for blog posts. Your past experience is invaluable. What you now want to do is bring some innovative product online, or design some needed service that can be provided online.
You should start with what you know best, and limit your business to a clearly defined scope. Once you have this bulkhead established, you can expand to more products or services that meet your customers’ needs. Launch a successful product, and you have a core business which can expand. But beware of over-reaching. Try to expand your business at a steady, modest rate. If it gets ahead of you, you may lose customers permanently due to slow service or poor performance.
Get to know what your competitors are doing by visiting their websites frequently. Share tips and ideas with them on online forums. Developing a collegial relationship with other businesses in your field can be a winning situation for both of you. Try to link to as many relevant websites as possible. A link on an informational website or that of a professional association will make your business more visible and drive customers to you.
Your first months will be concerned with drawing customers to your site. Make use of the tools provided by search engines such as Google. They can help you use keywords to attract people interested in your business. They provide analytics that help you understand who is coming to your site, why, and where they come from. As your network takes shape, expand it along the lines of past success. A network expands in layers.
Consider using appropriate ads to bring in more customers and money.
These are some thoughts to help you get started. Try to have a clear image of the business you want to build. This will help it to manifest in just the way you hoped it would.