Get Ahead: 5 Ways to Prepare for Online Business Success
Dreaming of Starting an Online Business? Here Are 5 Steps to Lay the Foundation Today
Have you ever thought about starting an online business someday? If so, why not set the wheels in motion right now?
Whether you're juggling little ones, working full-time, or just not ready to dive in fully, these foundational steps are both simple and impactful for your future success.
Let’s explore five things you can start today to build the foundation for your dream business:
Build a Social Media Following
Chances are, you're already active on social media. Use this time to start growing a following that aligns with your future business niche.
Engage with groups, follow influencers, and join conversations related to your business idea.
By sharing insights and valuable posts, you’re positioning yourself as an authority in the space—and planting the seeds of trust with future customers.
Tip: The key to growth on social media is consistency. Start posting now about your topic so the “algorithm gods” start recognizing you as an authority.
Start Growing an Email List
If you think email is outdated, think again! Email marketing offers an impressive average return on investment of 42%.
Begin engaging with other experts’ email lists in your field to learn from their strategies and even connect with them on a personal level.
By the time you're ready to launch, you’ll have valuable insights and connections that can help propel your list-building efforts forward.
Bonus: Start gathering a list of potential subscribers who might be interested in your business when it launches. Remember, a solid email list is gold in any business!
Launch a Blog on Your Future Business Topic
Think of a blog as the home base for all your online activities. Even if you pivot to video or podcast content down the line, your blog can be the cornerstone of your online presence.
Blogging about your future business topic now gives search engines time to index your posts and build your visibility, so your blog will be a solid asset by the time you launch.
Insight: Growing a blog takes time. Each post you write today will continue to work for you months or even years down the road. The sooner you start, the better positioned you’ll be when it’s time to turn your blog into a business tool.
Do Your Research and Plan Thoroughly
Imagine going to college without professors, classes, or a structured curriculum.
That’s what self-taught entrepreneurs do daily.
But you don’t need to go in unprepared. Start gathering insights now: take free courses, read articles, research income streams, and take notes.
The goal is to educate yourself on everything from content creation to sales funnels. You don’t need to spend heavily upfront—there are countless free resources to guide you.
Pro Tip: Avoid a buying spree on online courses until you’re absolutely certain about your business direction. For now, make use of freebies and observe what successful businesses in your niche are doing.
Start Writing an eBook
Yes, really!
Writing an eBook may feel daunting, but it’s one of the best things you can do to establish authority in your niche.
Even if you don’t publish it right away, being able to eventually say you’re a published author will add credibility and attract an audience that sees you as a trusted expert.
You don’t need a bestseller to make an impact—the fact that you’ve written a book speaks volumes.
Tip: Focus on crafting a helpful, well-structured eBook on your topic. This will serve as a powerful marketing tool once your business is ready to launch.
Starting an online business doesn’t happen overnight, but the foundation you lay today will lead to smoother, faster growth in the future.
So, take these small steps, be consistent, and your dream business will be ready to launch before you know it!
