3 Basic Ways To Start Building An Online Presence For Your Business

You know it's not the same as it was. After so much change and disruption, across every sector, businesses have had to adjust, fast, to dramatically changing market forces – and this has led to profound digitization across the board. With more cash than ever changing hands online in the modern world, this is the time to set up your own online business – making cash out of your skills without having to leave your bedroom. Here are three ways to achieve this lifestyle.

1. Take Advantage Of The Gravity Holding You Back

Before you start anything, you may already be feeling stuck, feeling limited, and weighed down by something, or maybe more than one thing, such as;

• Lack of Motivation: You don't know where to start or how to start, who to ask for help, so your motivation level is so low that you feel stuck in a rut.
• Self-Doubt: You believe your own limitations are preventing you from achieving something.
• External Obstacles: There could be external factors holding you back, like a lack of resources, a difficult situation, or negative people around you.

But when you think about it positively, right? It's not all bad that the gravity is holding you back. Because this also means being grounded in who you are and what you stand for. Here's the gist:

• It's okay to move at your own pace. Not everyone has to be a shooting star.
• Being true to yourself. You don't have to chase every trend. Stick to what you love and what feels right for you.

This groundedness makes your content genuine. It makes your interactions more exciting. And of course, it makes your online presence more relatable. Isn't that right?

2. Hold Out The Palm of Your Hand

Be selfless. Offer something genuinely helpful. Let people know that you are easily approachable. 

Share Wisdom

You don't have to be an expert in everything. It's about sharing insights from your own life experiences that might light someone else's path. Here’s how:

• Write About Your Lessons Learned: Got a personal story that taught you a valuable lesson? Share it. Your journey could be the roadmap someone else needs.
• Offer Tips and Tricks: Found a way to simplify a complicated task? Share your method. Your shortcut could save someone else time and frustration.
• Answer Questions with Compassion: When someone has a question, offer your insights without judgment. Your answer could be the guidance they've been seeking.

Acts of Support

Imagine all the sad internet users, sitting behind their screen all day. But a single act of support can bridge continents and bring comfort. Here's what that looks like:

• Be an Encourager: Come across a post that resonates with you? Leave a positive comment. Sometimes, a few encouraging words are all it takes to lift someone's spirits.
• Offer to Help: See someone struggling with something you know how to fix? Offer your assistance. Whether it's technical help, advice, or just a listening ear, your willingness to help can make a big difference.
• Share Opportunities: Know of a job opening, a collaboration opportunity, or a free resource? Share it. Your post could be the opportunity someone’s been waiting for.

Kindness in Interaction

We all know that it's easy to spread negativity when we're hiding behind a screen. So we choose kindness to change the tone of online interactions. Here’s how to practice it:

• Compliment Sincerely: Genuine compliments can brighten someone's day. Noticed someone's effort or achievement? Tell them. Your recognition could be the boost they needed.
• Engage with Respect: Disagreements happen, but engaging respectfully can turn a potential conflict into a constructive conversation. Listen to understand, not to reply.
• Spread Positive Content: Share content that inspires, uplifts, and educates. Your feed could become a haven for those looking for a bit of positivity in their day.

Moving Forward, Grounded

Even with a sense of gravity, you can still move forward. It's about finding balance and knowing that being real, being grounded, has its own appeal. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. You don't have to leap bounds to make a difference.
• Your unique perspective is valuable. There's only one you, and your voice adds to the richness of the online world.
• Being patient and persistent pays off. The internet is always there; you have time to grow, learn, and shine.

Offering Your Hand

In the end, being online isn't just about shining the brightest. It's about being part of a community, offering support, and being authentically you. Holding out the palm of your hand is a metaphor for reaching out, connecting, and helping lift others. It's a reminder that in the vastness of the digital sky, being grounded and offering a hand can be just as impactful as being a star. So next time you log on, remember the power of being real, being supportive, and being kindly you. It's these moments of connection that truly light up the online world.

3. Don't Talk About Who's Doing It First

When you're ready to dip your toes into your new business, forget about who jumped in first. It's not a race, nor is it about claiming the title of "first to do X." What really counts is how you swim in these waters, creating a buzz with your unique voice. Here’s how to focus on building a strong online presence without worrying about who did what first.

Forge Your Own Path

There's no need to fixate on the pioneers in your field. Instead, concentrate on carving out a niche that reflects what you love about.

• Find Your Voice: Speak in a way that's true to you and your brand. Your authenticity will attract people who vibe with what you're saying.
• Tell Your Story: Every business has a story. Share yours in a way that feels personal and relatable. People connect with stories, not timelines.

You're Not Good Alone

You can look over your shoulder at what others are doing, but make sure you have enough allies because success often comes out of people's connections. 

• Listen and Learn: Pay attention to what users are saying. Their feedback is gold, helping you to tweak your approach and offer more of what they love.
• Engage Actively: Respond to comments, messages, and emails. Interaction shows that there's a real person behind the screen, not just a brand. Focus on getting touch with people. Answer the phone if they want to speak to you.

Offer Unmatched Value

It doesn't matter who did it first if you do it better or in a way that's more meaningful to your audience. Focus on delivering value in every post, video, blog, or tweet.

• Educate: Share your knowledge, offering tips and insights that can help your audience. Being helpful builds trust and establishes you as an authority in your niche.
• Inspire: Use your platform to inspire others, whether through motivational content, success stories, or showcasing your journey.

Experiment and Evolve

The digital landscape is always changing, and so are the ways people interact with it. Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they're outside the norm for your industry.

• Try New Formats: If you've always written blog posts, why not try a video? Experimenting with different content types can reveal new ways to connect with your audience.
• Stay Curious: Keep an eye on trends, but don't be swayed by every passing fad. If something sparks your interest, see if there's a way to incorporate it into your strategy that feels genuine to your brand.

Meanwhile, it’s worth remembering that the online world is also one of the best places to drum up business through your digital networking. If you have a service to offer, be that sound design, post-production skills, or graphic illustration, you could easily become a sought-after freelancer by basing yourself online. Build yourself an online portfolio, and use social media and LinkedIn wisely, in order to make money by this method online.

There you have it: three of the basics to start building an online presence for your business. If you wish to pursue a sustainable online career and start seeing some positive results this year, a starter guide can be found below.