How to start an online business from scratch, it's easy and just follow the method here!

Online business seems to be one way to run a business. Interested to get started? If so, you've come to the right place. Because times Dailysocial.id will share tips on building an online business from scratch.

As you know, this type of business can be said to be vulnerable. Yes, it looks simple and straightforward, but it certainly requires a lot of focus and effort. For those of you who want to get into this business, here are some steps you can try.

1. Discover the Problems Faced in the Digital Market

Products are an important part of online business. With products that are in line with the market, you still have the possibility to conquer the market. What happens if you offer a product that the market doesn't need? Maybe fail!

The statement above is not without evidence. According to a CBS Insight study, 42 percent of startups fail because they don't recognize the needs of the market. Why did they fail? Because the products they offer do not solve consumer problems.

Remember that buying your product is the first thing consumers think about when their problem is resolved.

So, when you start any online business, the first thing to think about is whether your product is needed in the market. Can your product solve consumer problems?

2. Determine the Type of Business You Want to Run

Decide which business you want to run. Be it food, clothing or electronic products. Of course, once you know the product you want to sell, you can easily determine the next step. For those of you who are still confused about what products to sell, don't hesitate to bring up the ideas that are in your mind.

"But determining a business idea is not easy"

It's true, but this process is very important so that the business you run becomes stable later. You can start educating yourself about problems that are happening around you or things that you are experiencing yourself. You can also use your hobby as the basis for a business idea.

3. Compile a Simple Business Plan

The next step is perhaps just as important, namely creating a business plan. Simply put, a business plan or business plan is a plan or part of what you need to do to achieve your business goals. Usually there are several factors that you plan for, such as:

• Business Description

A more detailed description of the online business you want to operate.

• Market Analysis

Research-based information about your industry and target market, e.g. similar products, competitors, customers you want to target.

• Products and Services

Description of the product you want to sell. Shape, size and price.

• Marketing Plan

Advertising strategy to present your company and products. This could be social media use, referrals and more.

• Logistics and Action Plan

Production requirements, selection of suitable vendors or suppliers and plans for daily operations.

• Financial plan

Breakdown figures show what you need to get your business up and running. Starting from obtaining capital, production costs, to the cost of shipping goods to consumers.

To keep your business running well, at least prepare the business plan above before you start selling any products online.

4. Market Research

Market research helps you better understand your product and potential customers. You can start this market research by looking for similar products that are also being sold by your competitors. Starting from the shape of the product, prices on the market, to the method of service, it is important for you to know. This can make it easier to analyze the advantages, disadvantages, and opportunities of the products you sell. When it comes to these things, you can later create and develop better products.

5. Determine the Platform to Sell

Choose a suitable platform to sell your product. If you sell products like goods, using a marketplace or e-commerce is fine. For example, entering your product in "green shop" or "orange shop".

However, if you focus more on service products, the use of social media is also very effective. Because it can communicate directly with potential customers.

6. Maximize the Features on the Platform Used

If you use the marketplace as an online store. So don't forget to maximize existing features such as images, videos, descriptions, ratings and comment fields. With existing features you can increase your product sales. For example, clearly add product images. Because with meaningful product images you can convince potential buyers more.

Besides that, you can build customer trust with the comments column. Don't be lazy to answer their questions about the products you sell. You can also use the comments column to find out what they think about your product, so that later you can fix possible defects or improve existing ones.

7. Don't hesitate to promote your product on social media

Social media advertising strategies can have a big impact on your product sales. Therefore, don't hesitate to use social media such as Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok as a means of advertising. You can also build closer relationships with customers or potential customers on social media. The marketing or business features available on any social media can also help you promote your products better.

But besides that, there are many things you should pay attention to when using social media, such as:

• Use of quality product photos/images

• Use of attractive promotional videos

• Clear content description

• Collaborate with influencers that fit the business

That's how to start an online business from scratch that you can try to apply. How? what are you waiting for, it's time to start your dream business.