Starting your own business is a thrilling way to build an income you can count on in uncertain times. The availability of the Internet has made it possible to create a global business with a very small investment footprint. Whether you're providing goods or services, you need a marketing plan to help you grow online and in person.

Build a Website to Catch the Eye of Buyers

If you're offering a service, your website can help you stand out by being approachable. Because you need to be there in person to do the work so that your website and your persona mesh.

For example, if you're a photographer seeking to build a business taking photos of family gatherings or weddings, you'll have many chances over the day to make close, personal connections. Increase the connection by sharing your logo and business name effectively. If you're taking photos of a wedding, you'll likely need to be dressed formally. Make sure your gear bags show off your logo. Add your logo to your vehicle so your name sticks in the minds of all the guests.

For those who own stores that have an online presence and a brick-and-mortar location, take care to create links that will make your store/website a destination location. Offer sales for your online clients, then step up your offerings at the store. For example, guests who shop in person may have access to a sturdy tote bag featuring your logo to carry home.

Create an App Showing Off Your Offerings

Online shopping via web search can be quite frustrating. You can have a top-quality service or product and get overlooked because people do not want to scroll. An app, designed by experts, can show what you have for sale or what you can do. This tool can make accessing your offerings the simplest option for many shoppers, and saving shoppers time and effort can build brand loyalty.

Your app can be customized to your service offerings as well as your products. If you run a tailoring and alterations shop, someone accessing your app can input their need and get an estimate on:

• Time to do the job

• Shipping costs if applicable

• Total cost for the project

Your app should make this information scalable; if a high school needs multiple garments hemmed for the marching band, your app can still give them a ballpark estimate so band directors can plan.

For those who offer a service such as photography or baking, the app can allow shoppers to filter down to their specific needs. Do they want chocolate or vanilla? Do they need a photographer to come to them or would they prefer to visit your studio? By creating a series of simple queries through your app and providing the information necessary for a person-to-person question, can boost your customer service options and greatly improve your brand.

Optimize and Track Your Online Store

If you already have an online store that shows off what you offer, make a careful review of the data available. You need to be sure that your current offerings are actually getting looks and producing sales.

You need to know information such as:

• How many visitors your store gets

• Where these visits are directed from

• How many items are checked out by your guests

• What items get put into a shopping cart

• When your guests leave your website

Your site needs to load consistently and easily on multiple devices. If some images or products are slow to load, even interested parties may abandon your site for ones that are easier to access. Your SEO and search efficiency will also have an impact on future customer loyalty.

No matter the goods and services you offer, you are not going to grow your business without a solid online presence. A website or app that is responsive and easy to use is key to drawing interest, increasing clicks, and generating sales.