WordPress How To: Start a New Business

Inquiries flow in daily from folks who, due to the ease of use of WordPress, want to start a new site using WordPress as a way to earn extra income.

I get it. Times are tough. But regardless of what platform your site is on, if you seek additional income, you have to approach your endeavor as a serious business first. This is where, unfortunately in my experience, many fall short. While WordPress can offer enhancements and benefits, even WordPress isn’t the end all be all many contacting me with new businesses seem to think it is.

Putting up a Web site of any kind in of itself is not starting a business. While WordPress allows a low cost entry barrier and the ability to manage your site more easily and less expensively, WordPress in no way negates the site owner from doing their business due diligence.

Here are some considerations every new business owner needs to evaluate in order to give their new enterprise the best chance for success in the long term:

• Investigate and formulate a business that is one which is as niche and tightly market focused as possible. “Me too” sites that are similar to the hundreds or thousands of sites currently online will have more of a challenge rising about the noise — and in the rankings.
• Purchase a creative and descriptive domain name. Read my Top 10 Domain Tips.
• Setup a PayPal Business Account — not a personal account — so you have the tools and features you will need to securely and reliably accept payments.
• Do a search at the US Patent and Trademark site to ensure your new business name is not in conflict with established trademarks.
• Have your online store on a platform and shopping cart that gives you all the necessary tools and the features that onliners have come to expect from a trusted shop owner. Read my article: 10 Must Dos BEFORE Building an eStore.
• Have a well written and detailed FAQ and policy page that covers all your terms, shipping methods and time-frames, operational and return information so that info is up front and center for customers to review — before they make a purchase.
• Be prepared to respond to customer e-mail inquiries in a prompt and professional manner.
• Understand that “being social” and involved in marketing your new online business will take a serious time commitment from you to build awareness for your new business. Plan on 12-14 hour days being standard and customary — that’s what it will take!
• Make the effort to understand SEO enough to be able to create your site content and structure with the basics in mind. Don’t believe for a moment that “Top 10″ or “above the fold” rankings happen overnight or are easy to attain by simply changing keywords or resubmitting your site. Understanding the reality of how search engines really work is crucial.
• Be aware that everything you do, from the business cards you include with your shipments, to how your package those shipments, to every keystroke you make in your communications will build a perception of if your business is one built on the premise of quality and integrity.
• Take the time necessary to choose the right WordPress Premium Theme with the features and functionality you need to cater to your site visitors. Only premium themes come with the support you will need to rely on to give your business the best launch possible.

While the above is not the end all be all, taking these issues into consideration before you begin developing your new WordPress site will provide a solid foundation. If you find you are willing to dilute the importance of any of these points (or the topics covered in the linked to articles), you may be best to hold off until you are ready to do what is necessary to succeed. You need to have a mindset for success!

Doing business online is not a slap-up-a-site with the same stuff many others are already successfully marketing and thinking you’ll succeed by osmosis. It is not a “build it and they will come environment”.

Doing business online is rabidly competitive and serious business — not for the weak of heart. But for those up to that challenge, they understand and are willing to do, embrace and learn what they need to make their business endure.

“It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’
You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.”
~ Sir Winston Churchill

And, yes, WordPress can help you do just that.

At your service,
Judith

Tags: Business Tips, Marketing Tips, wordpress tips