Can You Start an Online Business for Free?
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When brainstorming what to write about this week, I researched what folks were asking when starting an online business. To say I was surprised was an understatement.
The top questions asked were:
Wow. After seeing that, my next thought was, “No wonder online success is so elusive for some.” One thing about any business, online or off, is that it is rare to succeed on the cheap.
Answers to Startup Questions
- Online Business Startup Questions and Answers
- How much does it cost to have an online business?
- Do I have to have a website?
- What skills will I need to acquire?
- What website services must I have?
- How long until I make a profit?
- How much time do I have to spend managing the business?
- Is anything “Free” with an online business?
- How should I get the ball rolling?
Online Business Startup Questions and Answers
Don’t get me wrong; I understand that funds are low, and hard times make folks desperate for solutions. But to think that you would be able to start a successful online business for free or no cost is pretty much wishful thinking.
That’s not to say there aren’t free services (with limited functionality) you can take advantage of—for example, free plugins, free themes, and freemium services. Freemium means limited functionality or users at no cost, and you can upgrade for full features or more users.
You’ll need to set up staples that have a cost. However, once those basics are in place, you can market your business at no cost, with the price being only your time.
But time has a price, too. It is not infinite and must be appropriately spent for the best results. In my experience, many are not willing to pay the “time expense” that is necessary.
Today, I thought I would share a few of the common questions I get asked about starting a business online, along with links to relevant articles that I’ve written on each subject for further information.
How much does it cost to have an online business?
That varies by type of business. Each business and owner has a unique vision. I have yet to discover a completely free business that you can start. One way or another, you are going to have to invest.
Both will require certain staples and processes that need to be implemented. This is where doing your due diligence and getting a plan in place can lay the framework for what you need — or not.
You will want to map out every part of the marketing and sales process to know the features and related costs involved. Here are a couple of articles to start with:
READ: 24 Considerations to Start an Online Business in 2024
Do I have to have a website?
Yep. Even with just a side hustle, you should have a website.
You need a presence that folks can find to get to know you, your business, and your products. Credible companies have websites.
READ: How Much Does Free Really Cost? Realistic New WordPress Website Expense Planning
You can minimize costs by doing it yourself. But even then, you need a domain, web hosting, and other services to grow your online presence.
READ: Do You Need a Designer, Developer, Coach, or Consultant? (PDF Checklist)
What skills will I need to acquire?
If you are a sole proprietor, you must be a Jack or Jill of all trades. However, the beauty of the internet is that there are websites or resources where you can learn anything you want to know.
Practically speaking, however, there will be necessary tasks that you are not interested in doing or learning about. At least well enough to be effective.
Things like customizing certain aspects of your website, configuring plugins or APIs, and understanding the ins and outs of e-commerce and marketing. You want to be realistic about your skillset, and enthusiasm to learn new things is essential.
Once you nail that down, you will need to budget for help in the areas you know are essential to your success that you don’t excel at.
READ: Beginners Help with WordPress: Resources Worth Bookmarking
What website services must I have?
The bare minimum is hosting and email services. When it comes to these two services, you get what you pay for.
How long until I make a profit?
That, too, is unique to each business based on your product or service, the competition in your market, and how hard you go into working your new enterprise.
If you have a “me too” business with nothing unique compared to what is already out there, you have a hill to climb. It will be harder to stand out and differentiate yourself from those already established businesses and have solid branding and credibility.
A better approach is to do your due diligence to discover a niche where you can do something different or better. Or, you find out a need that isn’t being met, and you meet it.
READ: To Succeed Online; You Cannot be Average
How much time do I have to spend managing the business?
As much as you can. The more time you spend, the better the results you’ll enjoy.
Is anything “Free” with an online business?
Yes, well, sort of. However, when you are “working” on your new presence, you can write articles and create graphics. And as I mentioned earlier, you do the marketing legwork.
Some tools and services offer free accounts but with user and feature limits. And not all freebies are supported or will be there for the long haul. So, you want to determine an upfront budget that reflects what is necessary for your success and is worth the time and effort.
To market your website, utilize existing opportunities to try with little to no cost other than your time. Such as:
But even with the above, you can’t be lazy or spammy. In addition, services and tools may help you do the above more effectively and professionally, whether monthly fees or site membership costs.
How should I get the ball rolling?
TV commercials give the impression that you push a few buttons and then have a business website to sit back, and the money rolls in—nothing further from the truth.
Sit down with a pad, a paper, or any business planning guide that works for you. Using my links to the articles above, list the services and features you need and the anticipated cost.
You must then investigate the services and products needed to make things happen. Don’t fall for fast, cheap, and easy pitches. That’s rarely the case. (Check out the products and services I use for my sites and recommend them to my clients.)
Next, brainstorm how much time you can spend working on your new enterprise each day. Then, create a calendar of the tasks that need to be done and when you need to do them. Then, have the discipline to follow through.
If you still have questions on what is involved to succeed online, search my Blog. I cover pretty much every angle you need to consider seriously.
At your service,
