The secrets to running an online business

Working from home may look easy but there are unique challenges that come with running an online business. Starting one may be just as challenging as putting up a brick and mortar store. But if you get it right, you can enjoy the convenience that comes with having a successful enterprise while being close to home. To help you get started, here are the secrets to running an online business.

Will it work from home?

This is the question every person must ask before considering a home-based business. Is your idea going to work at home as it would elsewhere? The key is to find your niche in the market and use that opportunity to make your mark in your chosen industry. Select a sector that has not been tapped and make yourself stand out as a unique option.

Load up with the right tools

Remember that every aspect of your operation must occur within your home. Being a startup doesn’t mean you should forego using big business tools. Of course, having a strong and stable internet connection should be your utmost priority.

Ditch your residential internet service and switch to a business broadband service that has more data allowance, without peak and off peak hours. A faster connection guarantees a better experience for your customers and better response rates for you.

Explore other channels for communication

Consumer studies show that despite completing the majority of the sales process online, most people prefer to make a call to the seller before completing the sale. Make sure that you have a number that will make it easy to stay connected to you offline.

Don’t make the mistake of using a personal number for your business. Stay professional and use a 1300 or 1800 number instead. Not only will you keep your personal life private, you also project a stable and larger image by using a professional inbound number.

Treat your online buyers as real people

Most importantly, don’t forget that your customers are real people. The process may all be done online, but there is a face and a personality behind that blinking screen. You get more recurring customers by providing top notch customer service, no matter how big or small the sale is. Every person is important, and every enquiry is an opportunity for a sale.

The extras that come with these numbers make working from home, or anywhere in the country a breeze. Route calls to your mobile whenever you’re out of the house and create a healthy work-life balance by forwarding calls to a live answering service during after-hours. Having a warm voice greet them and take their calls makes a world of difference for your customers.

Keep them coming back

With online businesses, reputation is everything. Keep things simple, engage your customers, and respond to their enquiries promptly. Just by doing this, you are sure to find lifelong clients that will keep you in business for a long time.

To learn more about how the right communication tools can help your online business, give us a call at 1300 ALLTEL or visit us at ALLTEL.