Doing Business Online

People usually go online to do a research, connect with loved ones via social sites, check emails, play games, listen to or legally download music, watch videos or legally download movies, download files or programs, read novels and more. Some makes it part of their daily routine while others do it only to relax. Most people, however, sees it as a great way to do business.

Online businesses existed many many years ago (I guess) but limited to people or companies who could pay for online sites that would publish their products or services. These days, there are lots of web programs that offers free posting, if not minimal charging, to individuals who wanted to do business online. There are buy and sell businesses, bills payment, travel agency and a lot more. Anyone can sign-up, be it the business owner or the consumer.

I admire those people who created such platforms because they help a lot of entrepreneur with their businesses. Example is the buy and sell platform. If you are to put up a store in your place or in malls, there are lots of requirements and expenses. Aside from that, the chance of gaining more profit is less since your prospective clients are limited. But if you will take the opportunity of posting your products online, the only requirement is a computer with internet connection and some photos of your products to upload them and be seen by prospective buyers nationwide or worldwide. These platforms extends help by providing easy-to-follow instructions in sharing their products online. Moreover, they offer free online seminars or training in using their platform until the business owner hits the target.

Some business owners gain clients or customers through their marketing techniques while others through friendship. Most sellers, for example, become successful with their online store because of their strategy or style of selling, their credibility and of course being online most of the time. Other business owners, however, still finds it hard to reach their goal. Consumers look into the profile aside from the legality of what the business offers. On the other hand, the business owner wants to be sure that the consumer can be trusted. The credibility of both is needed thus some online selling platform or company websites included a page where both the consumer and business owner will be able to express their thoughts about the service and/or the product. Moreover, the options to pay and deliver the products are quite challenging, although banks and shipping companies offer many ways to make it easier for both parties.

Doing business online is a tough job. Some do it alone while others employ or assign someone else to assist with the online transactions. Some do it on a part-time basis while other people do it full time. Usually, these are the mothers or full time parents who do business online. They say they do it as an added income or simply to have something else to do while their kids are in school. Others do it for passion. They love selling and they sell the products that they also love. Such are the home bakers who prefers selling their baked goods online. I've also known some art lovers who loves to buy and sell art materials and artworks online. Those adventure lovers with travel companies made it easier for their clients to transact online. Even people who simply enjoy writing or showing their skills on camera earns through online blogging or offers their skills such as editing photos or videos of clients. However, no matter what their reason is, doing online business is still a tough one. Especially, when your focus shifted to earning other than simply enjoying what you do.

Social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, are now open to entrepreneurs. Both offers great marketing techniques for any business, whether it is a small time or a big company. You can post your service or product with zero to minimal charge. A great tool, indeed, to market your business because not only does it do the advertising to your online friends but also to other people who uses the platform, hence the advertisement reaches worldwide. This is why some merchant posts rules or guidelines about the business. For example, the online store: if the products are to be sold nationwide only, the owner includes in their guidelines the unavailability of delivery outside the country. If it is available, merchants usually includes higher or additional shipping charges.

There is another platform that many businesses now use to post and earn. It's called TikTok. I remember when I first heard of this app, I downloaded as well for entertainment. Netizens upload videos usually for entertainment purposes, but today, these videos can be monetized. The app also opened its door to sellers who would want to market their products in there.

A good email provider is also needed in a business. Some prefers sending messages through email (just avoid the spamming) while others prefer using the messenger. Whatever you prefer to use in your business, just make sure to be online most of the day and check those accounts you included in your advertisement so you won't miss any queries and/or customer.