Photo by Fauxels By Eliana Ambrose
Whether you’ve to make your first online business or you’re transitioning from a brick and mortar store to a digital one, here are 8 steps to help get you started. 1. Choose your product or niche aka what are you selling? Make sure it aligns with your passion (what you want to do), expertise (you're able to explain it to somebody really well), and market demand (people want it). Make sure you aren’t getting drowned by competition by doing research in your market (your field or community of interest) to make sure you stand out from the crowd. 2. Create an online store so people can find you. There are plenty of platforms that can help you with this such as Etsy and Shopify. You can also build your own website on platforms like WordPress and Weebly. Either way, make sure that your website is attractive to the eye, user friendly, and phone friendly. 3. Sourcing and Creating (where are you getting the products from and/or how are you making them?) Make sure your products are high quality and make sure to research reliable suppliers. Try to get the most bang for your buck and find ways to save time for each step of the production process. 4. Set Up Secure Payment Options: Set up a business account with PayPal, Stripe, or a similar service so your customers can easily and safely put money in your bank account. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials that can help you decide which company is right for you and set an account with them. 5. Learn and practice Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Similar to step two, this makes sure you're findable online. Pretend you're trying to find yourself on the internet. Did your company come up on the first page of Google? If not, study your competition and observe what tools and SEO strategies they used. Then apply them to your own business. 6. Develop a Marketing aka advertising Strategy: If you want people to buy your stuff you need to let them know you're available. The key to mastering the step is to master your audience; in other words you need to be a customer not a business owner. Once you step into the shoes of your target audience, you will be able to maximize your marketing strategy using social media, email, content, and influencers to drive to your website. 7. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Chatbot and live chat are great ways to save time answering frequent asked questions (FAQs). You can also instructions that walk clients through the payment process. Make sure that customers have a way to reach you if they have any problems and you set aside some time in your day to address them and respond back to customers. 8. Monitor and Analyze Performance: This is what's going to help improve the longevity of the company the most. Become familiar with analytic tools, and feel to review statistics on YouTube. By doing feedback analysis about your website, customer service, and marketing campaigns, you will be able to make the right adjustments to your brand and your company. We hope that this article provided you with a basic understanding of online business and gave you some tips on how to start. If you want a free resource on how you can get free website traffic to your website, join here.
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Photo by Pixabay By Eliana Ambrose
Ever since the dawn of the economy, humans have always been trading and selling goods and services. However due to technological advancements and the ever-increasing importance of convenience and speed, a new type of commerce has emerged. E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It has transformed the way people shop, offering numerous benefits over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. If you're curious to know why e-commerce is so popular nowadays, this article will highlight the advantages of e-commerce compared to the old-fashioned way. When running a brick and mortar store you typically have to spend a lot of money just to run the store. For example there is the cost of rent and utilities and you have to pay hardworking staff which means that you have to make more sales in order to have a viable income. E-commerce eliminates these costs and many of the systems and processes are automated and more efficient which helps save even more time and money. This cost-effectiveness allows e-commerce businesses to offer competitive pricing while maintaining healthy profit margins. E-commerce also has the added benefit of not being limited to a specific region or area. You can get customers from all over the world while not having to spend money on warehouse maintenance and repairs. This global reach means you can expand your market exponentially and have hundreds, or maybe thousands, more clients than you would if you were doing commerce the old-fashioned way. The best part about e-commerce as a business owner is that since e-commerce works 24/7 365 days a year you can wake up to hundreds of cash in your bank account from sales that literally happened overnight. In addition, e-commerce has plenty of benefits for the customer as well. For example, instead of driving to a location before it closes at 5:00 p.m., customers can see all the inventory available, compare prices, and make purchases anytime anywhere without having to leave the comfort of their home. Customers can also receive tailored advertisements and marketing campaigns from companies so they don't have to worry about unwanted emails or texts. With this business model, customers always get what they want from the company which encourages them to become a loyal customer and possibly a promoter of the brand. Learn how to make sales with e-commerce using this program. It is easy to see why e-commerce has become the newest and most popular way for businesses to make money. For business owners, they have better cost-effectiveness and more opportunities for wealth than they ever had before. For customers, they have unmatched convenience, personalization and overall a better and more enhanced customer experience. If you're ready to embrace the future of retail and embark on an exciting entrepreneurial journey, now is the perfect time to start your e-commerce business. So, seize the moment, follow your passion, and unlock the boundless potential of e-commerce. Photo by Pixabay By Eliana Ambrose
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any small business. It refers to the movement of money in and out of your business, including revenue, expenses, and investments. Managing and optimizing cash flow is essential for sustaining operations, covering expenses, and fueling growth. In this article, we will explore the concept of cash flow, the importance of cash flow forecasting, and provide a list of tools to help small businesses create accurate cash flow forecasts. Understanding Cash Flow Cash flow represents the net change in a company's cash position during a specific period. It is different from profitability, as a business can be profitable but still face cash flow challenges if there are delays in receiving payments or excessive outflows. Positive cash flow occurs when the money coming into the business exceeds the money going out, resulting in a surplus that can be reinvested or used for various purposes. Negative cash flow, on the other hand, indicates that the business is spending more than it is earning, which can lead to financial difficulties. The Importance of Cash Flow Forecasting Cash flow forecasting is the process of estimating the future cash inflows and outflows of a business over a specific period. It allows small business owners to anticipate potential cash flow gaps, make informed financial decisions, and take proactive measures to improve cash flow. By creating a cash flow forecast, small businesses can:
Tools to Create a Cash Flow Forecast Several tools can assist small businesses in creating accurate cash flow forecasts. These tools provide user-friendly interfaces, automation, and data integration capabilities to streamline the process. Here are some popular options: Excel or Google Sheets: Widely accessible and customizable, spreadsheets are a common choice for cash flow forecasting. Templates and formulas can be used to track and project cash flow based on historical data and assumptions. QuickBooks: As a comprehensive accounting software, QuickBooks offers cash flow forecasting features that integrate with your financial data. It provides real-time visibility into your cash flow, automates data entry, and generates reports. Float: Float is a dedicated cash flow forecasting tool that helps businesses project future cash flows with ease. It integrates with accounting software and allows for scenario planning, providing insights into potential cash flow outcomes. LivePlan: LivePlan is a business planning software that includes cash flow forecasting capabilities. It enables small businesses to create dynamic forecasts, compare actuals to projections, and adjust strategies accordingly. Futrli: Futrli is a financial forecasting and reporting platform that allows businesses to create accurate cash flow forecasts. It offers intuitive dashboards, scenario modeling, and cash flow insights to drive better financial decision-making. Sage Intacct: Sage Intacct is a cloud-based accounting software that includes cash flow management features. It provides real-time cash flow visibility, customizable dashboards, and automation to streamline cash flow forecasting processes. Building and increasing cash flow is vital for the success and sustainability of small businesses. By understanding the concept of cash flow, implementing effective cash flow forecasting practices, and utilizing tools like Excel, QuickBooks, Float, LivePlan, Futrli, and Sage Intacct, small business owners can gain better control over their finances, make informed decisions, and ensure a healthy cash flow. Remember, regular monitoring, analysis, and adjustment of your cash flow forecast are key to maintaining financial stability and supporting growth in your business. Photo by Matthias Groeneveld The prospect of attending college without the burden of financial constraints is an enticing prospect for many students. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, full-tuition scholarships offer a beacon of hope for aspiring students who seek to further their education without incurring massive debt. In this article, we will explore 10 scholarship programs that provide full tuition coverage, offering students a unique opportunity to focus on their studies and graduate without the added stress of financial burdens.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program - https://www.gmsp.org/ The Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. Graduate funding is only provided to students who have been awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship as undergraduates. The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans - https://www.pdsoros.org/ The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provides up to $90,000 in funding for graduate students who are immigrants or children of immigrants. The fellowship can be used at any U.S. accredited graduate school in any field of study. Dell Scholars Program - https://www.dellscholars.org/ The Dell Scholars Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who are low-income and have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. QuestBridge National College Match Program - https://www.questbridge.org/ The QuestBridge National College Match Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who are low-income and have demonstrated academic excellence. The scholarship can be used at any of QuestBridge's partner colleges and universities. Coca-Cola Scholars Program - https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/ The Coca-Cola Scholars Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. Burger King Scholars Program - https://bkmclamorefoundation.org/ The Burger King Scholars Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who are employees or children of employees of Burger King. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program - https://www.jkcf.org/our-stories/college-scholarship-program/ The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. Horatio Alger Association Scholarship - https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/ The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated perseverance and integrity. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. Ron Brown Scholar Program - https://www.ronbrown.org/ The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides full tuition, room, and board for undergraduate students who are African American and have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. The scholarship can be used at any U.S. accredited college or university of your choice. University of North Dakota Scholarships & Waivers - https://und.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-waivers.html The University of North Dakota offers several scholarships that cover full tuition for undergraduate students, including the Presidential Scholarship, the Transfer Presidential Scholarship, and the Transfer Achievement Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and other criteria. Photo by Helena Lopes As a college student, it can be challenging to balance schoolwork and a job. However, there are many ways to make money from home that can help pay for college. Here are ten ways for college students to make money working from home:
1. Freelance Writing: You can write articles, blog posts, and other content for websites and businesses. You can find freelance writing jobs on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. 2. Data Entry: You can enter data into spreadsheets, databases, and other software programs. You can find data entry jobs on websites like Indeed, FlexJobs, and Remote.co. 3. Virtual Assistant Jobs: You can provide administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. You can find virtual assistant jobs on websites like Zirtual, Time Etc, and Fancy Hands. 4. Translation Jobs: If you are fluent in a second language, you can translate documents, websites, and other content. You can find translation jobs on websites like Gengo, One Hour Translation, and Unbabel. 5. Taking Surveys Online: You can earn money by taking surveys online. You can find survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research. 6. Website Testing Jobs: You can test websites and provide feedback to website owners. You can find website testing jobs on websites like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Userlytics. 7. Tutoring Online: You can tutor students in various subjects, including math, science, English, and more. You can find tutoring jobs on websites like Chegg, TutorMe, and Skooli. 8. Sell Items Online: You can sell items online through websites like eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and ThredUP. You can also sell items through Facebook Yard Sale groups. 9. Do Micro Jobs Online: You can do small tasks or offer small services to businesses and people on a microgig site. You can find microjob sites like Fiverr, Task Rabbit, and Amazon Mechanical Turk. 10. Freelance PPC (Pay Per Click) Side Hustle: You can start your own freelance PPC side hustle. You can learn more about how to start your own freelance PPC side hustle on websites like PPC University, WordStream, and Google Ads. In conclusion, there are many ways for college students to make money working from home. By finding the right job or service that suits your skills and interests, you can earn extra cash to help pay for college expenses Photo by Jaime Reimer Here is a list of 18 travel affiliate programs and their corresponding website addresses:
Expedia affiliate program - URL: https://www.expedia.com/p/network-affiliate Booking.com affiliate program - URL:https://www.booking.com/affiliate-program/v2/index.html Agoda affiliate program - URL: https://partners.agoda.com/en-us/home.html Tripadvisor affiliate program - URL: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Affiliates Klook affiliate program - URL: https://www.klook.com/en-US/affiliate-program/ Plum Guide affiliate program - URL: https://www.plumguide.com/affiliates Outdoorsy affiliate program - URL: https://www.outdoorsy.com/affiliates RVShare affiliate program - URL: https://rvshare.com/affiliate Skyscanner affiliate program - URL: https://partners.skyscanner.net/affiliates/ Airbnb affiliate program - URL: https://www.airbnb.com/affiliates Hotels Combined affiliate program - URL: https://affiliates.hotelscombined.com/ Travelpayouts Partnership Platform - URL: https://www.travelpayouts.com/ TripAdvisor - URL: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Affiliates Aviasales affiliate program - URL: https://www.travelpayouts.com/programs/aviasales-affiliate-program Expedia Group Partner Central - URL: https://www.expediagroup.com/partner-central/ Rentalcars.com affiliate program - URL: https://www.rentalcars.com/en/affiliate/ Viator affiliate program - URL: https://www.viator.com/affiliates Lonely Planet affiliate program - URL: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/affiliate-program |
AuthorBold & Brown Team Archives
July 2024
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