Congratulations on your new business adventure!
Launching an online business can feel overwhelming, so I want to help make things easy for you. I've curated some of my top articles and podcasts to help you get started, added a selection of must-have tools and resources every small business owner needs, and created a free quiz to help you narrow down your business model.
I hand picked these articles and podcast episodes to help you get started...
Four steps to get started today
Top Recommendation
Step 1: Build your online platform with Mom Webs Hosting + WordPress
Serious business owners—even when they're just starting out—know they can't afford to build a business on someone else's platform. That's why I still use and recommend WordPress for all my websites.
I know when you're new WordPress can feel pretty overwhelming, so I also recommend you connect with the team at Mom Webs Hosting. They'll have you set up in a jiffy, and they'll be there to help if you ever get stuck.
Top Recommendation
Step 2: Start an email list with Active Campaign
Every business needs a way to stay in touch with their community, and that means building your email list right from the start.
Active Campaign is the tool I use and recommend at any stage in your business. It's newbie friendly and affordable even on a small budget, plus it scales as you grow. You can't go wrong with this email platform, but check it out yourself with a 14-day free trial.
Important Decisions!
Step 3: Decide what you'll sell
Businesses need a way to make money (thank you, Captain Obvious), and that means having something to sell. If you already have a business model in mind, great! You're well on your way!
If you're feeling stuck though, give my business model assessment a try. I'll ask you a few easy questions and make a personal recommendation based on your answers. Plus, I'll follow up with more resources you can use.
Top Recommendation
Step 4: Install a shopping cart
If you sell courses, done-for-you content, services, a membership, or digital products of any kind from your own website, you're going to need a way to take payments and deliver your product files or access.
I've used aMember since 2009, and it continues to be my number one recommendation for anyone who needs a shopping cart. It's endlessly flexible and scalable, and the team behind it offers top-notch support, too.