People & Lifestyle
12 Surefire Tips For Successfully Starting An Online Business
Starting an online business might be exciting, but it also has its fair share of difficulties. The fundamental prerequisites for starting and operating any business also apply to online businesses.As an entrepreneur starting an online business, you might be juggling multiple tasks, including ensuring legal compliance of your venture. LegalZoom provides options to simplify this process, but there are also several legalzoom alternatives which might be a better fit, depending on your specific needs. These alternatives offer a varied range of services, pricing, and customer support, providing you with plenty of options to ensure your online business gets off to a strong start legally.
To assist you in starting and operating your own online business, we have put together a compilation of time-tested tips and tactics to smooth your path. Let’s dig in
- Settle on a business idea and a niche to target
Your “niche” is a specific segment of the market that you primarily aim to serve. This can be broad or narrow. For instance, instead of focusing on women’s clothing in general, you could sell only lingerie.
You must choose your niche wisely, though, as it will define your success. Don’t just choose what appeals to you. Analyze the viability of the niche. To find the ideal niche to target, check that they have:
- A key problem or need that nobody else is resolving.
- The readiness to pay for a fix to that problem or need.
- Sufficient disposable income to cover the cost of the solution.
- Research the market to support your business idea
In most cases, your own personal research to establish the viability of a niche may not be enough. Remember the biblical words, “the heart of man is treacherous,”. Many people fail because they’re swayed by their own biases into thinking there’s a big market, when in fact that may not be the case. If you have the resources, you may want to hire an independent agency to conduct proper market research for you.
Another way is usually to pilot the business on a microscale to actually test the level of sustainable demand. In both cases, pay attention to exactly what the data says. It holds the key to your business’s success.
Based on the viability of the data, draft a simple business plan that covers how you will source the product or service, how you plan to market it, and how you intend to raise the capital for both. If you have a good, realistic grasp of these three core issues, you’re good to go.
- Develop your product or service
It is now time to put your business plan into action. Either selling products or services is an option. It’s important to figure out how to source your products, if that’s what you’re into. You have two options: either make things yourself or find a supplier or manufacturer for your goods. Create packages of your service offers if you are selling a service.
- Build your online brand.
You’ll probably need a website to start, depending on the type of business you’re in. Choose a domain name and confirming its availability. Hosting costs normally begin at $8 per month, while domain names typically cost around $20 per year. Remember to effectively brand your website in order to distinguish it from competitors. Create a logo that’s unique to your business. Choose a typeface that is appropriate for your sector and ensure that the colors complement the entire design. If you wanted to make things really easy for yourself when designing your website, you could look into something like one of these ready to go Shopify Themes (providing it fits your vision and branding). When all is finished, the online brand will start to take shape.
Additionally, since the goal of your company is to generate revenue, your website must support payment processing. However, at the start, this might be expensive and challenging. Thank goodness, there are numerous payment options available. You could simply rely on momo payments or connect with any of the numerous payment platforms currently available to assist you.
- Market the hell out of your business.
The next step is to make your internet business visible to potential clients after setting it up. There are numerous marketing channels you may use for this.
We will discuss some of the best marketing channels next.
- Utilize email marketing.
Numerous messaging platforms are developed daily. Email, however, still remains one of the most effective online communication tools. Your small business can grow and make more money with the aid of email marketing. I have a detailed article of the benefits of email marketing also on ameyawdebrah.com. You may want to check it out.
Start with an email list of your friends, family, schoolmates, acquaintances, etc. Once your list has grown to a respectable size, you can start promoting your company to current and potential clients.
Tell them why they should pick you over the competition. To market your company to various audience demographics, you can test out various email campaigns. Stick with what works best.
- Create an SEO strategy
For your online business, ranking on the first page of search results on websites like Google can be a game-changer. This is what search engine optimization (SEO) means. You must optimize the text, graphics, and videos on your website or online store to rank highly in organic search results.
With a good SEO strategy, you can significantly increase your consumer base, sales, and financial position. This can be accomplished naturally or with paid advertisements. If you’re internet-savvy enough, you can learn and implement an SEO strategy yourself on YouTube. However, in most cases, you may need an agency that specializes in this to assist you.
- Utilize social media to your benefit
The decision to create a social media presence for your small business is no longer a choice. Your online business’s success depends on it. You should get started by learning which social media channel your clients prefer to use and which is most effective for your line of business.
- Discounts and promotions are important
Even the tiniest incentives can significantly increase the likelihood that new customers will become repeat ones. Discounts, gifts, free delivery, or anything else that appeals to your customers can be used as incentives. You can use reward-based games and referral programs to express your gratitude to your customers.
- Go Mobile
More individuals than ever before utilize mobile devices in their daily lives. Nowadays, a growing number of people utilize their mobile devices for the majority of their daily activities, including shopping. This is why it’s important to make your website mobile-friendly as early as possible.
- Create a community for your brand
Building a community around your internet business might seem difficult, but it is doable. You can create powerful communities like many other successful firms have done. You can accomplish this by assembling small groups of your clients—those who have similar values to your company—and capitalizing on them.
It’s the simplest method to turn your customers into brand ambassadors. As soon as you have a sizeable enough customer base, you can create a Facebook group with your customers. Be sure not to surprise them. Get their approval first. Be sure that the parameters for the group are well targeted. With this, Facebook’s robots will help find you more people like your customers to join the group.
Once formed, keep the group active and busy. Offer relevant information about your product or services as well as other incentives. The bigger the group gets, the more potential customers you have to sell to.
- Think big
The capacity to leverage the global reach of the internet is the primary distinction between traditional businesses and online ones. Using the internet, you can easily expand your small business internationally.
This is a great approach to growing your consumer base and generating more revenue. Your brand’s awareness may soar if you get into the global market.
Conclusion
Yes, times are hard, but the fact remains that opportunities also abound. Every day, regular folks with unique ideas, training, and services as well as products are building small and big fortunes online. The trick with making it online is to move from being a consumer to a producer. So don’t just binge on YouTube videos and buy from your favorite online stores. Aspire to also leverage the power of the internet to create something that others will be interested in buying.
If you choose to go this route, then I certainly hope you find the tips in this article helpful. Let’s go make some money. To your success!
People & Lifestyle
Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars
Entebbe, Uganda – Elite High School’s prom night showcased opulence as students arrived in helicopters, Tesla cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, sparking social media buzz and discussions on the source of such wealth in a developing country.
Elite High School typically attracts attention from a wide range of people due to their extravagant Prom parties. The 2024 Prom party followed suit and garnered attention from government officials. On May 4th, a Saturday, students were eager to attend their Prom, which occurs before candidates start their final exams.
Beautiful scenes from Elite High School prom in Entebbe, Uganda
pic.twitter.com/qdZLuOtObC— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 6, 2024
Most students arrived dressed in their best attire, while some even hired luxurious cars. One student arrived in a helicopter with his date. After getting out of the helicopter, they were escorted into a luxurious car that transported them to the Prom venue.
Sky view of Elite High School Entebbe, Uganda.🔥🤯🙆🏾♂️ #elitehighschoolentebbe #elitehighschoolentebbeprom #prom pic.twitter.com/qGXktXRPCw
— #MrInfluencerUg 🇺🇬 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 (@MrInfluencerUg1) May 6, 2024
According to an interview with our presenters, Pam Malaika, and MC Ollo, sources revealed that the helicopter was hired from Bar Aviation at $1200 (approximately Ugandan Shillings 4.5 million), while the car, a V8 2022 Model, was hired for 6 hours at 3 million Ugandan Shillings.
Prom scenes from Elite High School Entebbe, Uganda.🔥🤯🙆🏾♂️ PART 2#elitehighschoolentebbe #elitehighschoolentebbeprom #prom pic.twitter.com/bAVdtgA6bC
— #MrInfluencerUg 🇺🇬 🇳🇬 🇬🇭 (@MrInfluencerUg1) May 6, 2024
Minister John Muyingo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prom trends, stating, “Are these things happening in Uganda? Where are we going? Money is a scarce resource; it shouldn’t be given out and spent like that.
People & Lifestyle
Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis
Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the recent surge in bean prices, with some reporting costs as high as 50 Ghanaian cedis for a single serving.
Happy Monday ! pic.twitter.com/34LvVaMXge
— theladybaaba🫦 (@lady_baaba) May 6, 2024
The conversation, filled with humor and sarcasm, has highlighted the broader issue of the rising cost of living in Ghana, including the increased prices of other staples such as gari and plantain.
Read Also: Several uprooted trees cause damage to properties in parts of Accra after downpour
How can beans with plantain and egg be almost 50gh??
We must not accept this. There is no way one egg should cost more than 5gh even in this current cost of living. https://t.co/hadibCenXd— Abdul-Muhaimin (@Mister_Glen) May 6, 2024
Despite the serious underlying issue, the posts have provided a light-hearted take on a challenging situation.
People & Lifestyle
Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana
Telecel Mobile Financial Services Ltd, operators of Telecel Cash, in partnership with Cellulant, a leading technology company, has announced the availability of Telecel Cash as a convenient payment method for Google Play users in Ghana. This integration enables Telecel Cash customers to seamlessly purchase apps and services directly from Google Play, enhancing their digital experience.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand payment options and improve transaction ease for Google Play users, especially in regions where the use of traditional credit cards is uncommon. By incorporating Telecel Cash, Telecel Ghana and Cellulant are providing a seamless, secure, and convenient payment method tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian market.
Richard Gesimba, Vice President, Cellulant Checkout Business Unit, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Telecel Ghana aims to innovate and deliver payment solutions that address the evolving needs of African consumers. This integration makes it easier for them to access a world of apps and content on Google Play without traditional banking facilities.” He noted.
Philip Amoateng, Director for Telecel Cash, emphasized the benefits for customers. “The inclusion of Telecel Cash as a payment option on Google Play significantly enhances our service offerings. It offers our customers a straightforward and secure way to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Google Play has to offer. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experiences and ensuring they can access global digital content with ease.”, he added.
Google Play, a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google, is the official app store for the Android operating system. It allows users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.
The availability of Telecel Cash as a payment method on Google Play is expected to boost the platform’s usage in Ghana, where mobile money has become a dominant force in financial transactions.
This also demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital accessibility.
People & Lifestyle
Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search
Thanks to staffing shortages across the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations today rely heavily on PAs. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for PAs will increase 28 percent by 2031. However, men and women who choose to pursue a career as a PA may struggle to secure open positions that meet their needs. They must differentiate themselves from other applicants to land their dream jobs. How can they do so?
Highlight Work Experience
Employers want to know each physician assistant’s work experience when evaluating candidates. Clinical rotations allow PAs to practice their skills, but a physician assistant also must work well within a team and contribute meaningfully to that team. The PA will work closely with others in the industry, including doctors and nurses. They must collaborate effectively to provide the highest level of care. Share this teamwork on the CV or resume to attract more attention. This single step will be of help finding PA work that meets the individual’s needs.
Consider a Speciality
Many PAs enter the industry expecting to work in general practice. However, once they hone their skills, they find they are drawn to a particular specialty. To generate more job offers within this specialized field, the PA should focus on starting immediately upon graduation or gaining experience in another healthcare area before moving to their desired specialty. Never accept a job in a specialty that is not interesting, as doing so could diminish the joy this job should bring.
Additional Training and Certifications
PAs should take advantage of continuing education seminars, classes, and more. Doing so will allow them to advance in their careers and open up more job opportunities. Every PA must complete an accredited physician assistant program and be certified by the NCCPA before practicing. However, having these qualifications won’t be enough to allow a candidate to stand out when applying for open positions. Complete a postgraduate residency, earn a certificate, or collect CE credits and share this information on the resume. Employers appreciate having workers who take the initiative to advance their skills because they know the company benefits from this added expertise.
Loan Repayment Options
Look into employers who offer to satisfy all or part of a student loan when applying for PA jobs. While a PA makes a nice salary, paying back student loans can put a big dent in their monthly budget. Hospitals often offer loan repayment options for individuals who take positions as PAs within the organization. However, don’t overlook Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and NHSC-funded loan repayment opportunities.
Why Medicine?
Every PA should share the story of what led them into medicine. Employers like to see that the candidate views the opportunity as more than a job. If one is secured, be prepared to share this same story during the interview. It’s important to provide an authentic story, as employers can pick up on material written by the PA just to include information. They easily distinguish between this and a compelling authentic story.
Thanks to the number of job openings in this field, finding the right PA job shouldn’t be challenging. However, finding the right candidate for an open position or the right position for a candidate takes time. Consider working with a staffing agency to make the process easier. This agency will help clients narrow the available options to find the right fit for each open position. When this connection is made, all parties win.
People & Lifestyle
Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, of Corona, Queens, were found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial, for the 2021 beating death of Owusu’s 5-year-old son, King Owusu.
“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”
The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple watched King’s physical condition deteriorate for approximately three days until King lost unconsciousness. During that time, both Owusu and Addae did not call 911, take King to the doctor, or provide any medical care to the child.
On April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brought King to a family member’s home in Brentwood and left him there to die. The Suffolk County Police Department was called after the family member returned home the same day and discovered that the boy was deceased. The child was taken to Southside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner who conducted the child’s autopsy testified that King was beaten from head to toe, and that his injuries, which were too numerous to count, caused his death.
On March 22, 2024, Owusu and Addae were each convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, after a two-and-a-half-week-long jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Each defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Owusu and Addae are due back in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. Owusu is being represented by Rene Myatt, Esq. Addae is being represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
People & Lifestyle
Nana Kwame Bediako and The New Force Launches Its Virtual CrowdFunding Platform – Save Ghana Fund.
“My responsibility is to serve you; your responsibility is to give me the chance and the opportunity to serve you “– Nana Kwame Bediako,Founder and Leader of The New Force Movement
Accessed by the short code *887*2024#, The New Force has launched its virtual crowdfunding platform which is called Save Ghana Fund. Published as part of the launch on the 6th of May, the rather simple and candid video message by the leader of The New Force urges the people of Ghana to support the movement and the cause. Poignantly, Nana Kwame Bediako’s message encourages the nation to part ways with the culture of vote-buying by political candidates as the practice affects the legitimate and free choice of voters and in addition mismanages the true aspirations and investments of the people.
A call to you and to everyone who cares about the future of Ghana, The New Force movement seeks to ensure our commitment to the nation and to each other in the pursuit of equality, empowerment, and equity for all in our society. The Campaign is built on three key values, VISIBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY and TRANSPARENCY.
In his very short and candid video message accompanying the launch, the leader of The New Force movement emphasized that vote-buying tarnishes our democracy by perpetuating mismanagement of the resources of the nation and as well the culture of corruption, it in addition mismanages the aspirations of the people of Ghana and goes against the grain in the effort to improve the integrity and quality of our political structure, our quality of governance and our quality of life as a people. In the ingenious proposal, Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of The New Force movement urges the citizens of Ghana to turn the tables on the system; to see our redemption in the call and initiative to identity a true leader and then to invest in this leader of our choice, in the candidate who has the right vision for the nation; and with that mindset to collectively support the bid of The New Force by donating to the movement and to its cause.
‘The responsibility of the leader is to serve you’, Nana Kwame Bediako candidly tells his audience in the launch of the virtual crowd-funding platform, ‘and the responsibility of the citizens is to give the leader the chance and the opportunity to serve the nation. … Remember the government does not make the people, the people make the government, the leader urges. … Let’s build a new nation.
Standing as an independent candidate in the 2024 Republic of Ghana presidential elections, the leader of The New Force movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, the long-awaited inter-generational leader, is an unparalleled source of pride and hope for Ghana, the answer to the call of the youth.
For updates on key aspects of the campaign SAVE GHANA FUND, please visit www.nkb.com.gh/donate
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