Educate yourself: An online business is still a business! So, in any given situation you will have to know the basics about how to handle it.  In order to acquire the basic knowledge that you need to start it, you should at least consider this areas of expertise:

•     Search for different alternatives to start. Alternatives are related to the type or products and services that you want to offer and how much time and money you are willing to invest. Creating your own web site and all the necessary structure to operate and deliver the product is at one extreme with the highest investment capacity. Offering your products or services in affiliate marketing programs and freelancing in well established platforms are in the other extreme.

• Learn the basics about marketing, finances, legal regulations and competitors. Among all them, digital marketing has a special relevance because of its novelty, its effectiveness and the constant renovation of its tools. Make sure you get at least a general knowledge about all these subjects in the process.
• Don´t use the lack of education as excuse for not starting the business. In many cases you will learn and improve your abilities just for working on it. But do not ever stop learning and reading and remember that you do not need to grow to get started.

Get clients: Although online businesses offer a global exposure to offer your products and services, anything more local that can give you a client is still valid. You may get them even doing off line activities, networking or knocking up doors.  However, digital marketing tools are the stars and they represent one of the major advantages when you create this type of business. If you follow these basic steps to apply them, you may guarantee some level of success:

• Find a product or service that solves a problem. If you already have your product or service, make sure you clearly find which problem you can solve for your potential clients.
• Create a friendly web site or pick a platform that adjusts well to what you offer.
• Take advantage of analytics, SEO, social networks and follow up tools, to increase your exposure on the web.
• Take care of your customers and communicate constantly with them.
• Offer the best post-selling service and get additional revenues by offering them new products or services anytime.                                                  

Deliver what you offer: There is not a substitute for this. It is important that your product or service deliver what you really offer, otherwise your adventure on the online business will not last. This is a rule that applies not only online but also in every commercial activity. Consider deadlines and associated services as important as your main product or service.

This is a flexible strategy, therefore review it anytime you want and implement the necessary changes you need to improve your sales and operations. In the meantime keep working and adding customers to your list and you will see the results!