Most individuals struggle when launching their first online business.

There are countless reasons for failure, including:

• Choosing the wrong niche

• Ineffective messaging

• Misidentifying the target customer

• Incorrect pricing strategy

• Unsuitable product offerings

• And many more...

Want to increase your chances of success?

Follow these 7 steps if you were to start a new business tomorrow:

Step 1: Identify a Single Problem for a Specific Group of People

Instead of focusing on "all problems" or "all people," find one issue that a particular group of individuals shares.

Once you've identified the problem, figure out a solution.

The best way to do this? Reflect on your past.

Did you solve a problem for yourself a few years ago?

Start with that.

Example: Imagine being the only person in your neighborhood who successfully started a thriving online business during an economic downturn. In this scenario, you've discovered a way to overcome a challenge many others are struggling with.

Step 2: Develop a Straightforward Plan to Solve That Particular Problem

People generally want to address a single issue and move from point A to point B easily, quickly, and affordably.

Create a roadmap or blueprint targeting your specific audience.

Example: A comprehensive 4-week program guiding local community college alumni on a strategic path to land their desired position at a leading tech firm like Apple.

Which state college graduate dreaming of a job at Apple wouldn't pay for that?

Step 3: Determine Your Product Format

This step is not as crucial as the first two.

Choose a format you'll complete and see it through.

Enjoy writing? Create an eBook.

Love teaching? Develop a video course.

Fond of systems? Design digital resources.

The format isn't as important as ensuring you complete it.

That's why timeboxing is recommended.

Set a specific timeframe and deadline for your project, like 30 days.

Step 4: Decide Where to Host It

Like step 3, many options are available. If you're just starting, keep it simple.

Choose a platform like Sellfy or WooCommerce. You can get more complex later, but for now, focus on making sales.

Price your product between $40 and $120. This range is affordable enough to attract buyers without needing years to build trust.

Aim to deliver thousands of dollars in value, if not more.

Then?

Step 5: Acquire Customers

With the internet, there's no excuse for not finding customers.

Write an article on Gitbook or your website.

Repost segments on LinkedIn.

Share content on Twitter.

Post Twitter snapshots on Instagram.

Yes, it takes effort, but exploring different channels will help you make better decisions in the future.

Identify which channels lead to sales and then focus on those.

Work smart.

Step 6: Convert Customers Into Testimonials

After gaining customers, automate the collection of testimonials.

Use tools like Testimonial.to to gather feedback midway through and at the end of your courses.

Showcase testimonials everywhere.

Your website, landing page, social media, articles, blogs, etc.

Social proof sells.

Step 7: Establish a System for Consistent Selling

Every successful online business has a reliable system.

You should know precisely where and when to post content daily and understand its purpose.

Determine which content drives engagement and impressions and which leads to visits and purchases.

They differ.

Mix and match content types to grab attention and convert.

Aim for this as a starting point:

Find 4 people who will purchase your $80 course each day.

4 * $80 * 365 = $116,800

Summarize

The TL;DR for Building Your First Online Business:

• Identify a Single Problem for a Specific Group of People

• Develop a Straightforward Plan to Solve That Particular Problem

• Determine Your Product Format

• Decide Where to Host It

• Acquire Customers

• Convert Customers Into Testimonials

• Establish a System for Consistent Selling

Hope you enjoyed this system,

Alex

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. ​The Growth Operating System:​ Join 400+ students and 50+ founders inside of The Growth Operating System. This course will teach you the system I’m using to build a massive audience on LinkedIn & 𝕏 as well as how I generate $15,000+ / month in income.

2. ​Alex’s Creator Club​: This is my private community where you’ll get 1:1 support from me. The value here speaks for itself. Try it for free.

3. ​Coaching Session w/ Alex: If you’re looking for most efficient way to take your online brand/business to the next level - 1:1 coaching is the way to go. Book a time that works for you and let’s take your business to the next level.