This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links (at no cost to you!)

I found myself discussing business with friends over dinner again. It's hard not to when you're the CEO of a one-woman show—discussing things that I now know about running an online business, myths that are all too common, and trying to explain how I do what I do over the sound of sake shots and onion trains at the hibachi grill.

Hindsight is 2020, and I had no clue what I was getting into when I first started my business. This first year has been eye-opening, to say the least. But now, I have a wealth of insight to share.

If you're a new online business owner or looking to start one soon, I hope to shed a little light on what's to come. So today, I'm spilling the beans on the top lessons I've learned when starting an online business.

Here's to you and your new business. Cheers, friend! 

Lesson 1: Getting specific is seriously hard. But you've gotta do it.

I've learned that it's tough for first-time business owners to niche, not just in starting my own business but also in helping clients. The thought of picking one ideal customer and making business decisions based on that person sounds crazy.

It's like you're telling people to take a million dollars, throw it in the trash, and walk away. "Trust me. There's more money out there."

Crazy, right?!

But there's a reason for the madness.

Getting specific with who you serve in your online business means that you can become your field expert. And in doing so, you'll attract all of the right people to your business. You make the money you want to make and work with the kind of people you love. It's a win-win situation.

But the scary bit is, you may not see these clients right away. And if you don't immediately see results, it can freak you out - a.k.a. the threat of no income over your head. And that's when fear starts to take the wheel. You niche down only to broaden once more and delay the process.

Facepalm

It's rough, but you've got to get specific and commit as a new online business owner. It doesn't mean that you can't change your ideal client down the road. You ought to as you learn more about them. But you can't know that something isn't working without first giving it a fighting chance - which means jumping off the cliff and trusting that a parachute is in your backpack.

Lesson 2: You don't have to be on every social media platform.

I chose not to be on Instagram for my business this past year.

It can seem like a missed marketing opportunity to forgo the gram. But the truth is? You don't need to be everywhere and do all the things. In fact, it's better that you don't. As a small business owner, you have enough on your plate.

I chose to pour all of my energy into blogging this year. It's my number one marketing strategy. And what social platforms did I decide to promote my blog? Pinterest, and Facebook. 

You see, as a web designer, my ideal clients are looking for inspiration or advice in these places. And while they may be on Instagram, they aren't necessarily looking for my content there.

I've learned that it's best to do a few things well than spread yourself like peanut butter and jelly all over the social media sandwich.

Lesson 3: Sometimes, it's just more efficient to pay someone.

At the beginning of my business, I did many Google searches to figure out what the heck I was doing. I read blog post after blog post. And while I did learn a lot, I also spent a lot of time doing it.

It took me forever to bite the bullet and invest in an online course, but it saved me a ton of time and energy once I did. No longer did I have to search for countless hours to figure out what I needed to know to get started. All I had to do was take the classes and bust it out.

I can't recommend this enough. If you can pinch the pennies to take a course that will excel your business's growth, it is so worth it.

Here are some of my favorites that I've taken in the past.

• Square Secrets Business

• The Pinterest Lab

• Master Your Finances (That’s an affiliate link!)

Need help bringing your creative vision to life?!

I know how overwhelming it can be to start your online business. That's why I decided to create a simple and easy process. Together we’ll build a stunning website that you can launch in just two weeks!

Book your free consultation call today! Chat with me about your website goals and together we’ll navigate the best solutions for your business.