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!

So 2020 has finally come to a close. (Heavy sigh of relief.) And it's time to make those new year's resolutions. Maybe even kick-off that online business you've been dreaming about for a while. After all, there's no time like a pandemic to get yourself online; nothing could be more perfectly socially distanced. So how do you make this new venture a success? Well, keep reading, my friend, because I've created a step-by-step guide on how to start an online business in 2021.

It's time. You've finally decided to sweep your online business princess feet of the ground and get that website you've been daydreaming about. That's amazing! But before you go and hire a website designer, there are a few things you need to do to get ready. Don't worry. I've mapped out seven actionable steps for you to take so that by the time you're done ready this post, you'll know exactly what to do. Shall we?

"Where can I find you online?" If you're a business owner in, then there is no skirting this question. Everyone and their mom has a Facebook page, Twitter account, or TikTok presence. And your business is no different. But the real question is... "Do you have a professional website?"

Launching an online biz? The right tools can make all the difference. As someone who helps women launch new businesses nearly every week, I’ve learned that the tools we choose are vital for managing, marketing, and connecting with clients effectively.

Emma of Emma Orthel + Co. is a licensed counselor and life coach. She is committed to a raw, honest, and holistic practice, approaching each person as a body, mind, and soul. This custom branding and build's main focus was to create a down-to-earth, professional, and easy-to-navigate website where people would feel a genuine connection to Emma and her practice. I played with borders to give the overall aesthetic a light and playful feel, incorporated warm colors to ground the imagery, and used white space with minimal text to keep the navigation modern and straightforward.

I'm spilling all the tea on creating your Ideal Client Avatar – your secret sauce to attracting those dream clients. Learn to make real connections that count. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's dive into this game-changing strategy together!