Starting a business - what you need

Hello everyone.

I have been self-employed since I was 15 years old. My first job was to create a website for a carnival club, which taught me early on what is important in self-employment and what you should (or shouldn't) do.

I would like to go into this in more detail in this article: What you need to start a business?

To start your business successfully, you need to take a few important steps, which I will describe in more detail below.

IMPORTANT: Offer customers added value or a solution

An idea is good (in itself) - but not implementing it is the big mistake. If you have an idea to offer your customers added value (or a solution to a problem), you can start a business here. That is the prerequisite!

As already mentioned, a successful start to your own business begins with a clear business idea. This should not only reflect a passion or a hobby, but also offer clear added value or a solution for potential customers. Ask yourself: What exactly do I want to offer? Who do I want to appeal to? What problems can I solve for my customers?

Developing a solid product

The product or service is at the heart of your business. It must not only be of high quality, but also offer a clear benefit for your target group. Invest enough time in development to ensure that your product or service works smoothly and offers your customers real added value.

Choose the right sales channel

Depending on the product or service, there are various sales and distribution channels. An online store, platforms such as eBay and Etsy or your own website are just a few options. Choose the channel that best suits your business and where you can reach your target group most efficiently.

Examples of sales channels:

1. Online / Own websiteAllows you to take full control of your sales and build a brand presence.
2. Freelancer platforms like FiverrIdeal for offering services and reaching a large target group.
3. Direct sales in the store

Create an online shop

Everyone knows it: today's world is online. That's why you should set up your own online store. I'll explain how to do this here:

Simply use Shopify or Woocommerce (if you are technically inclined).

Marketing / Customer acquisition

Your business will only be successful if you win customers. Use online marketing strategies such as SEO (search engine optimization)social media marketing and email marketing to draw attention to your offer.

Marketing strategy tips:

1. Optimize SEOMake sure that your website is highly visible in search engines. Click here to find out how to do this
2. Use social mediaBuild a community on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn and interact regularly with your followers.
3. Content MarketingCreate valuable content that is interesting for your target group and encourages them to visit your site.

Customer service and support

Good customer service is the backbone of a successful business. Offer quick and helpful support via various channels such as email, chat or social media. Satisfied customers are the best advertisement and will recommend your business to others.

Legal and tax matters

Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the legal and tax requirements of your new business. From business registration and tax obligations to data protection legislation - there are many aspects you need to consider. A tax advisor is often a valuable support here to ensure you meet all requirements and don't overlook any important deadlines or regulations!

By paying attention to these aspects and careful planning, you can build up your business step by step and run it successfully. Good luck!