Fortunately, starting a digital-first business is easier than most entrepreneurs realize. Starting with your domain name. There’s one simple strategy that all successful digital entrepreneurs use to build their business online. And in this guide, we’ll show you exactly what you need to know to get started and own your digital real estate.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- Why Digital-First Businesses Win
- How to Dominate Your Niche
- Important lessons you should know before you get started…
Why Digital-First Businesses Win
The way people shop and do business has changed forever.
There is no flipping through the pages of a phone book to find a local plumber anymore. Not when customers can find anything they need with a quick Google search.
And if your business isn’t on the first page… they’ll find your competition.
According to seo.com, 97% of users check a business’s online presence before they visit a store or contact a service. Let that sink in for a second.
Here’s what that really means:
Nearly every customer is going to search online for your business before they do anything else. If you don’t own your digital real estate… your business doesn’t exist.
But just having a Google My Business page isn’t enough.
Digital-first businesses dominate both online and offline because they’re always open for business. They get found online before customers even have questions. They cement trust with potential customers before they talk for the first time. And they can scale faster than traditional small businesses.
Where Do You Start?
You start with your domain name.
Everything you build online begins with owning your domain name.
It’s your business address. It’s how customers find you, remember you, and trust you online. Without a domain name… You don’t own anything.
Sure, you can start a business on social media. But Facebook can delete your pages overnight. LinkedIn can change their algorithm and bury your profile. And Google owns… Google.
When you buy domain Singapore from a reliable provider, you’re investing in your business’ future online.
Think of your domain as your foundation. You can’t build a successful digital business without it.
Here’s why you need to own your domain name:
It legitimately establishes your business’ presence online.
Showing up in Google search with a .COM website or in Google Maps looks a lot more professional than a Facebook page or Vox account. And when you hire a web design company to create your website, they’ll need to connect it to a domain name anyways.
Pick a domain name that’s easy to spell and remember. Ideally, it’s your business name or contains your brand name somewhere. Short. Sweet. To the point.
“Your domain name is like your business name. Once you set it, it’s hard to change.”
Here’s how to build a digital-first business.
Step 1: Purchase your Domain Name
Before you do anything else, buy your domain name.
It ensures your brand can’t be ripped off by competitors. Don’t rely on someone else to secure your brand name for you.
A lot of business owners wait until they’re ready to launch their website. Don’t be that person. Domains are being claimed every day.
If you want localcustomers.com… buy localcustomers.com
Trust me, you’ll want it.
Step 2: Create a Simple Website
You don’t need a flashy website to start your digital journey.
All your website needs is…
- A brief description of what you offer.
- Your contact information.
- A call to action for potential customers.
That’s literally it. You can expand later.
When you build your website, make sure you keep it mobile-friendly. Your website should look professional on any platform it’s viewed on (computer, tablet, phone).
Remember, mobile accounts for more than half of all web traffic. If your site doesn’t play nice with mobile users, you’re missing out on customers.
Step 3: Brand it Like Your Business Depends On It
This is where most people fail.
Your domain, website, and social profiles should all seamlessly connect. Use the same name. Logo. Colour schemes. Voice.
Your domain and website is how customers will find you online, but your social profiles help establish who you are.
Make sure everything matches.
Step 4: Buy a Professional Email Address
Once you own your domain, you can setup your own email address.
contact@yourbusiness.com is infinitely more professional than jane@Gmail.com.
This seems like a minor detail but your email address makes a huge impact on how trustworthy your business appears.
Again, you want to appear professional.
Just like your domain name.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
Here are some of the most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs when going digital.
Avoid these at all costs.
Don’t Use an Unmemorable Domain Name
Long, complicated domain names kill businesses before they start.
Remember, your domain name is your address online. If it’s hard to find or type, customers won’t visit.
Avoid hyphens. Avoid numbers. Just keep it simple.
Don’t Wait Until You’re “Ready”
There will never be a time where you’re 100% ready to launch your business.
Start now. Improve later.
Perfection is the enemy of progress.
Don’t Neglect Security
Cyberattacks are targeting small businesses at an all-time high.
Make sure you use trusted providers when purchasing your domain. Enable any SSL certifications they offer. Keep things updated.
You can’t be too careful with cybersecurity.
Don’t Rely Solely On Social Media
Ah yes, social media. The go-to solution for “how do I start a digital business?”
Sure, social media is great. But don’t mistake social media profiles for your own digital property.
Rules change. Algorithms get updated. Accounts get suspended.
Own your own website and domain. Then use social media to drive traffic to your own properties.
The Internet Isn’t Going Anywhere…
More businesses are going digital than ever before.
According to Kissflow, 89% of companies have adopted a digital-first strategy or are planning to do so.
And the businesses that win are the ones who already own their domain name, build an informative website, and brand everything they do online.
Start building your digital business today or get left behind.
Recap: How to Start a Digital Business
Here’s your quick cheatsheet to starting a digital business:
- Secure your domain name.
- Setup a simple website.
- Brand everything you do online.
- Don’t get left behind.
Your digital business starts with your domain name. Once you have that, you can build your website, hone your message, and build a professional online presence that works for you 24/7.
Want your competition to leave you in the dust?
Start building your digital business today.
Need help choosing a domain? Visit our website to find the right domain for you today.