Growing Up On Line: Marketing Secrets for Building Internet-Based Businesses

Prior to the Internet, mothers with young children had few career options that didn’t require spending long stretches outside of the home. Inevitably, they were faced with the ultimate conundrum— work or raise children. Today, however, advances in technology and quantum leaps in communication, both personally and professionally, have not only freed many adults from traditional jobs, but also opened up a world of opportunities. Mothers with young children who have a need or desire to enter the workforce or even start a new business can now fulfill those aspirations without leaving home. Beyond making a conscious decision to start something new though, moms still face challenges, particularly if they have been absent from their careers or never invested in one at all. Whether seeking to earn a paycheck out of a desire to be more fulfilled, the necessity to provide as a single parent or contribute in times of financial difficulties, they still face scrutiny from their own sphere of influence as well as from society at large. Consider the recent studies and data released by Pew Research Center, which indicate that while 79 percent of Americans surveyed rejected the traditional role of women as homemaker, when asked what they felt would be best for young children, only 16 percent said that a mother working full time was the ideal situation. Almost half, some 42 percent, said part time would be best, while 33 percent felt it was better for the child if a mother did not work at all. Even full-time moms had doubts, with only 22 percent feeling they had the perfect balance. But let’s face it, regardless of what society has to say about a mother and her decision to work, it’s still difficult to find the perfect solution, primarily because on average—says Pew research—they devote more time than men to taking care of children and household related tasks. Perhaps this is what drives more and more stay-at-home moms to create Internet-based businesses they can start and maintain at their own pace from the comfort of their own homes. In addition to affiliate marketing and blogging, there are a wide range of Internet-based business opportunities for today’s stay-at-home moms. With the vast majority being products of the millennial generation, they possess tremendous familiarity with technology and social media as a result of growing up online. And, according to a new study from the Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, by virtue of being female they also possess a significant advantage over their male counterparts when it comes to multitasking, paying attention to details, and listening. With these inherent traits, moms interested in setting up shop as a freelance writer, transcriptionist, or translator have real potential to succeed in industries that are growing exponentially. Outside of the obvious and traditional fields that commonly use transcription and translation—law and medicine—business in nearly every industry is benefitting tremendously from audio-to-text transcription and translation and the demand for services from human beings rather than machines is in high demand. But, like any start-up, success or failure is dependent upon several factors, of which, commitment ranks at the top.   

1. Just do it.

The first step is the most obvious and simultaneously the most difficult. You must decide to make the commitment to begin. Period.   

2. If you build it they will come.

Having a good computer, a strong Internet connection and a responsive website is no longer a variable when establishing a new business. With people relying on multiple devices, from PCs to cell phones, having a website that’s easy to access regardless of the device is essential. Though nothing fancy is required, you’ll need to develop a clear and concise message reflecting exactly what you offer and why it is needed. Whether you create one free from Wordpress or hire an individual to design and launch a state-of-the-art site, it’s the first impression that’s likely to be the difference between winning and losing a potential client or buyer.   

3. Make it easy for your people to find you.

Success comes first and foremost from confirming the business is a good fit with potential for profitability by understanding and being able to reach the intended audience. With free and low-cost website directory listing services from Google, Bing Places and Yellow Pages, this is the first step in ensuring your audience will easily and effortlessly find you in a random or targeted search.   

4. Get out in front and direct traffic.

Be proactive and gain a competitive edge by directing traffic to your website by linking with affiliate programs and targeted websites that are relevant to what you are offering. Write guest blog posts or get interviewed on podcasts focused on  your area of expertise or market segment to show that you are a thought leader in your industry. Also, don’t overlook advertising offered at a reasonable fee by Google Adwords, Yahoo, or Bing. Consider search engine optimization—to gain online visibility. The more links to your site, the better your chances are for increasing traffic directly to your business.   

5. Make them an offer they can't refuse.

Now that you’ve got them where you want them, give those first clients an offer they can’t refuse. Particularly for startups, getting that first satisfied customer is paramount in beginning, growing and confirming your high-quality and capabilities. After you entice them to accept that free or money-back-guaranteed offer, follow through with flying colors and in return ask for a stellar testimonial to post on your website.   

6. Recruit the Joneses. 

With the plethora of Internet-based businesses clogging the cybersphere, more and more consumers look for positive reviews before making any purchasing decisions, therefore those testimonials are worth their weight in gold—especially when you’re just in the beginning phases. Not only do consumers tend to want to keep up with the Joneses’, but they also want to hear what they have to say about a product or service they just experienced. Positive reviews have a domino affect, providing a high level of confidence and trust in the decision-making process. Having a strong online reputation is essential to being successful online.   

7. Continuously streamline processes.

Once you’ve got the wheels in motion, you’ll need to continuously search for better ways to streamline processes and simplify your customer or client experience. Women, particularly moms, are exceptional at figuring out ways to save time and money. Put those cost-effective skills to good use for your Internet-based business by creating processes that will eliminate unnecessary steps for both you and your clients.   

8. Accentuate the positive.

In good times and in bad, accentuating the positive will pull you through a slump or help you stay grounded. In these changing economic tides, humility and gratitude are in short supply but in high demand. Save yourself the lesson and lean from other’s missteps. Kindness and compassion in any business will carry you much farther than success at the expense of others.   

9. Stay in the driver’s seat.

It’s pretty typical for an Internet-based business that was originally intended to take up a few hours a day to begin consuming your every waking moment, so it is important to remember you are the one who created this wonderful business and therefore the only one who can control it. When you can relax and begin to see this as a creative expression of who you truly are, you’ll start to enjoy what you have accomplished while remaining true to the ones who need you most: your children. And what’s more important, you’ll serve as a role model, encouraging them to grow up and pursue their hearts’ desires.