How to start an online business
A practical, step‑by‑step guide to validate your idea, launch quickly, and iterate toward product‑market fit.
Step 1 — Validate your idea
- Interview 5–10 potential customers to understand pains and jobs‑to‑be‑done.
- Draft a simple value proposition and run a landing page smoke test.
- Measure interest via signups, replies, or preorders—not likes.
Step 2 — Choose a model
Pick a business model aligned with your capabilities: services, productized services, subscriptions, or digital products.
Step 3 — Brand and web presence
- Name, simple brand kit, and clear messaging.
- Launch a fast, focused landing page with a lead form and basic analytics.
- Set up an email list and welcome sequence.
Step 4 — Go to market
- Pick 1–2 channels: SEO, partnerships, social, or communities.
- Publish useful content and collect feedback every week.
- Refine positioning and offers based on real conversations.
Launch checklist
- Clear problem statement and ICP.
- Working checkout or intake form.
- Onboarding and first value delivered within 24–48 hours.
- Simple metrics: signups, activations, revenue, and churn.
FAQ
How much budget do I need?
Many founders launch with a few hundred dollars using no‑code tools and preorders. Focus on validation before scaling spend.
When should I hire?
Hire when you have repeatable revenue and a clear bottleneck that is not your unique advantage.