Sprout an idea

Identify what people are looking for. Ask yourself if you can provide solutions to their needs. If they are looking for free know-how, can you quench their thirst for knowledge? Align this need with your capability.

Build your site

Buy yourself a domain name and web hosting to host your site/blog. This is your real estate online. This is your domain. Design your site to appeal to your potential customers. Or, simply start with a clean theme and build on it.

Build your community/fan/loyal subscribers

Value your community. They are your business. Ask them for directions when you falter. Never shy from admitting mistakes – you will make a few, too. Be genuine and caring. Provide value to your loyal customers.

Build your brand

Be unique. Differentiate your site design, content/products and your personality. Shout out your USP for all who care to listen. Spread your message everywhere (eg. Blogs, forums, twitter, etc).

Sell your goods

Remember to sell your goods. That’s the reason you are in business in the first place.

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The diagram below is a result of ongoing research into why people go online and where and is a project called Rudd Finn Intent Index.

It basically classifies people’s reasons for going online into seven categories in descending percentage order:

1. Learn

2. Have Fun

3. Socialize

4.  Express yourself

5. Advocate

6. Do Business

7. Shop

According to Darren, you can also look at the results based upon gender and age. For example

• Men go online to do business, be informed of news and be entertained more than women
• Women are more likely to go online to socialize and express themselves than men)
• Youth go online more for socializing, advocating and self expression than seniors
• Both Youth and Seniors are going online to have fun

Other highly rated areas (80% of responses or more) included:

• Educate Self (96%)
• Connect with Others (92%)
• Research (89%)
• Share (86%)
• Be Entertained (82%)

Take some time to study this index, you may be able to pinpoint your next strategic move.  This could well answer the age old questions like:

Who is your target audience?

Where are they?

What do they expect?

How big/small is the market?

Go ahead and study now and improve your sales and readership!

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