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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

The complete toolkit for a thriving online business

Rebecca Strehlow

Online business toolkit

The popular saying that a company or business is only as good as its people is now truer than ever. These challenging times brought about by the novel coronavirus are affecting the very foundation of the workforce and changing the landscape of work as we know it. As many businesses shift the majority of their efforts online, individuals and companies alike are coming up with resourceful solutions to meet emerging market needs.


To help you through these changing times, we’ve put together a comprehensive toolkit for the digital world. Whether you're starting a business, taking your business online for the first time or looking to reinforce your existing online presence using business software (as well as AI tools for business), this comprehensive guide will help you manage and grow your brand - even from within your home.


Here’s what this toolkit includes:


  • Taking your business online

  • Managing your online business

  • Promoting your online business

  • Empowering your online community

  • Creating and sharing your content

  • Working remotely

  • Staying productive

  • Finding inspiration



Taking your business online



How to build a website from scratch

A huge part of any small business owner’s success is having a strong web presence. This step-by-step guide for building your website from scratch will help you transition smoothly into the online world.



As a first step in taking your business online, we recommend creating an eCommerce website. Start crafting your online presence by picking a designer-made website template from this vast collection. Whether you’re creating an online store or B2B eCommerce business, personal website or design portfolio, you’ll be able to fully customize your chosen template to make it your own.



Online business toolkit: Website templates



This step-by-step guide will take you through the stages of creating a website. It covers the technicalities and details of building a site, as well as recommended branding and marketing strategies to ensure a strong online presence. Learn the basics of website design, visitor engagement tactics and more. You can also hone your content with this guide to business writing.




Your website’s homepage is normally the first page that visitors will see on your site. Whether you’re trying to attract new clients or build brand awareness, making a good first impression is crucial. These 25 examples of spot-on homepage design will provide you with inspiration for crafting your own successful homepage.




Having a clearly defined brand identity is a fundamental part of a business’s path to success. It encapsulates the brand’s goals, vision and values. Learn about the importance of a solid brand identity and how to create your own, from the initial steps of defining who you are, to transforming theory into practice and creating a distinct language for your brand.



Online business toolkit: Brand identity



Not only does color have a huge part to play in your website's aesthetics, but color psychology also shows us how different hues and shades can be used to evoke certain emotions. For your inspiration, here are 50 websites with eye-catching color schemes.



Online business toolkit: Website color scheme



Your business’s logo appears on almost all your marketing materials, playing a central role in your brand identity. However, creating a logo that accurately depicts the essence of your company isn’t always easy. These tips will help take your branding efforts to the next level, covering everything from the initial soul-searching phase to the finishing touches of creating your logo.



Online business toolkit: Create a logo



There’s a lot more to your online presence than just hitting the ‘Publish’ button on your website. This collection of 20 tutorials will walk you through Wix’s most essential tools, covering everything about using the Wix Editor, optimizing your site for SEO, crafting a multilingual site, setting up online payments, and more.




With guests currently unable to attend large gatherings, this is the ideal time to take your events online. This will allow you to sell tickets and keep your business running strong, while providing your fans with engaging and innovative experiences. Here’s everything you need to know to set up a successful virtual event, from which platforms to use, to how to promote your event and more.



Managing your online business




Keeping your professional website fresh and up-to-date can make the difference between an irrelevant brand and a desirable one. Whether you make little tweaks or large-scale adjustments, you can ensure that your content and design are consistently at the top of their game. Remember to inform site visitors of any changes to your business that they should be aware of, such as new services or different shipping schedules.



Online business toolkit: Update your website



Proactive communication with your clients can help foster feelings of trust and reliability. Reaching out to customers through live chat allows you to build relationships with customers with the help of automated greetings, lead capture, and saved replies.


Online business toolkit: Live chat



Many businesses continue to provide valuable services to their customers while adapting to a changing landscape and market. Whether you host events, run a store, or own a restaurant, here are the guidelines and precautionary measures you can take to protect your business and client base, both online and off.



Online business toolkit: Businesses during coronavirus


Best practices for event businesses


Businesses that host events are some of the most affected by the current situation. Events that can no longer take place now need to be moved online, postponed, or canceled and refunded. Here’s how to navigate these different options while keeping your guests informed.



Online business toolkit: Event businesses


A guide for online stores


Online stores face unique challenges during these times. If you run an eCommerce website, you need to address everything from gaining customers’ trust to finding solutions for changes in inventory stock, canceled orders, and more. This article will guide you through the best practices for managing your eCommerce business.



Online business toolkit: Online store


Managing a bookings business


These days, many services cannot take place as planned. If your business operates on a bookings or appointment model, you’ll need to take online whichever services are possible. All other services will need to be canceled, rescheduled, or refunded. This guide will help you to take the appropriate steps while communicating clearly with clients.



As many businesses have been impacted by event or service cancelations, this can lead to a growing number of refund requests. Learn about best practices for managing refunds and chargebacks, and avoid a negative account balance.


Promoting your online business




The field of marketing changes rapidly with each passing year, becoming increasingly multifaceted and complex. In light of current events, having a strong online marketing strategy to support your brand is key. In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of powerful tools you can use to power up your promotion efforts.



Online business toolkit: marketing tools



If anyone’s told you nothing in life comes free, it’s because they don’t yet know about these 10 free ways to promote your website. Do you want to spread the word on social media? Free. Create your own blog for free. Take a look at these affordable, actionable strategies for building your online presence.



Every touchpoint with your customers is rooted in the buyer decision process. Learn how to fine tune your marketing strategy based on the customer journey through the marketing funnel (see business strategy examples for even more strategies).



Landing pages are essential for any online business, since they drive users toward subscribing to your mailing list, downloading your eBook, or buying from your online store. While the process of creating one might seem daunting, these tips and templates will make the process simple for you.




Our social media feeds have become more relevant than ever, helping people all over the world stay connected. Make sure your brand is part of the conversation by creating engaging posts on Facebook, Twitter, and more. This resource will provide you with comprehensive information about a range of social media promotion strategies.



Online business toolkit: Social media marketing


Get easily found on Google


When people search for businesses online, it’s important they’re able to find you straight away. Improving your website’s position on Google search results isn’t easy, but there are plenty of tools to help you achieve just that. This step-by-step guide will help you boost your website’s ranking, teaching you everything from choosing the right keywords to optimizing your site for mobile.



Online business toolkit: SEO for Google



Email marketing is a powerful tool for directly reaching out to your client base, but how can you ensure it’s relevant and engaging for your audience? In addition to writing a compelling subject line and body, a beautiful, eye-catching design can go a long way. As you get ready to launch your newsletter, take a look at these design tips - as well as these stunning real-life newsletter examples - to help guide you.



Online business toolkit: Email newsletter


Empowering your online community




Creating a blog allows you to connect with readers worldwide by sharing insightful content with your audience. All you need is an idea and this step-by-step guide on how to write a blog post, which also includes several blog post examples for different types of topics.




This curated selection of beautiful blog design examples will inspire you in sharing your story, experiences and knowledge with the world.



Online business toolkit: Blog design examples



Online forums bring like-minded individuals together, allowing them to share their expertise and support each other’s growth. Learn how to create your own online community with Wix Forum and start engaging with your audience today.



Best practices for a successful forum


The secret to a successful forum is the people behind it (and utilizing technology like AI customer service tools). In order to ensure your online forum flourishes, you’ll need to focus on the needs of the users you’re talking to. From the look and feel of your site to daily communication with visitors, these best practices will help you nurture your project and build a vibrant online community.



Online business toolkit: Forum best practices


Live streaming is an effective way to engage your online community even while remaining indoors. This step-by-step guide for live streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and more will help you get started.


Online communities are essential to today's business. They can drive sales, improve customer retention and even foster brand loyalty. Discover how you can start building and nurturing an engaged community around your business.



Creating and sharing your content



Content marketing is the practice of creating valuable, engaging content that gently draws customers toward your brand. Here’s the complete guide for building and strengthening your content marketing strategy.



Podcasting is a great way to engage with your audience from afar, and all you need to get started is a good microphone and audio equipment. Creating a podcast will allow you to inform and entertain listeners while forming a tight-knit community around your brand.



Online business toolkit: Start a podcast



Share your knowledge by creating a webinar, whether pre-recorded or live-streamed, paid or free. A webinar allows you to teach your audience about topics that you’re passionate about and that can benefit them, as well position you as an expert in your field.



Online business toolkit: Create a webinar


Sharing your knowledge on the web will help you engage your audience while positioning your brand as an authority in your field. This guide will walk you through the steps for creating an online course, from choosing the right topic to selling your material.



Writing about your industry know-how and sharing valuable advice with your readers is an effective marketing practice. These various blog post ideas, from the inspirational to the informational, are sure to fit any type of business.




If you’re still not sure what type of website best fits your line of work, or if you’re looking to try something new, this comprehensive list will help you find the perfect idea to get started.




Keep your audience engaged and excited about your brand by spicing up your content strategy. Incorporate different and unexpected angles into your website, blog and more - from sharing your customers’ own stories to using hashtags creatively.



Working remotely




As working from home becomes increasingly common, many of us struggle to get back into the workflow and stay productive. The line between our personal and professional lives becomes easily blurred, with daily chores interrupting work and work cutting into our leisure time. These top tips will help you get back on track so that you can stay focused during working hours - with plenty of time to relax later.




Working remotely isn’t easy for managers and team leaders, but these easy-to-implement strategies can help make the process smoother. Be sure to clarify your expectations and goals for the team, as well as utilize communication channels like team chats, video conferencing, and more.




The line between our personal and professional lives is easily blurred, with daily chores interrupting work and work cutting into our leisure time. These tips will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance so that you can achieve both productivity and relaxation.



Staying productive




One of the biggest challenges of working from home is making sure that your time is spent wisely. Without the structured comfort of your regular job setting, it’s easy to get distracted or lose track of time. These 20 tips will help you take control of your day through organized schedules, attainable goals, and healthy choices. Or, check out these small business automation tips that can minimize your efforts and maximize your output.




Hectic times may feel overwhelming and add a significant amount of stress to your daily life. In moments like these, there are certain habits that can positively impact your mood, health, and even your ability to succeed. Take a look at the most common habits of successful people, and start incorporating them into your routine.



Online business toolkit: Daily habits for success



From working remotely to communicating with our loved ones, technology plays a huge role in every aspect of our lives. And so it only makes sense for us to turn to it as we struggle to get a hold of our schedules. These 20 apps will allow you to maximize your time and focus by helping you boost your productivity and keep your stress levels at bay.



Online business toolkit: Time management apps


Finding inspiration




Staying motivated isn’t always easy. Sometimes, all we need is a bit of encouragement. Whether you’re looking to nail a work assignment, make a career change or build your confidence, these motivational podcasts could give you that much-needed boost. Offering practical advice, new perspectives and more, they might be just what you need to feel better and move forward.



Music can profoundly improve our ability to focus. These productivity playlists will help you channel your concentration and stay on task.



Empower yourself with this selection of 100 motivational quotes. With wise words from the likes of Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Vivienne Westwood and other inspirational figures, these quotes are here to give you an extra push and help you in achieving your goals.


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