10 Empowering Hacks for Women Over 40 Starting an Online Business 

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Starting an online business in your 40s brings together the potent combination of life’s wisdom and new entrepreneurial energy. As you embark on this exciting digital journey, here are ten business-altering hacks designed to turn your vision into a successful reality.

As you have grown with social media, you should already have some sort of online presence. Building a business these days, especially an online one, requires a social media presence or advertising budget. The name of the game is traffic. Not only do you need to drive traffic to your website, but you also need to genuinely engage with your audience online.

Customers want a wrap-around experience from those they purchase from. Whether you are selling products online or being an online coach, customers want to know why they’re buying from you. They want to feel connected to you in some sense, and they want to know they are buying from people they can trust. If you don’t have millions of dollars for brand campaigns, then the next best thing is to build a social media presence. By allowing your audience to get to know you, like you, and trust you, they will be more inclined to buy from you.

Being over 40 should not dissuade you from starting a business. With your life experiences and expertise in your chosen career, this is an exciting time to build a brand for yourself.

 

Here are some beginner things you should think about and work through to start building your business:

 

1. Identify Your Passion and Expertise

 

Running a business that revolves around your passion and area of expertise is a powerful recipe for success. Not only does it bring immense satisfaction, but it also translates into authenticity, a trait highly valued by customers. Dive deep and explore what you can do. Will you sell products, do dropshipping, or import products? Will you use your expertise to exchange time for money, like being a business coach in your niche? Will you sell courses or design an app and sell subscriptions? There are unlimited possibilities.

 

2. Build a User-friendly Website

 

Your website is the digital gateway to your business. Make it easy to navigate, visually appealing, and ensure it showcases your products or services effectively. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or SquareSpace offer convenient and attractive themes to get you started.

 

In the beginning, don’t overcomplicate things. One thing you should know is that your website is always evolving. Think about it as a living document that will change over the years. Build it on a platform you know will last. Choose a website provider that you envision using for at least 5 years. You can always upgrade, but changing providers in the future can be an expensive exercise. If you’re starting an eCommerce shop to make it easier for people to buy from you, I would recommend using Shopify.

 

3. Embrace Continuous Learning

 

Digital trends are ever-evolving. Keep expanding your knowledge through online courses, podcasts, or webinars. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of business and technology courses.

 

These days, it is easier to learn. Gone are the days where you have to go to university to acquire specific skills. I have been working in social media and digital marketing for 10 years, and I am entirely self-taught. When social media came out, there was no one before us to show us the way, so I soaked up everything and worked like a scientist. I experimented all the time, figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and I continue to do so today. What worked last year doesn’t necessarily work this year. Never fall into the trap of complacency; always be curious and explore what others are doing.

4. Master SEO

 

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can make your business more discoverable and increase traffic to your site. Learning the basics of SEO and implementing them can prove instrumental in enhancing your online presence.

 

Mastering SEO can seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s outside your expertise. But fortunately, with the advancements in technology, you have access to resources like Chat GPT, which can help you with the top search terms across Google. It can assist you in writing SEO-friendly content, saving you both time and money compared to hiring someone else to do it for you.

 

5. Harness the Power of Social Media

 

Social media can be a significant catalyst in your business growth. By consistently sharing quality content on platforms where your target audience frequents, you can bolster your brand recognition, engagement, and conversions.

 

The fastest way to get in front of your customers is through social media. Take some time to explore each platform and discover what works best for you. At the moment, I highly recommend TikTok. Its algorithm sorts your content directly into the newsfeed of those who consume content related to your niche. This provides you with great potential for fast growth and building an audience. Remember, the key is consistency – post regularly and serve the audience you want to attract. Make your content entertaining and educational, creating a personalised experience for your viewers.

 

6. Network Virtually

 

Joining online communities related to your business niche can be incredibly beneficial. Networking with fellow entrepreneurs provides learning opportunities, collaborations, and a supportive community. Platforms like LinkedIn or Meetup can be great places to start.

 

Building yourself a community of like-minded individuals on the same journey as you can provide support and inspiration during the sometimes lonely process of building your business. If your budget allows, consider hiring a business coach or an accountability coach. They can serve as a helping hand and guide you through the challenges you may face. A good coach not only saves you time and effort, but they can also save you money in the long run by ensuring you make the right decisions from the beginning.

 

If your business is online, it would be wise to hire someone who has spent years helping companies and corporations build their online foundations. Feel free to check out my services here [insert link].

 

7. Provide Excellent Customer Service

 

In the digital space, providing personalised and efficient customer service will set you apart from your competitors. Take the time to respond to inquiries promptly and always prioritize a friendly and professional tone in your interactions.

 

Setting up your customer service structure in the beginning is crucial. Remember, just one or two bad reviews can have a significant impact on your business. Customers now rely heavily on reviews before making a purchase, especially online. Ensure you have a clear returns policy and shipping policy. Consider implementing a chatbot with frequently asked questions to handle inquiries on social media.

 

8. Leverage Email Marketing

 

While social media may have gained widespread popularity, email marketing remains an effective tool for connecting with your audience. Regular newsletters, special offers, and personalised messages can foster a strong connection between your brand and your customers.

 

Keep in mind that it’s often easier to sell to warm leads than cold leads. Consider your online objectives: driving traffic to your website, building your email list, and ultimately, making purchases. Encourage visitors to provide their email addresses to engage with them consistently. This way, even if they bounce off your website, you have a direct way to communicate and offer opportunities to purchase in the future.

 

9. Collaborate and Outsource

 

The beauty of entrepreneurship is that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Leveraging the skills of freelance professionals can help you handle tasks outside your own expertise, allowing you to focus on nurturing your business. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with talented freelancers from around the world.

 

Outsourcing can accelerate the growth of your business. The key is to find efficient individuals who specialise in the areas you need assistance with. When working with freelancers, make sure to provide a detailed brief outlining exactly what you expect. This will ensure a smooth working relationship and help the freelancer deliver the desired results.

 

10. Stay Adaptable and Resilient

 

Building an online business requires continuous adaptation and resilience. Embrace change, stay open-minded, and persistently strive for improvement. Remember, growth often comes with its own challenges, but by maintaining a resilient mindset, you will overcome any obstacles that come your way.

 

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in your 40s is a bold and commendable step. It promises a wealth of learning, fulfilling experiences, and the joy of turning your dreams into reality. I am here to offer my continued support, so please feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance.