Building a Strong Tech Foundation
Starting or growing an online business can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to technology. But the truth is, making the right tech decisions early on can save you time, money, and stress. In this post, we’ll break down the five key tech decisions every online business owner should make, and I’ll share practical tips to help you tackle them with confidence.
1. Buy a Domain Name: Your Digital Home
A domain name is your online address. It’s how people find your business, whether it’s your website, email, or other digital platforms. Owning your domain gives you control and protects your brand—no one else can use the same domain once it’s yours.
Tips for Choosing a Domain Name:
- Keep it simple, memorable, and easy to spell.
- If you’re unsure about your business name, start with your own name and what you do (e.g., nicolawalshphotography.com). You can always rebrand later.
- Buy multiple domain endings like .com and .co.uk to protect your business.
Quick Tip: Check renewal prices before committing to a provider. Introductory deals are great, but ensure long-term costs are fair. Reliable providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Hostinger are great options.
2. Set Up a Professional Email Address
Using a free email provider like Gmail or Yahoo may seem easy, but a professional email linked to your domain instantly adds credibility. Clients and customers are more likely to trust and engage with a business that uses an email like hello@yourbusiness.com.
Why Google Workspace is a Game-Changer:
- It connects your professional email to powerful tools like Gmail, Drive, and Calendar.
- It keeps all your business emails, files, and schedules in one place.
- If you’re planning to use tools like Google My Business, Analytics, or YouTube, having a single Google account simplifies everything.
Quick Tip: Google Workspace starts at just £6/month, making it an affordable and effective solution for small business owners.
3. Decide How to Market Yourself
Marketing is essential, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on three strategies each quarter:
- Choose one social media platform and go all-in.
- Start email marketing to nurture your audience and increase engagement.
- Add another strategy, such as podcasting, blogging, or networking.
Why Email Marketing is a Must:
Social media posts often only reach a small percentage of your audience, but emails can have open rates of 40-50% or higher. With a professional email, you can easily connect with your audience through automated sequences, newsletters, and more.
4. Streamline How Clients Book Calls
Gone are the days of back-and-forth messages to schedule appointments. Tools like TidyCal allow clients to view your availability, book a time, and receive automated reminders—all in one go.
Benefits of a Booking Tool:
- Saves time for both you and your clients.
- Reduces scheduling errors.
- Creates a seamless, professional experience.
5. Simplify Getting Paid
An efficient payment system is essential for any business. While sending invoices manually is an option, using tools like Stripe, PayPal Business, or ThriveCart can make transactions smoother and reduce the need for chasing payments.
Advanced Options with ThriveCart:
ThriveCart allows you to connect your payment system to email marketing platforms, create discount codes, and even offer affiliate opportunities to expand your reach.
Take the First Step
Once you’ve made these five key tech decisions, your business will be set up for success. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small, focus on what’s manageable, and build from there.
If you need help with any of these steps, join the This Mum Loves Tech Community on Facebook. It’s a supportive space where you can ask questions, access tips, and connect with other mums in business who are navigating tech just like you.
