Is it smart to start a business during a pandemic? It’s not a bad idea, actually. Fast Company found that 1 in 5 entrepreneurs are starting businesses that were not planned before the pandemic. And, 51% of those polled said that the reason behind the business endeavor was that they identified a new business opportunity amid the changing global landscape.
As they say, there’s no time like the present. As the pandemic continues to shift how we work, live, and move about the world, new business opportunities will arise for those eager to solve emerging problems, especially online. Is it you? Could be! We believe in you. But you’ll need to arm yourself with the right tools to grow an online business.
The best tools to grow an online business in 2021
1. Canva
Suppose you’re just getting started in the online business world. In that case, you’ll have a laundry list of things to do, including creating a logo, developing branding materials, and designing your social media assets. If you’re thinking, “OMG, I’ve never designed a single thing in my life,” then don’t worry! Canva replaces the need (somewhat) for a graphic designer while you’re just getting started. There, you can find free, high-quality templates for Facebook posts, Instagram stories, business cards, logos, and everything in between. They’ve made it easy to customize the posts to suit your brand, too.
2. Ahrefs
Part of starting an online business, or any business for that matter, is scoping out the competition. What are they writing about online, are they using paid ads to attract traffic to their website, and who links back to their website? To find all of this information and (a lot) more, you’ll need Ahrefs. Signing up for the pro account is actually well worth the money if you’re able to swing it (it’ll count as a business expense). You’ll be able to do high-level keyword research, too, which is invaluable when you’re creating copy for your business website and blog.
3. Buffer
Now that you know how to create social images and research what to include in them, you’ll need a business tool that allows you to schedule your posts. Because, as a small business owner, scheduling your social media is going to save you tons of time weekly. Buffer is one of the best social scheduling platforms, ranking consistently at the top with HootSuite. With a free Buffer account, you’re able to start slowly and schedule posts for one account. Learn the ropes of social scheduling, and then move up to a paid account when you’re ready.
4. WordPress
Not sure where to create your website or which platform is best for online blogging? WordPress is a great place to start as it’s free and fairly easy to navigate. Wix and Squarespace are other great options, but WordPress wins for sure if your main goal is business blogging. If you’re trying to create an online store, WordPress works with the WooCommerce plug-in, and it’s just as easy to use. You’ll be able to ensure your pages are SEO-optimized, and you can install hundreds of other WordPress plug-ins that can help you elevate your online business throughout 2021 and beyond. Here’s a list of some recommended plug-ins for business websites to get you started.
5. Burner
To grow your online business in 2021, you’ll need to appear professional, and this means including a professional phone number on your website and business cards. For this, use a Burner phone number. It’s a great way to separate your work calls from your personal calls, and with the features we’ve included in our plans, you’re able to connect apps such as your Google Drive, Slack, and Evernote.
Ready to elevate your business endeavors? Sign up for your free Burner phone number today.
