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KAROO BUSINESS NEWS - During the last few months, you may have had to take a pay cut or may have even lost your job.
The lockdown has been a stressful time for millions of South Africans. But while jobs are scarce and the economy is taking a massive beating, there are still plenty of ways to support yourself at home.
Luckily, we live in a digital world where almost anything is possible online. So, while starting your own venture may seem like a daunting task, launching a small online business is easier than ever.
Start your own small business from home
There are plenty of ways to make money online. All you need is a business plan, a smart device, and some data. Local mobile services provider MTN has been focusing on offering affordable data packages for South Africans during the lockdown. You can check their current offer here. Their offers are usually valid for a month. With MTN specials, you can get enough data to get your business up and running with a small budget.
Here are some ideas for small businesses you can start from home:
Start a catering business
Many people are too drained after a long day of work and don’t want to spend an extra hour cooking dinner. If you see yourself as a talented cook, you can easily start a small business selling home-made dinners. All you need are a few delicious recipes, some ingredients, and a spacious kitchen.
Get baking
Brighten up people’s days with scrumptious cakes, cookies, pies and muffins, while earning a good income. Starting a baking business from home is one of the simplest ways to earn money. You can start by serving your immediate neighbours and expand as you earn more.
Learn other to stay fit
If you are a fitness enthusiast or a yoga lover, start your own fitness training channel or online classes to teach some tips to beginners. For this small business idea, you simply require a smart device and a strong network connection.
Look after pets
Many people have returned to work. This means that their pets are home alone again. By starting a pet-sitting business you can help professionals take care of their beloved pets during the day, while filling your pockets.
Make beauty products
With the focus on hygienic lifestyles and the constant sanitizing of hands, why not start a beauty product business. It is easy to make natural products from simple ingredients you can find in your cupboard. For this business idea, Google is your best friend, as you will need to do some research around which ingredients to mix and how to formulate different products.
These ideas require minimum investment but smart planning. To get the word out about your new venture, you will need a few digital essentials. This includes a business website, social media channels and a professional email address. These tools will increase your reach online and can build credibility for your brand.
Set up your business website
Setting up a website is easier than you think. You don’t have to be an expert in coding or complex computer languages. Several platforms offer DIY web design options. If you start from scratch, you will need a domain name or web address. You can easily buy one from a local webhosting company who will also assist you with the setting up of the domain. Many DIY website design platforms offer easy templates you can use to customise your website. Ensure the look and feel fits what your business is offering and add relevant content that tells your business’ story.
Tips for a good website
- Make sure the website is mobile-friendly or accessible on all devices
- Choose an easy, memorable domain name that suits your brand
- Always mention your contact information
- Use inviting colours
- Keep a consistent tone throughout your website’s pages
- Only use high-quality images and video that complements your brand
Set up your social media channels
Social media has become a valuable way to advertise your business. With billions of users, Facebook and Instagram is a great place to start. Create posts, stories and even use video to entice potential customers and to boost your brand online. It is easy to create accounts and set up pages for your business. If you require help, there are plenty of tutorials available online.
Tips for a good social media presence
- Only post relevant content that complements your brand
- Use high-quality images and video that draws attention
- Regularly interact with your followers
- Keep it professional
Other tips for starting a business
- Get a professional and personalised email address to send business emails from
- Ask your friends and family to spread the word
- Send testers to loved ones to ensure your product is up to standard
- Ask for regular feedback from your customers
- Don’t forget to have fun and take a break in between working on your new venture
Start your new business today
The digital age has made it easy for us to work from home, shop on the go and even earn an income online. As a result, it is easier than ever to set up a small business from home and get the word out. While the pandemic is a short-term situation, your new small business may bloom to yield you lucrative results soon.
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