You’ve started your online business. It began as a seed on an idea and blossomed into what it is today through a lot of sleepless nights, research, testing, development, re-writing, doubt, triumph, and production.

Congratulations! Building an online business is a very dynamic process that can sometimes seem unending. There is always room for tweaking, refining, and growing.

Here are five of my easiest, most rewarding ways to up your professional game online.

1. Know your audience

Do your research, find out who your target market is and focus on their needs when developing every product, service, page, graphic, etc, etc, etc. Nothing looks more UNprofessional than a Jill-of-all-trades. Don’t get me wrong – I am all for generalists! I have a petty diverse skill set and at one time called myself an IT Generalist. But that didn’t mean that I did all things IT for all individuals, businesses, and organizations. Are you kidding me? I have a specific target market. That way I can tailor my offerings specifically to solve the pain points for that market. And that kind of focus? Connects and converts in ways that are much more valuable that any wide-cast net ever could.

2. Spend some time and money on your copy

Crafting effective copy that connects and inspires your audience (and therefore converts to sales) is no easy task! Invest in your business by spending time, effort, and a bit ‘o cash on your copy. Research copy writing, check out blog posts, tutorials, and professional copywriter’s offerings. Budget that you will spend at least double the time writing the copy for your site than you think. For serious. And if you can, please splurge for a professional copywriter, even if it’s just for your sales page. Your bank account will thank you.

3. Hire a professional photographer

Photography is not something that you can skimp on. I know that everyone has a super duper digital camera built inside their phones, and some people even have prosumer style digital SLRs (I have one as well), but that doesn’t hold a candle to what a professional photographer can do! You heard all about first here last week.

4. Enlist the help of a professional web developer

Your website is your first impression. Make it count. However if you don’t have the money to pay a professional to design your site for you just yet, don’t fret!! With the accessibility of WordPress it’s pretty stinkin’ easy to set up and manage your own website. Many of my clients have built and maintain very, very successful online presences! You can up your game if you enlist the support of a professional to analyze your site, give you some tips, optimize it, and so on. Hire a developer take a look at your website and give you a list of items that will super charge it.

5. Less is more

Be ruthless with anything that represents your brand online. Question everything; “why does my target market NEED this?” and “How does this tell the story of my unique value proposition?” for example. If it doesn’t align with your brand values, scrap it. The less items that you have on your website/sales page/email/social media/etc to detract away from your goals, the higher your conversion rate will be.

So there you have it. Five simple steps that you can take today to refine your business’ image online and up your game professionally.

By now you know why I share this advice with you. I do have professional packages, but I give these tips away for free so while you’re deciding whether you should work with me, you can receive valuable content that helps you maintain as little or as much of your website as you wish. Now all you have to do is decide if my professional packages are right for you.