5 STEPS TO START A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN ONLINE BUSINESS
Start a Successful Christian Online Business –
Start with you Brand
So, you want to create an income stream online, right? Here’s the thing– like any business, there is a learning curve. It comes more naturally to some than others. For me, the technical side was/is a challenge. If you are blessed with those skills, you are miles ahead.
Hold on, not so fast!
Others of us write, and maybe for you that is a challenge. Well, don’t let it be. It is not at all like it was in the days before the printing press when they wrote on stone tablets and later, hired scribes to transcribe it onto animal skins, all without losing so much as a dot or a tittle.
Joking aside, as Christians we are held to high(er) standards. And if that were not true, the buyers’ market for any one of our skills will.
Differentiation can be a challenge, yet it is essential to distinguish your business from others. In the Christian market, this means more than offering unique products or services; it’s about the experience and the community you build. Take time to reflect on how your business can serve your audience in a way that others don’t — it could be through insightful content, engaging online ministries, faith-nourishing products, etc.
To begin, are you clear about your brand? You may already intuitively know this or you may really need to dig it out
This is an essential first step and it can be confusing. We agree, it’s not just about making money; it’s about serving a higher purpose. We will study brand in depth soon, but for now, there are several ways to approach this, and it will depend on your personal style and your niche.
As a Christian, you can run a secular business online, and I am guessing this is the most frequent practice. Some business owners are verbal about their faith and other businesses stand out simply because they practice Christian principals, and it shows.
I am making this distinguishment because some of you will wish to pick products and services to promote online that have nothing to do with God or religion. However, good business practices are the same for all.
For example, a beautiful, well-designed website and professionally, beautifully written copy will attract customers, while the opposite qualities will most certainly turn them away.
Before profit, our goal is to glorify God in all things.
As Proverbs 16:3 advises:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
So, consider what is your style, what drives you, and how can your business reflect God’s love and message.
TO WHOM ARE YOU SPEAKING?
Next, you’re going to figure out who you’re speaking to. Who is your business serving?
I purposely chose the two pictures shown in this article thus far to illustrate the next point. The images obviously depict different communities, a small community in the title image, and city community directly above this text.
Our clientele may be the world, but our customer may live in just such a place. Would he or she relate to your style?
Certainly, if this person lives in New York City, your style must change. Or better yet, pick the audience who will enjoy your style naturally.
Think hard about this.
Who can benefit most from what you offer? Pinpointing your target audience helps in shaping your message and services to meet their specific needs.
You can always adjust your approach down the road, but starting with God-centered goals gives your business a firm direction. C.S. Lewis once said, “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” Apply this to your business by setting ambitions that honor God’s will and provide earthly benefits as a byproduct.
Lastly in this section, sometimes it can be tricky to create a practical business plan while keeping your spiritual values intact. Consider the advice from Luke 14:28, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” This scripture encourages us to plan diligently, ensuring our business won’t falter due to lack of preparation.
Building on the Rock: Establishing Your Online Presence
So, you’ve defined your purpose and know your audience. Now, you’re going to step into the digital world by establishing a strong online presence. You’ll see why it’s often compared to building a house on a firm foundation, in this case, the rock of your faith (Matthew 7:24-27).
Choosing the right business name is pivotal. It’s not just about a catchy name; it’s about an identity that resonates with Christian values. I’m going to suggest you pray for guidance as Jeremiah 33:3 teaches us. Seek a name that’s both engaging and reflective of the message you want to send to your audience.
Having a user-friendly website is crucial; it’s the virtual front door to your business. You can always adjust your approach down the road, but starting with a clear, easily navigable site is a must. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about providing a welcoming and accessible space for all.
When it comes to consistency in branding, ask yourself how your brand identity can reflect the integrity and trustworthiness that aligns with Christian beliefs. This can become a central theme in your branding strategy, helping you to stand out and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Lastly, don’t shy away from incorporating testimonies and faith stories into your digital space. Psalm 96:3 says, ‘Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!’ Sharing real-life stories exemplifies the transformative power of faith and resonates deeply with people, fostering a powerful sense of community.
Spreading the Good News: Content Marketing Strategies
I’m going to walk you through some essential strategies for promoting your Christian online business. This isn’t just about driving traffic; it’s also about sharing a message that resonates with your audience’s faith and values.
Creating valuable, Bible-based content takes some finesse. Think about how Jesus taught with parables; stories have a powerful way of conveying truth. Matthew 13 showcases this beautifully. You can consider writing blog posts, creating videos, or designing infographics that illustrate biblical principles in the context of everyday issues your audience faces.
Search engine optimization (SEO) might seem daunting, but it’s about making sure the right people find your message when they need it. Remember Jeremiah 33:3, ‘Call to me and I will answer you.’ Your content should be the answer to someone’s search. Utilize keywords wisely, optimize for mobile users, and create shareable content to improve your search rankings.
Social media isn’t just a place to network; it’s a modern-day marketplace for ideas and inspiration. Emulate Christ’s approach of meeting people where they are. Share verses, devotions, and faith-based advice on these platforms, engaging your audience with content that uplifts and educates.
Community is key to growth, both spiritually and business-wise. ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Participating in forums, online groups, or hosting webinars are fantastic ways to connect with potential customers and foster a supportive network.
Multiplying the Talents: Financing and Monetizing Your Venture
If you’re familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, you know that it’s not just about money; it illustrates the importance of using the gifts God gives us to produce growth. This is where we talk about the practical aspects of financing your Christian online business and finding ways to generate revenue without compromising your values.
Now, when thinking about revenue streams, choose something that resonates with you and your audience. Whether that’s selling faith-based products, offering online courses, or even writing eBooks, make sure it honors God. This mirrors the approach famous Christian author Rick Warren advocates for living a purpose-driven life.
Investing back into your business is like sowing seeds for future harvest. This isn’t just about financial gain; it’s also about expanding your reach and impact. Consider carefully where you allocate funds to ensure they bring the most benefit not just to your business, but to your community as well.
And don’t overlook the power of tithing a portion of your business profits. It’s not merely an act of obedience; it’s a demonstration of trust in God’s provision. By doing so, you’ll also be supporting the work of the Church, mission trips, or community projects, reflecting on Malachi 3:10, which promises blessings for those who faithfully tithe.
Maintaining the Temple: Managing and Growing Your Business
Managing a thriving Christian online business isn’t just about financial returns; it’s also about personal and spiritual growth. You’re going to find out how self-discipline and a strong work ethic are not only business necessities but Biblical principles as well. Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that ‘In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.’ Take this to heart as you diligently work on your business.
Adaptability is key to longevity. You can always adjust your approach down the road. Look to the Apostle Paul as a source of inspiration. Despite the many hardships, his unwavering mission to share the Gospel shows us how to overcome and adapt to challenges that come our way. (See links below)
On your journey, don’t worry too much about having all the answers right now. Continuous learning and improvement are part of the process, as Proverbs 18:15 states: ‘An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.’ This means investing time in learning new skills, staying current with online business trends, and seeking God’s wisdom.
And remember, the core of your business should always reflect your relationship with God. Make time for prayer and reflection. It’s here that you’ll find the strength and guidance to ensure your business aligns with God’s plan. Just as you care for your temple, so too should you maintain the integrity and mission of your business. May it serve as a testament to your faith and His goodness.