Building an online business is not easy. Jumping head first is even worse.

Before you begin building a website, blog, or any type of online presence, think about your end-goal.

What do you want to accomplish with your business? You know, the main objective?

Every project is unique

Every project I start has a unique business model and needs to have a specific strategy in place. Instead of worrying about the details first, I always start with the end in mind.

The same is true for my clients. Each business has a unique product, service, and demographic. There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” marketing.

You don’t have to over analyze a project, just know what your end goal is and the details will flow.

Write it down

I am easily distracted. I have two white boards in my room. For my business, I have goals written on one board at all times. These goals reminded me of what I should be doing and keep me from going off course.

Close Distractions

It’s super easy to get distracted. By keeping your goals visible, your more likely to stay on track.

Here’s some tools I use:

• Use WorkFlowy to keep track of tasks.
• Invest in a whiteboard for your room.
• iThoughts HD for iPad (awesome mind mapping tool for iPad.)

Be S.M.A.R.T.

When starting with the end in mind, be sure to follow the general guidelines of goal setting. Ask yourself if your end-goal matches these characteristics:

• Specific-make sure your goal is not broad and general. Be specific.
• Measurable-when do you want to accomplish this goal?
• Attainable-Is this goal realistic? Can it really be achieved?
• Relevant-Does your goal align with your overall business mission?
• Time Bound-Set a specific date.

The final result?

After you know your end goal and have gone through the process of starting with the end in mind, everything else will fall in place. You know what you want the outcome to be, now all you need to do is make it work. It will be much easier to create a to-do list and accomplish your goal. Best of all, if you go off-course, your goal will guide you back.

Maybe you want to sell an online service or perhaps a product? Maybe it’s an information product? What is it you want your website and online business to accomplish?

Stuff to think about:

• What do you want your visitors to do when they get to your website?
• How will you capture new customers?
• Does your business have a sales funnel?
• What is my social media strategy?
• Should I outsource some of the work?
• Think ,about the basic structure and usability of the website. What is it’s purpose?
• Who is my target market?
• What’s your revenue model? How will this project make money? PPC, Affiliate marketing, information products, e-books?

A lot of business owners know they want a website, a blog, or a Facebook Fan Page but they don’t know why they want it or what they will do with it.

By understanding the purpose and goal of having these tools in place, we can create a path to success.

What about you? Are you starting with the end in mind?

Nate is a 24-year-old Internet Marketer & WordPress Guru who helps businesses and individuals understand how to market online with The Social Web. Find Nate on Google Plus

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