How to Build an Online Business) in 13 Steps

 

Let’s break down the steps in full detail so you can follow along and take action.

Step 1: Pick Your Niche Using AnswerThePublic

Your first job is not to create a product — it’s to find demand. Use a tool like AnswerThePublic (the version mentioned in the post) to discover what people are actually searching for in real time.

How to do it:

• Go to AnswerThePublic. Enter a broad topic you’re comfortable with (e.g., “remote productivity,” “budget travel,” “vegan recipes”).
• Take the visual map it produces: questions (“how to … ?”), comparisons (“vs”), prepositions (“for,” “with”), etc.
• Export or screenshot the map.
• Identify 3 specific questions or pain-points with reasonably high search volume (you may need another tool to check volume, but the map gives you starting points).
• Choose 1 niche based on where you have interest + some evidence of demand.
  Why this matters:
  If you skip validating demand, you risk building into a topic nobody cares about. Starting from search demand puts you on firmer ground.

Step 2: Create Your Logo with Namelix

Once you’ve picked your niche, you need a brand identity: name + logo. The tool mentioned is Namelix.

How to do it:

• Go to Namelix. Input 2-3 keywords that reflect your niche (for example “remote team support,” “budget travel blog,” “vegan meal prep”).  
• Choose some filters: name length (short or medium), style (brandable, alternate spelling, real word), domain preference. Namelix gives you control.  
• Generate multiple results. Use the heart/favorite mechanism to signal what you like: shorter, catchy, memorable names. The algorithm “learns” your taste.  
• Once you like a few names, check domain availability and social handle possibilities (you’ll still want to double-check outside the tool).
• Pick your final name. Download the associated logo or purchase it (if you want full assets). (Note: Namelix itself is free to generate names but paid for full brand kit). 
  Why this matters:
  Your brand name and logo become your face online. If they feel unfocused or confusing, your audience may bounce before they start listening.

Step 3: Generate a Profile Pic with Nano Banana

Your personal image (or brand image) matters for trust and setting tone. The post’s mention of Nano Banana implies use of an AI-headshot tool.

How to do it:

• Collect 3-5 clear selfies or good photos of you (or you decide the style: casual, creative, professional).
• Upload them to the tool. Choose a style consistent with your niche: e.g., if you’re “budget travel guru,” maybe a relaxed but competent look; if you’re “productivity coach,” maybe more business-casual.
• Download the refined headshot. Use this as your profile photo across your social platforms.
  Why this matters:
  People judge credibility quickly. A decent, coherent profile photo helps you look professional, consistent, and trustworthy from the start.

Step 4: Write a Killer Bio with Claude

You need a short, compelling bio that tells people who you serve and what you deliver. The post references Claude as the tool for this.

How to do it:

• Use a prompt like:
  “Write an Instagram bio for someone who helps [target audience] achieve [transformation] using [method].”
• For example: “Write an Instagram bio for someone who helps remote team leads streamline meetings and boost productivity using simple digital workflows.”
• Select the version that clearly conveys: who you serve, what you help them achieve, how you do it.
• Keep it readable, benefit-driven (not just “I do X”).
  Why this matters:
  Your bio is often the first-impression. A strong one helps set expectations, filters your audience, and avoids confusion.

Step 5: Create Your Mini Product with Gamma

Now: you need something to offer. The strategy calls for a “mini product.” The tool referenced is Gamma (presumably a presentation/guide builder).

How to do it:

• Decide a simple but meaningful outcome for your niche. E.g., “5-step checklist to run remote meetings under 30 minutes” or “10 budget-travel hacks for solo travellers.”
• Use Gamma to build the product: a PDF guide, slide deck, or short mini-course. Keep it focused (one core problem) and high value.
• Design it professionally (title page, sections, bullet points, maybe some graphics).
• Make sure it aligns with your brand identity (name/logo/style from Steps 2-3).
  Why this matters:
  You need an entry product — something you can give free or at low cost. It’s the bridge from “I like your content” to “I trust you and buy from you.”

Step 6: Set Up Your Payment Site with Ko-fi

Once you have the product, you need a way to deliver and charge for it. The post references Ko‑fi.

How to do it:

• Sign up for Ko-fi. (It allows creators to sell digital products, accept tips/support, without a heavy tech stack).  
• Create a “Product” listing: name, description, price (or “free” with optional upsell).
• Copy the payment link/checkout link. Put it in your bio or relevant place.
• If free, set the mechanism to “free download” or “email after payment zero” etc.
  Why this matters:
  You want the friction of purchase to be minimal. The easier it is for someone to say “Yes,” the more likely they will.

Step 7: Use Perplexity to Find Viral Content

Content drives your audience growth. The tool mentioned is Perplexity (an AI search/trend tool).

How to do it:

• Ask Perplexity: “What are trending questions/topics in [your niche] across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram?”
• Identify 5-10 topics with strong engagement (lots of videos/posts, high comments).
• Pick ones you can produce quickly with your style.
  Why this matters:
  Rather than producing blind content, you lean into what people are already engaging with. That improves your odds of reach.

Step 8: Edit Content with CapCut or Lovart

You’ve got topic ideas; now you produce content. The tools indicated are CapCut or Lovart.

How to do it:

• Download templates in the niche (e.g., trending video styles).
• Film short clips (could be you talking, slides, screen recording).
• Drop your clips into the template, apply transitions, text overlays, graphics.
• Keep length platform-appropriate (30s-3 min depending where it will be posted).
  Why this matters:
  Quality matters more than ever. If your content looks amateur, people leave. These tools let you look polished with less hassle.

Step 9: Hook Viewers Using VidIQ for Research

To maximize reach, you must optimise title/thumbnail/keywords. The tool is VidIQ.

How to do it:

• Use VidIQ to research: what keywords are driving search impressions in your niche?
• For each video: pick a strong title, craft a compelling thumbnail (if applicable), use tags/hashtags that match.
• In the script/voiceover or first few seconds, address the problem and promise the value.
  Why this matters:
  Even great content can under-perform if discovered poorly. Optimisation gives you better chances.

Step 10: Ask Them to Comment “X” to Get In Every Caption

Engagement is a signal. The post says: “Ask them to comment ‘X’ to get in every caption.”

How to do it:

• At the end of your caption (or in the video), prompt: “Comment ‘X’ if you want [free guide/bonus],” or “Comment ‘YES’ if you agree.”
• When people comment, engage with the comments (reply, like).
  Why this matters:
  More comments = more algorithmic boost = more reach. Engagement builds momentum.

Step 11: Send the Free Lead Magnet With an Upsell

This is the conversion step: you deliver value and then offer more.

How to do it:

• Use your mini product from Step 5 as the “lead magnet,” maybe free or low cost.
• At the end of that product, include: “Want the full system? Grab it here: [Ko-fi link].”
• The “full system” could be a more comprehensive offer, higher ticket, or membership.
  Why this matters:
  You’re moving from “I like your content” to “I buy from you.” The lead magnet builds trust, the upsell monetises it.

Step 12: Use Repurpose.io to Cross-Post Everywhere

One piece of content, many platforms = more reach. The tool is Repurpose.io.

How to do it:

• Connect your accounts: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn.
• Upload one video (or piece of content) and let Repurpose.io auto-reformat (e.g., clip parts, convert aspect ratio) and post to all platforms.
• After ~48 hours, check analytics: which platform performed best?
  Why this matters:
  It stretches your content without having to manually post everywhere. You increase chances of hitting the right audience where they are.

Step 13: Rinse and Repeat to Create More Accounts for Different Niches

Now you scale horizontally. The post says: once one account hits ~$1K/month, clone the system for another niche.

How to do it:

• Document your exact process (Steps 1-12) in checklist form.
• Hire a virtual assistant (VA) or outsource parts (e.g., editing, posting).
• Launch a second “micro-brand” in a related niche: same blueprint, different topic.
  Why this matters:
  Rather than relying on one topic forever, you build a process you can apply repeatedly. Diversification = more stability.

Summary & Final Thoughts

You’ve got a six-phase process: niche → brand identity → product → content → conversion → scaling.

Here’s how to apply it:

• Today: pick your niche, run AnswerThePublic, generate your top 3 questions.
• This week: create your brand name/logo via Namelix, generate your headshot, write your bio.
• Next week: build your mini product with Gamma; set up Ko-fi with your product link.
• Next 2-4 weeks: research trending topics with Perplexity, film and edit content with CapCut/Lovart, optimise with VidIQ, ask for comments.
• Ongoing: deliver your lead magnet + upsell, cross-post with Repurpose.io, track results. Once you hit traction, repeat for another niche.
  Caveats:
• This is not guaranteed overnight success. These tools help you execute, but consistency, quality, and adaptation matter.
• Always check domain/trademark availability when you pick a name (Namelix helps but doesn’t replace full legal check).
• Don’t spread yourself too thin too fast — focus first on one niche and one content stream.
• Measure what matters (engagement, leads, conversions), not just vanity metrics.

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