Obesity has become a major health issue over the last two decades and over fifty per cent of adults say they want to lose their spare pounds. However, if you want to establish an internet weight-loss business you need to be aware of the most common obstacles.Capital
Setting up an internet weight-loss business does not have to involve a large amount of capital. It can be a venture that can be brought to market without spending much. With so much competition in this sector, however, it must have value-added features such as e-books, one-to-one online coaching and fitness products to encourage exercise.Getting on the Web
It is a common misconception that getting a web presence is costly and difficult to do. It is easy and cheap to register a domain and it is not necessary to spend vast sums of money on the design of the site. You can use a template to create web pages at little or no cost.Attracting Customers
A successful internet business depends on building up a large client base and there are several ways to do this. Having incentives on the site, such as free diet plans, encourages people to tell their friends, family and colleagues. Use key words and phrases for search engine optimisation or invest in pay-per-click advertising to increase visitor numbers.Taking Action
Even if you have an idea for a great diet and exercise website it is easy to procrastinate. Preparation is important and you need to have a good long-term business plan but you should also have weekly and day-to-day schedules with clear goals, such as target number of clients signing up, writing motivational emails and updating social media.No Room
One advantage of setting up an internet weight-loss site is that it can be home based but this can cause a problem with space being a premium for many home workers. However, dongles can be used for remote access to the web, making the home office entirely portable. Entrepreneurs can literally work from anywhere.Lack of Motivation
Starting an internet business requires the same discipline as losing weight. You need to stick to the business plan in the same way that a dieter keeps to their diet. Even if immediate success isn’t achieved, persistence will usually pay off.Being Complacent
Losing weight takes time and it is imperative to maintain the clients’ interest in continuing to subscribe to the website. Offering inducements such as free dongles can encourage dieters to log on to the site, whether they are at home, in the office or even on holiday. Although this is a cost to the business, it can be a worthwhile investment.Marketing
Social-networking sites have become a very influential marketing tool and there is little or no cost involved. You can use Facebook to create a profile for your business and a place for clients to discuss their diet successes. Twitter can be used for succinct messages to potential and existing customers and can you can also use it to send daily messages of encouragement.Retaining Customers
Dieting by its very nature is an ongoing process and this should be at the heart of an online weight-loss business. Enabling a healthier lifestyle is key to retaining customers and an imaginative maintenance programme that allows the dieter to keep to their target weight over months and years is vital. Always remember that it is easier to retain existing customers than to attract new ones.The Law
It is vital that an online weight-loss business stays within the law with regard to any of the products that it sells. You must make sure that none of the supplements contain any ingredients that are banned and that no exaggerated claims about possible weight loss are made. A successful business will be ethical and stay within the law.An online weight-loss business is a fantastic way to become your own boss. It can be cheap to set up and fairly simple to operate. The number of potential customers is vast. Self-belief and hard work are paramount and you should recognise that each achievement, however small, is one step nearer to success.
AUTHOR BIO
Eva K is a diet guru and fitness consultant. She often uses dongles to go online and finds them indispensable for anyone running an internet business.