Well it’s finally here; the day when you make the decision to leave your day-job and pursue an online solo career. You’ve been dreaming about this day since you first heard about the booming world of online marketing. While the idea of becoming financially independent may seem appealing, this is no ordinary journey. There are countless details to take care of before, during, and after your one-man show. For those seeking an easier way to make this transition, here are six different online marketing providers to consider.
1. Bluehost
One of the most popular choices among webmasters because it is extremely affordable, Bluehost is also among the best in the industry. The service provides amazing value, allowing you to get started with a free domain and hosting plans that fit your needs. Even better, with Bluehost you get a free SSL certificate and the ability to use a free marketing tool called WPMU.
The best part about Bluehost is its compatibility. Unlike other web hosts, which may ask you to pay for additional software to make your website work, Bluehost comes with all the tools you need to get up and running. It even gives you the option of migrating your site over to its own dedicated server if you’re feeling ambitious.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your web hosting needs, Bluehost is a great option. That is provided you need a basic, shared hosting plan, which they offer for free. For those seeking a more professional experience, they also offer a better dedicated server option for $2.95 per month.
2. WordPress
Even if you’re not quite sure what a website is, you probably know what a blog is. Chances are you’ve even taken a quick glance at one and thought, “That’s a nice looking blog.” That is because WordPress is one of the most popular blogging platforms around. It is free and open source, which means you have access to the code and can modify it to fit your needs.
WordPress started out as a simple personal blogging platform but has grown to include all sorts of features. These days it can be used to create complex websites, online stores, and even resumes. If you’re looking to create a professional-looking website, you could do so with minimal effort and high-quality results. The best part is that WordPress is extremely flexible and customizable.
WordPress is a great option for anyone seeking to build a website because it is so flexible and the results are high-quality. However, if you’re looking to just launch a quick blog to vent your thoughts or sell your products, you may want to look elsewhere.
3. HubSpot
One of the newer players on the market, but a game-changer nonetheless, HubSpot is a business-focused online marketing provider that can seriously disrupt your transition to online marketing independence.
The best part about HubSpot is how it seamlessly connects all the moving parts in your digital marketing strategy. To start, it can help you set up a professional-looking website with a high conversion rate. It can also help you track the performance of your marketing efforts and analyze the results. You can use the tool to build out a content marketing plan, get inspiration for blog posts, and track the performance of your online marketing campaigns.
Unlike some of the other tools on this list, HubSpot is not just about providing you with a website. Instead it provides you with the building blocks you need to create a successful online presence. For those seeking a one-stop-shop to create a professional-looking website with ease, HubSpot is a great option.
4. Shopify
If you’re looking to sell your products online, you need a solid e-commerce platform to do it effectively. Shopify is one of the leaders in the field and has been around for a while, providing a robust platform for those seeking to establish a presence online.
The best part about Shopify is its pricing. Most companies that provide e-commerce solutions charge thousands per month, whereas with Shopify you only need to pay $29 per month unless you want the basic plan which does not include all the features. The best part is you get a free 14-day trial so you can try it out and see how easy it is to use.
If you’re looking to build a professional e-commerce store, you can do so with minimal effort and high-quality results. Shopify makes establishing a physical store much easier and more affordable. Plus, with all the tools and resources available to you online, it’s never been easier to reach a global audience.
5. Volusion
Just like Shopify, Volusion is another e-commerce platform that is extremely affordable. However, what sets it apart is the fact that it was built from the ground up with online stores in mind. This is a big deal because most e-commerce platforms were initially created to sell physical products and weren’t built to function as a digital store. As a result, many online stores that use these platforms struggle to generate sales because they lack the all-important e-commerce functionality.
There is also a difference in the quality of the product. When comparing it to Shopify, Volusion scores very highly because it was built with online stores in mind, offering a high degree of functionality that helps generate sales. If fast, affordable, and easy to use are important to you, then Volusion is definitely the e-commerce platform worth checking out.
6. Prestashop
Prestashop is, in a word, brilliant. It is an open-source e-commerce platform designed to help anyone who wants to create an online store easily. This is a great choice for beginners because all you need is a web browser and a reliable Internet connection to get started. Once you launch your website, you can use the tool to accept credit cards and ship orders to anywhere in the world.
The best part about Prestashop is its versatility. You may have heard of Shopify, the king of e-commerce platforms, but few people know that Prestashop is what powers Shopify. You can use Prestashop to set up shops for all kinds of businesses including fashion, beauty, and accessories. If you’re looking to build a beauty website then Prestashop is the answer.
In terms of functionality, Prestashop is almost unmatched. It includes everything you need to create a fully-fledged online store, including a shipping component. All these features make it incredibly convenient for busy individuals who want to get things done online. If you’re looking for a free and open source solution that is extremely simple to use and has high functionality, then Prestashop is the answer.
In summary, these six different online marketing providers offer a variety of solutions to those seeking to build a website, start a blog, or move existing content to the web. The best part is that you can try out all of them for free for a limited time, which is great for exploring the options and making a decision.