You may think that you know how to go digital. After all, you live and breathe it. But have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe, you don’t know everything there is to know about going digital?

You see, whether you realize it or not, you live in a world dominated by technology. From the devices in your pockets to the apps on your phones, to the algorithms searching for the perfect spot for AdSense ads, digital is woven into the very fabric of your life. So, it’s time to embrace your inner digital genius and join the club. Here’s how.

Start With A Plan

Of course, planning is important. But sometimes, we rush into change without thinking about what will happen. For instance, if you’re charging your mobile phone for the first time in years, you may not have considered what would happen if you suddenly needed to use it. Similarly, if you’re traveling abroad, you may not have thought about how you’d communicate with people back home.

Whether you’re updating your resume or creating a strategy for a major project at work, nothing will ever happen magically. You have to have a plan. And that plan should include everything from what you’re going to do to tackle the problem to how you’ll measure the success of your efforts.

Get A Device

You can’t manage what you don’t have. So before you can begin to go digital, you’ll have to invest in some basic digital equipment. Specifically, you’ll need a laptop or a desktop computer, a mobile device to access the Internet when you’re away from the office, and a decent WiFi connection. If you don’t have any of these things, you may as well throw in a digital camera, camcorder, or iPod as well. All of these things will make a world of difference in how smoothly you can operate when going digital.

Understand The Opportunities

Being able to take advantage of new opportunities is one of the main draws of being digital. From the ability to run a business entirely online to being able to access a wealth of knowledge instantly, there are countless ways that technology can help you improve your life and the lives of others. So, it’s important to understand what these are.

For example, if you have a passion for writing, you may consider pursuing freelance writing as a career. With platforms like Craigslist providing you with a wide audience, you’ll be able to find the work you’re qualified to complete in no time. And if you love to cook, why not consider going from home chef to full-time cook and owner of a restaurant? With several platforms allowing you to connect with potential employers, from individual home cooks to large corporations, there are endless opportunities out there.

In the same way, if you have a knack for sales, there are many ways that you can use your talents to work remotely for any company. Whether you’re pitching inbound marketing or selling luxury goods, you’ll be able to find a niche and work from home.

Learn The Lingo

Now, this may seem like an obvious point, but have you ever tried to explain to someone what a blog is? Or how about an RSS feed? Or a Facebook page? Or an Instagram account? Or what mobile phone apps are or how they work?

These are all forms of jargon that you’ll need to learn as you go along. While there are plenty of resources out there to explain each one individually, learning how to use them all in combination, let’s say, for a blog, can be rather difficult. So, it’s important to learn the lingo and know what each term means.

In the same way, have you ever tried to explain Snapchat to someone who’s never used it before? Or how about TikTok? Or what the acronym LD50 means?

These are all forms of jargon that you’ll need to learn as you go along. While there are plenty of resources out there to explain each one individually, learning how to use them all in combination, for example, for a marketing campaign can be rather difficult. So, it’s important to learn the lingo and know what each term means.

Decide Which Areas To Tackle First

Now that you have a device and the Internet connection, it’s time to figure out what you’re going to use it for. Specifically, you’ll want to identify the areas of your life that you feel could use a digital overhaul. As you think of these areas, you may consider everything from your email marketing strategy to your web hosting to social media platforms. It’s important to decide which of these areas are going to get the lion’s share of your attention and time before you dive in.

Create A Routine

Having a routine is important. But sometimes, we forget about the little things that make a difference. For example, instead of spending time working out a new schedule or trying to figure out what time you’ll need to get up in the morning to complete all of your tasks, carve out some time in the day just for yourself. Even if it’s only 15 minutes, you may feel that it’s worth it.

In the same way, instead of trying to figure out how to go digital all at once, break it down. Instead of deciding that you’ll start a blog the next day, set a date and make sure that you follow through on it. Even if it’s just to write down the name of a tool or app that you need for the blog post you’re preparing, marking a date and getting a task done, even if it’s just one, can help give you a sense of satisfaction that you’re moving forward and will encourage you to continue.

Don’t Be Fooled By Shiny Objects

While it’s important to have a vision of what you’re trying to achieve, don’t be fooled by the shiny objects that may appear to be available these days to help you get there. Specifically, don’t be fooled by apps that claim to make your life simple or by flashy banners that beckon you to download them. These are all shiny objects that can become obsolete as soon as you learn how to use them properly or discover that they don’t live up to your expectations.

Instead, find the tools that will help you achieve your goals and stay consistent. For example, if you’re looking to improve your writing skills, instead of trying to learn how to blog first and then look for a way to monetize your efforts, find a blogging platform that’s easy to use and understand. Once you’ve started to write frequently, look for ways to monetize your content or consider ways that you can make a profit from your writing.

In the same way, instead of trying to figure out how to use the latest trend in business to grow your income, find a proven technique or approach that will allow you to generate income steadily. Even if you need to take some time to figure out the right approach, take some time to study successful businesses that you can model your own after.

Now is a good time to look at your budget and set a mental budget for yourself for the things you need to learn and the equipment you need to purchase in order to successfully implement a digital strategy. Having a stable income that you can budget and plan on is key to being able to pursue your passions and improve your quality of life. So, make sure that you set aside some money for learning and investing in the right tools and then set another budget for your living expenses so that you can follow through on your decision to go digital.

Learn From Other Successful Home-Based Businesses

If you’re new to entrepreneurship, it can be difficult to determine what you’ll need to succeed. But that’s what makes this time so special. Now, more than ever, you have the opportunity to pull up all of the resources that you need, including the people, ideas, and technologies that you need to succeed.

If you’re looking to go digital, explore the home-based businesses that have already gone before you. Specifically, look at other home-based businesses that you feel confident could be successful in your area and try to learn as much as you can.

For example, if you’re passionate about creating an online store, take a look at Shopify, Bigcommerce, or WooCommerce. If you’re passionate about blogging, take a look at WordPress or Blogger as your platform. If you’re passionate about eCommerce, take a look at Shopify, Bigcommerce, or WooCommerce.