One of the things that can be frustrating when starting an online business is knowing if the hard work you are putting in is going to make your business a success.
This can be difficult to tell if you don’t know the signs. Here are some good indicators that you are on the right track.
You have regular and increasing website / blog visitors
Generating traffic on a website or blog takes time. You won’t get a million page views overnight. But if your visitors increase and are regular, that shows that what you are doing is having an impact. Pay close attention to individual blog posts or other content that is getting the most traction and make more content like that.
Your content is being read, shared and commented on
If people who visit your website read, that’s great, but if they share and comment on what you’re doing, it’s even better. Engagement is a much better indicator of impact than pure site visitors. Be sure to reply to those who comment, and if you are notified of shared actions, thank them.
You are constantly making new connections
Are people increasingly looking for you to connect with you on various social media accounts? If so, it is a great sign that you are having a huge impact on their thoughts and actions with your online presence.
They invite you to speak at events
A very exciting thing that can happen when you are having an impact on your niche is to be invited to speak at events, whether online or offline. It may scare you or feel like you’re out of your comfort zone, but it’s important to accept opportunities as they arise that will further your business goals.
Your content is being curated
If other people are talking about your content on their blogs and websites and sharing it, then you are making a big impact. This type of commitment is an excellent indication that you are making waves within your niche as a thought leader.
You get new email subscribers every day
If you’ve set up an email signup form (and you should) and you’re getting new subscribers every day, then you’re making a big impact. Each subscriber will bring you closer to your online business success goals.
You are building a community
The more you develop your business online, the more (if you set it up correctly) you will build a community made up of prospects and customers. Your customers will become fans for you and convince prospects to join them. You can do this through your Facebook page or a LinkedIn group, or even with a forum on your own website. It often happens quite organically when you are making an impact.
You are making money
Promote products and services and start making money or someone asks you to pay money to put an ad on their website. Even a few dollars means you have had an impact on someone.