How To Start A Sustainable Online Business In 8 Easy Steps

Julie Starr • May 3, 2022



If you’re looking to start an online business that is both sustainable and profitable, you need to take a few key steps. Fortunately, these steps are relatively easy to follow and implement.

1. Do your research

The first step is to do your research. You need to learn about the different aspects of running an online business, as well as what’s currently trending in your industry. You can do this by reading blogs and articles about running an online business, attending webinars or conferences, and talking to other business owners in your area.

2. Set up your website or blog

The next step is to set up a website or blog where you can showcase your business to potential customers. Remember to sign up with internet providers that will keep you connected. This will require some technical knowledge, so it’s a good idea to work with a web designer who can help you choose the right domain, design your site, and set up any necessary tools or plugins. 

3. Choose a business model

Once you have your website or blog set up, you need to decide on a business model. There are many different online business models, such as network marketing, affiliate marketing, dropshipping stores, and eCommerce businesses. You may want to try several different models until you find one that works best for your particular business and customer base.

4. Get started with marketing

Once you have your business model in place, it’s time to start marketing your business to potential customers. There are a number of different marketing channels you can use, such as social media, email marketing, and pay-per-click advertising. You’ll need to experiment with different marketing strategies to find out which ones work best for your business.

5. Build a customer base

As you start to market your business and attract customers, you need to focus on building a strong customer base. This involves creating valuable content that will help solve your customers’ problems, providing great customer service, and developing long-term relationships with your customers.

6. Generate sales

Once you have a solid customer base, you can start generating sales. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as selling products or services on your website or blog, setting up an eCommerce store, or running a pay-per-click advertising campaign.

7. Maximize profits

Once you are consistently generating sales, it’s time to optimize your online business and begin making more money. This can be done by optimizing your website or blog for search engines, upgrading your products or services, and offering discounts to loyal customers.

8. Keep learning and improving

To keep your online business growing and thriving, you need to keep learning and improving. This means staying up to date with the latest marketing trends, tracking your analytics and website traffic, and experimenting with different types of content or marketing channels. By continuously working on your business and staying on top of the latest developments in your industry, you’ll be able to create a sustainable online business that generates profits for years to come.

There you have it!

With these steps, you can set up a sustainable and profitable online business in no time. It just takes some planning, hard work, and dedication!

Social Media’s Shift from Fact-Checking: Implications for Corporate Truthfulness

By Julie Starr • March 17, 2025
In an era where information moves at the speed of a click, businesses are facing new challenges in ensuring the integrity of their communications. Recent policy changes at platforms like Meta, which are stepping away from traditional fact-checking mechanisms , have significant implications for brand reputation and public trust. Companies must now take proactive steps to verify the accuracy of their messaging and maintain credibility in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The Consequences of Reduced Fact-Checking on Brand Trust With fewer checks and balances in place on social media platforms, misinformation can spread unchecked, directly impacting public perception. A single misleading post—whether shared unintentionally or as part of a disinformation campaign—can tarnish a company’s reputation, erode consumer confidence, and even result in legal repercussions. In industries such as sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), where credibility is paramount, businesses must be especially vigilant in safeguarding their public image. Misinformation has led to widespread skepticism, forcing brands to double down on transparency. Additionally, reduced content moderation is allowing false narratives to thrive, posing risks for companies striving to maintain credibility. Why Internal Fact-Checking Teams Are Essential As traditional fact-checking mechanisms weaken, organizations must take control of their own truthfulness by establishing internal fact-checking teams. These teams can: Vet all outgoing communications, from press releases to social media posts, to ensure they are factually accurate. Monitor for false information circulating about the company and swiftly respond to correct the record. Collaborate with reputable third-party fact-checkers and industry experts to validate claims before publication. Best Practices for Engaging Audiences & Correcting Misinformation To navigate the evolving social media landscape, brands should adopt best practices that reinforce their commitment to truthfulness: Be Transparent – Share sources and data to back up claims in social media posts and corporate communications. Respond Quickly & Clearly – When misinformation spreads, address it promptly with clear, fact-based corrections to prevent false narratives from taking hold. Engage Thoughtfully – Avoid reactionary responses and instead provide well-researched, constructive engagements when countering false claims. Educate Audiences – Use social platforms to promote media literacy, helping followers recognize misinformation tactics and seek reliable sources. Partner with Fact-Checking Organizations – Collaborate with established fact-checkers and advocacy groups to enhance credibility and reinforce public trust. Upholding Integrity in the Age of Misinformation At Taiga Company, we recognize the importance of transparent and responsible communication, particularly as we navigate sustainability and ESG topics. The shift in social media’s approach to fact-checking presents challenges, but it also creates an opportunity for companies to lead by example. By committing to rigorous fact-checking, swift misinformation response strategies, and proactive audience engagement, businesses can maintain trust and reinforce their credibility in an era of information uncertainty.

Leveraging Social Media for Effective Sustainability Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • March 10, 2025
​In today's rapidly evolving political and environmental landscape , transparent communication has become a cornerstone of effective sustainability efforts. At Taiga Company, we recognize that fostering open dialogues with stakeholders is not just a corporate responsibility but a strategic imperative. Social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools in this endeavor, enabling real-time engagement, education, and collaboration.​ The Imperative of Transparency in Sustainability Transparency in sustainability reporting involves openly sharing information about a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This openness builds trust with stakeholders—customers, employees, investors, and the broader community—by demonstrating accountability and commitment to sustainable practices. According to the Global Reporting Initiative , credible disclosures based on transparent communication can change perceptions, build trust, and motivate action towards greater sustainability. ​ Moreover, transparent communication allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. It also mitigates risks associated with misinformation and greenwashing, where companies may be accused of falsely portraying their products or policies as environmentally friendly. As noted in discussions on green public relations , transparency is crucial in combating the climate crisis, as it prevents companies from remaining impervious to advocacy and resistant to change if obligations are purely voluntary. ​ Leveraging Social Media for Stakeholder Engagement Social media platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for companies to engage with stakeholders on sustainability issues. Here's how businesses can effectively utilize these platforms:​ Real-Time Communication: Social media enables immediate dissemination of information regarding sustainability initiatives, progress, and challenges. This real-time communication keeps stakeholders informed and engaged, fostering a sense of inclusion and partnership.​ Educational Content : By sharing educational materials—such as articles, infographics , and videos—companies can raise awareness about sustainability topics, influencing public perception and encouraging responsible behavior.​ Interactive Engagement : Platforms like LinkedIn, and Instagram allow for two-way communication, where stakeholders can ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. This interactivity enhances transparency and shows that the company values stakeholder input.​ Storytelling : Sharing stories about sustainability efforts, employee initiatives, and community partnerships humanizes the company's brand and makes sustainability goals more relatable and compelling.​ Collaborative Campaigns : Social media facilitates collaboration with other organizations, influencers, and the community to amplify sustainability messages and drive collective action.​ Transparent communication through social media is not merely a trend but a vital component of modern sustainability strategies. It empowers stakeholders, enhances corporate reputation, and contributes to the global effort towards a more sustainable future.
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