How to Set Up Your Online Business as a Resume Writing Service

Starting a new resume writing business from home can be accomplished with little to no start-up fees using items you may already have in your home. While this article will not show you how to become a resume writer, it will teach you the minimum steps required to operate your business successfully.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Web Host
• Web Domain
• Computer
• Printer
• E-Mail Address
• Telephone
• Internet
• Word Processor

1. 
   Laptop

   Select a quiet area in your home for which to use as dedicated office space. You may have a separate room or a corner nook that will hold just enough space for your computer and printer. If you are just starting out, your home office equipment can be very basic. It's all about creating a space of convenience. The happier you are in your work environment, the more eager you will be to work your business.

2. 
   Surfing the Internet

   Check your computer to ensure it meets your basic needs. There are a minimum of two things you will need to have on your computer to operate your business successfully. First, you must establish a high-speed Internet connection to allow you to transfer files and connect with customers online. Second, a word processor is necessary to prepare electronic documents (i.e. resumes). Microsoft Word and free open source software such as Open Office are excellent choices.

3. 
   Mobile Phone User

   Decide which telecommunication device you will use to create a professional phone greeting for your business. Options include a cell phone, home phone or toll-free number service. The most important thing is to create a voice greeting that reminds the caller they are contacting a professional. Your voice greeting should not leave a prospective customer wondering whether they have called a home or a business.

4. 
   Blog

   Choose a Web host to store your Website. Creating a Web presence is one detail you cannot overlook when starting a business, especially one that is operated from your home. The easiest way to establish a Web presence without much technical skill is to create a Weblog or blog. Wordpress.com and Blogger.com are excellent tools for writing and publishing blogs, and they're free. You can tell customers about your business, display samples of your work and upload videos that provide visitors with great how-to instructions and advice. There are many ways you can personalize the way your blog looks and feels to the reader using themes and various gadgets.

5. 
   Web Domain

   Personalize the domain name (a.k.a. Web address or URL) for your business. Why is this important? Let's imagine that you created a blog site using Blogger.com and that you named it Jane's Resume Service. The Blogger.com Web address for your Website might look like this: janesresumeservice.blogger.com. Wouldn't it be easier to remember, and more personal to you, if you purchased the domain name janesresumeservice.com? There are many Web hosting services to choose from. One such service is Startlogic.com, which allows you to purchase .com, .net and other domains for less than $10/year.

6. 
   E-Mail

   Set up a professional e-mail address for your business. Avoid using e-mail addresses provided by Internet Service Providers (e.g. comcast.net, yahoo.com, aol.com) or other free e-mail providers (e.g. gmail.com). For less than $10/year, you can usually purchase a Web domain that closely matches the name of your business. Each domain comes with a number of e-mail address you can create for your business. Therefore, instead of using [e-mail], you can use [e-mail].

Tips & Warnings

• Tell friends and family about your resume writing service and ask them to provide you with three referrals of anyone they know who is considering a career change, graduating from school or worried about the security of their job.
• Advertise your business both online and offline. Post your Web address in forums and at the end of e-mail messages, and distribute fliers and business cards at career fairs and other networking events.
• Offer incentives to customers, such as a cash back bonus for business referrals they provide.
• The resume writing field is very competitive. Check out the competition and offer something unique to your customers that will not only pique their interest, but create repeat business for you. This is where a Website and creativity comes in handy.

Resources

• Open Office Free Office Suite
• StartLogic Web Hosting Service
• Ring Central Toll-Free Number Service
• Free WordPress Blogging Tool
• Free Blogger Tool