How to Get Started When You Don't Know Where to Start

Whenever I talk about my shop or blog with friends, they almost always ask this question…

Is it too late to make a living online or blogging? How do I even get started?

Blogging or getting started with an online business feels super overwhelming.

There are so many hurdles like creating a website, coming up with a brand, figuring out what to blog about, or learning how to get the word out. Then there’s the biggest hurdle of all which is figuring out how to learn it all quickly without spending a ton of time.

So many just throw in the towel before they even begin. Or sit on an idea forever.

One of my most favorite business owners recently confessed that they waited 3 years before getting started. I couldn’t help but think, “I really wish they had started sooner and could have helped me a long time ago!”

I don’t want that for you, my friend!

You have gifts to share with the world.

You have ideas and talents that other people really want to know or appreciate.

You may have limited time, but waiting around for the perfect moment is only hurting you and the people who will benefit from what you create.

If you’ve been thinking of starting a blog or creating something to sell, I want to walk you through some ways you can get started when you truly do not know where to start.

1 | Decide It’s Time to Get Started

When I first opened my Etsy Shop back in 2011, I did not have a perfect long-term business plan. I didn’t even have 3 products created. I just decided: No more waiting.

I posted that first card design up for sale for $3.50 and was shocked to see someone buy it two hours later.

Someone needs what you have to offer. Someone needs to know what you know.

Decide that now is the time, Lady!

2 | Figure Out What You Need to Learn

After earning a few hundred dollars, I realized I better make this a real business. I had no clue about tax entities or how to register. I didn’t know what designs would be popular in which season. I wasn’t sure how to share my work without being salesy or annoying my friends.

Don’t worry if you have an insanely long list of things you don’t know.

Google is your friend.

Pinterest is your friend.

Make a list of what you need to learn to move forward and then slowly but surely tackle that list.

3 | Find Someone Who Has Done It Before

The first few years of designing, I found a few favorite design bloggers and followed every tip and bit of advice they shared. It made a world of difference in helping me to set myself apart and not get discouraged along the way. I knew they had been through similar things before.

If you know someone in person who can answer your questions, that’s even better.

Set up a coffee date or maybe even pay them to coach you through the beginning stages.

It will give you loads of confidence.

4 | Take Advantage of Online Trainings

This is the golden age of online courses, planners, and trainings. Use it to your advantage!

If you’re stuck because there’s an area you want to be more experienced in, take an online course. I think they can sometimes be even more valuable than college courses because you can learn a lot about niched topics in a small amount of time.

I especially love listening to podcasts and taking classes on skillshare because you can learn inside tips from others and get quipped really quickly,

5 | How Can You Make Time

You might be thinking… “Great, but WHEN am I going to have time for all of this?”

This may be a big hurdle because I know life is busy. There are clothes to be washed, meals to be made, a house to be cleaned, possibly multiple kids to care for or a full-time job to manage. I totally get it.

But here’s a secret: you make time by starting small.

Just a little bit each day goes a long way.

My husband is the king of this. He’s taught himself over 10 instruments in the last few years by just making himself practice for 10-20 minutes every night before bed.

How can YOU do a little bit each day?

Can you sketch one thing? Take a few photos? List out some blog ideas? Research where to find free stock photos (quick tip: right here) for your blog? Register your business name?

You don’t have to know the next step. Just start small.

You can do this!

xo, Laurie