The web was a wondrous invention. Indeed, we’ve never been more connected as a species, and we can get messages to the other side of the world and have them answered within seconds. Because of this, almost everyone is online and accessible practically 24/7, and you and your business are no different.

The internet is something that can be put to very good use: you can network, you can find market research, you can receive instant feedback from customers etc. But is that all you can do with a simple wifi connection?

Sure, you have an online business, and you’re going to be spending most of your days on the internet running this, but are you using your time online as productively as you could be? Maybe you are, maybe you’re not, and maybe you’re half between and just looking for something extra to do: if so, here’s some of the tips you’ve been looking for to follow.

It’s easy to get distracted in a world full of short attention spans… especially with the internet at your disposal!

Use it to Monitor the Market

So you did your market research before opening up your business; after all, businesses don’t need to exist if there isn’t a gap for them to fill. But is that as far as you need to go with the research for your product or service? Even every word you write and then post on your website homepage needs to have a purpose in fulfilling that gap you found way back when, and your words, products, and services need to evolve alongside this gap. It’s hard to keep up with, but the internet is full of resources to help you.

Seeing as the market is something you need to constantly have an eye on, many people are encountering the same problems you are, and then aiming to fill up that gap themselves. Supply and demand is a two way street after all. So if you’re not able to see your target market rise and fall in real time, let your computer or your network do that for you. With algorithmic trading at your fingertips, you’re never going to be left in the dark when it comes to shifts in stock and inflation companies can’t manage. You’re never going to wake up to a loss in profits that takes you completely by surprise again!

Post More Information about You

The internet makes information readily available, and that means you should always have something out there for people to look into to make sure you’re a business worth their time and money. Yes you have your website for people to use, but it’s rare that they’re just going to stumble across you and take an interest.

Be active across social media boards, have review pages set up, and always keep an eye on collective customer sites, like the list that’s provided here. Watch the trends for where people take their complaints, watch out for common issues, and always make an effort to answer those who reference you. It’s a good way to network amongst people who are vocal about their dissatisfaction (despite them being a small fraction of your customer base, they’re usually the loudest), and can even tip brand loyalty in your favor.

Break Your Own Habits

If you’re finding yourself taking multiple breaks and losing a lot of time to items like your phone, identify these habits and try to stop them in their tracks. You’re probably already feeling guilty about not dedicating as much time as you should be to your online business, and now’s the time for you to do something about that feeling.

Yes you’re still using the web during moments like these, but you’re probably not doing so productively. Of course you shouldn’t cut out breaks entirely, but you can take less if you put more effort into actually breaking away from your work environment and spend quality time recuperating. So put your phone away, on silent, and in another room. If people need to contact you on important issues, networking contacts and potential investment opportunities usually send an email. Make an effort to check your phone messages periodically, but leave it there.

The web is great for you and your business, seeing as it has an ever present availability and about 90% of the world’s population to reach out to, but it usually can be put to better use. Don’t worry, there’s a lot of people who are in your position!