10 Things I’d Do Differently If I Were Starting an Online Business Today

Starting an online business can feel like learning to ride a bike while juggling flaming torches—and also being the mechanic that has to fix the bike mid-ride.

I’ve been there. I’ve built a business from scratch, course-corrected along the way, and gathered plenty of “I wish I had known that” lessons.

But this isn’t a post about regrets. Every misstep shaped the business I have today. And yet if I could hop in a time machine and hand myself a few cheat codes, these would be it. That's why I’m sharing them here with you—so you can skip the unnecessary detours and build your business with more clarity and confidence.

Whether you're in the early stages of launching, feeling stuck in year two, or pivoting into something new—this one's for you.

1. Hire a Web Designer (Or At Least Buy a Great Template)

I spent weeks—okay, probably almost a year—perfecting my website. I took coding classes. I dove into HTML. I was deep in the DIY trenches trying to build the “perfect” site that would magically make people know, like, and trust me on sight.

Then… my site crashed.

During a launch.

That I’d invested in with ads.

And it was offline for a week.

And instead of learning my lesson, I rebuilt it all myself again. From scratch. But here’s what I was really doing: hiding. I was perfecting behind the scenes instead of putting my work out there. If I could go back, I’d hire a designer or buy a high-converting, great-looking template and focus on driving traffic, not perfection.

If I were starting an online business today, I’d buy a beautiful template, make it “good enough,” and focus on what really matters: getting people to the site and offering them something valuable. Because the most beautiful site in the world doesn't matter if you aren't doing the work to send traffic to it.

2. Done Beats Perfect, Every. Single. Time.

I delayed launches for months, constantly tweaking fonts, colors, and copy. I told myself I was holding high standards. In reality? I was afraid. Of failing. Of being judged. Of not being ready.

But readiness doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing.

The truth is, there’s no moment where you “arrive.” Every offer, every email, every launch is a work in progress. The faster you ship, the faster you learn. Start before you feel ready. You’ll catch up as you go.

3. Prioritize Human Connections Over Algorithms

I poured hours into Instagram—writing captions, filming reels, tracking likes and follows. I believed building an online presence was the way to grow.

But guess where my first client came from? A Toastmasters meeting.

Real-world conversations beat social media content every single time. Whether it’s networking events, coffee chats, or referrals—relationships build trust faster than a post ever could.

Get in the room. Talk about what you do. Your business will thank you.

4. Track Every Win from Day One

The kind words from clients, the “this changed my life” messages, the tiny moments of progress—you’ll forget them if you don’t capture them. There were so many moments when clients shared breakthroughs or kind words… and I didn’t write them down. I figured I’d remember.

I didn't.

Now I keep a “proof folder” where I save every kind word, testimonial, and win—both for marketing and for the days when imposter syndrome tries to take the wheel.

Start yours now. It’s the best business (and mindset) tool you’ll ever create.

5. Create a Low-Ticket Offer Early

In the first iteration of my business, where I focused on helping women change their relationship with alcohol, high-ticket packages were a tough sell. That work is deeply personal, and it required serious trust.

What I wish I had done? Offer a low-ticket product—under $100—that solved a tangible problem. These offers give people a taste of your work, build trust, and give you feedback to refine your bigger services.

Plus, they’re incredible for summits, bundles, and building out funnels later on—a major win for both list-building and your wallet!

6. Choose Tools Based on Your Needs (and Let The Rest Go)

One day, I lost an entire work day researching ClickUp alternatives—only to stick with ClickUp.

I was convinced the “perfect” tool would make business easier. But perfect doesn’t exist.

Now I start by asking, “What do I need this to do?”—email delivery, payment processing, content hosting—and then I pick something that checks as many of those boxes as possible. End of story.

If you’re constantly switching platforms, you’re not optimizing—you’re avoiding.

7. Define Success Beyond Revenue

The majority of my income is project-based, so I often get a big payment followed by... not much else. If I measured success only in dollars, I’d feel like a superstar one month and a total failure the next.

Now, I measure things like:

• Can I take time off without everything falling apart?

• Do I feel excited to sit at my desk?

• Am I creating from joy, not pressure?

  
  

Starting an online business is about creating a life that works for you. Income matters—but so do freedom, fulfillment, and fun.

8. Stick With Ideas Long Enough to See Results

If something didn’t immediately sell, I’d scrap it and build something new. I thought I needed a million offers to succeed.

But the most successful business owners? They double down on one offer, refine it, and promote the heck out of it.

Repetition builds trust. If your audience didn’t bite the first time, maybe they just need to hear about it again. Or in a new way. So don't give up on something without truly giving it your best shot.

9. Document What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Every week has data—on what emails your audience is opening, what content’s resonating, and what’s draining you.

Now, I track it all. What energized me? What flopped? What surprised me?

It’s helped me spot patterns, hire smarter, and make braver decisions. Your lived experience is the most valuable data you have. Don’t lose (or ignore) it.

10. Say No to Draining Strategies (Even If They “Work” for Others)

I forced myself to post daily on social media for a year because “that’s what successful people do.” And I hated every second.

Once I gave myself permission to ditch Instagram? My business grew faster. I had more energy. And I was able to create with more passion and excitement.

Here’s your permission slip: you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. You’re allowed to build your business your way. If something makes you dread your day—even if it “works”—it’s not worth it. You’re allowed to choose what fits your strengths, values, and lifestyle.

And don't forget—you can always come back later if you want to.

What I’m Glad I Got Right When Starting an Online Business

Despite the hard lessons, a few decisions from day one made all the difference:

• I outsourced early. Even small tasks (like Pinterest pin design) freed up my brain for CEO-level thinking.

• I invested in coaching and community. The right support system gave me accountability, new ideas, and the confidence to keep going when things felt shaky.

• I gave myself permission to pivot. I started in one niche, but followed my curiosity into another. That pivot unlocked exponential growth.

Thrive in 5: Quick Wins to Move Forward Today

1. Start a proof folder. Screenshot every compliment and save every testimonial.

2. Audit your tech stack. What’s working? What’s confusing? Simplify.

3. Pick one offer to promote. Don’t build something new—talk about what you already have in a new way.

4. Start a reflection journal. What’s lighting you up? What’s draining you?

5. Define success on your terms. Go beyond revenue. What does a thriving business look like to you?

   
   
   
   

Final Thoughts: You're Not Behind, You're Building

Starting an online business isn’t linear. It’s messy, exhilarating, and deeply personal. There’s no one right way—but there is your right way.

You’re allowed to build slowly. To change your mind. To do it differently.

Just keep building—you’ve got this.

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