7 Different Online Business Careers
Updated on February 29, 2020
Only a few decades ago, most internet job opportunities that asked for some sort of initial investment before making any real money were considered a scam. They were far less profitable than the opportunities available to successful businessmen who went into an office every day and spent half of their lives going to boardroom meetings and hanging around the water cooler.
However, with the incredible boom of social media and the internet over the past few years, there has been quite a buzz surrounding online business careers. The nine-to-five job sitting in a cubicle is becoming an endangered practice, due to the incredible amount of online resources at our fingertips.
Out with the Old and In with the New
Businesses are tossing out their old, dated business models and increasingly outsourcing to online labour, which is great news for those seeking work-from-home, internet-based job opportunities.
From social media management to becoming an entrepreneur, there are many viable, well-paying jobs available that are doable from anywhere there is an internet connection. Although some job titles may require a formal degree, there are many jobs available to those who are simply internet savvy, quick learners, and fluent in social media.
Although this list only covers seven different online business careers, the opportunities are endless.
With a little creativity and diligence, the switch to an online career is a viable option for anyone with the courage to take the plunge.
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Social Media Manager
The primary requirement for this job is a sincere passion and total fluency in social media. Some of these venues include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Youtube.
A social media manager’s sole job involves full-time management of all social media presences, growing an online following, and expanding their client’s reach. Companies of all sizes are outsourcing and hiring social media managers to do just that.
However, it is a bit more involved than just posting daily photos or articles. These managers must do a huge amount of research on how to best optimize their company’s online presence. This means that there are established mathematical equations governing what to post and when. In order to become a social media manager, it is important to focus on social media optimization tools, such as Google Analytics and Bit.ly, which are geared towards evaluating and improving online traffic. For more resources, check out MLT Creative’s list of effective social media management tools.
Because of the drastic boom of social media, companies now have a vested interest in maintaining their online presence, which can attract a lot of attention, and therefore brand value.
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Content Manager
This is someone who inspects and oversees all content published on a client’s website or blog. Their responsibility is to manage content and its placement, ensuring that it creates an interesting aesthetic and provides information for users.
Aside from managing a client’s web page, a CM should be able to manage a team of content developers, edit and create content, and make executive decisions about what should be published on their client’s website.
This position also requires you to have a solid grasp on Google Analytics and SEO optimization as these are key to ensuring high traffic. Typically, a content manager will work with web designers, graphic designers, marketing professionals, content developers, and social media experts.
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Web Based Graphic Designer
A key aspect of graphic design work is developing branding, or creating a personality, for their client by way of images and icons. Some examples of graphic designs are the famous Starbucks logo, the McDonald’s arches, and the universally recognized Apple symbol. However, a web based graphic designer’s primary focus is the creation of images or graphics intended for use on a website.
The internet has opened up a whole world of opportunity because of all the available resources at your fingertips. Although a degree or formal training in the field of web based graphic design is encouraged, these days, a strong portfolio and competence in design programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator can be all you need to impress the right client.
In a major corporation, a web based graphic designer is just one member of a team of content developers, managers, and web developers. However, web based graphic designers can also work freelance or on contract, working on a specific project for a window of time before moving on to other projects.
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Web Developer
A web developer differs from a graphic designer by way of education and technical coding skills. While a graphic designer creates specific graphics for clients, a web developer is responsible for the actual creation of a website from start to finish. They obtain the intense programming skills necessary for the complicated backdoor coding involved in website creation.
As traditional education requirements become more negotiable, online coding programs are available where you can learn web development skills in record time compared to obtaining a formal college degree.
Be cautious, however, of the online programs, as some may only be a scam and you could lose a lot of money without getting that formal training you were looking for. Do your research and learn what you are buying before making any commitment.
Web developers are in high demand due to the arduous and intricate work involved in the process of building a website. Companies will outsource a web developer because it is more economic to hire a contract developer for a specific project rather than keeping them on staff full time.
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Programmer
A programmer, or software engineer, works on computer software development. They are responsible for developing, designing, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining the proper source code for an operating program.
The source code is essential because it is the language that a computer uses to run the program. The programmer’s primary obligation is to create a GUI, or graphical user interface, which is the user friendly interface that we are used to seeing when we open any digital application.
Many programmers are self-taught since it is essential for them to stay on top of the learning curve, in a sphere where there are constant changes and advances in technology.
For example, the development of and high demand for mobile apps has created a huge new venue for programmers to show their stuff. An app is an abbreviated version of a fully developed computer program, designed to give the user a similar experience from their phones, tablets, and laptops. As we know, there’s an app for virtually anything these days, and a high demand for programmers to create them.
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Account Executive
Also known as an account manager, this is an umbrella term for someone who works higher up on the chain in a company, overseeing the big-picture development of the business while also working to increase sales.
Without a specific discipline, account executives have a hand in most sectors of a business, from marketing and staff management to financial strategy. They work to engage in relationships with potential buyers and investors while selling the product or concept of the business.
Expanding a business can involve cold-calling, attending networking events, analyzing competitors’ business strategies, developing operating procedures, and training new staff members.
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Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is someone with a go-getter attitude, who sets out to engineer her own success. Whether building their own company from a concept or product or purchasing a previously existing one, they are responsible for every aspect of running the business.
Most entrepreneurs say that their business is their life. Especially in the early developing stages, there is no clocking out or turning it off. It is a newborn that requires round-the-clock attention and care. There can be many drastic setbacks along the way that aren’t for the faint of heart. The higher you climb and the more the business grows, the higher the stakes become. With a lot on the line, financially and personally, entrepreneurs can be seen as a rare breed of brave thrillseekers.
An entrepreneur may obtain a business degree, but will also learn the most through real-world experiences in global commerce and professional relationships as well as perhaps attending educational seminars and continuing online classes. It is essential to master the world of business by becoming well-versed in implementing effective business models.
Another way of becoming an entrepreneur is to purchase an existing business model that is already producing a profit. There is a high startup failure rate for new businesses, and, for that reason, some people try to avoid the risk by purchasing or investing in an existing company. A successful entrepreneur may seek out a lucrative small business with three to five years of verifiable financial records.
You Can Do It
Although some of these online business careers may seem intimidating and complicated, with a little self education and a determined, driven attitude, anyone can make the career change if they put their mind to it. Some resources for getting started and finding that online dream job are FlexJobs, LinkedIn, and Upwork.
Of all the essential skills necessary for online business success, comfortably navigating and understanding the internet are the two you must master. If you have the ability to create a website, develop and manage content, and understand SEO optimization and analytics, the opportunities are endless for you to find that dream business career that can be done from anywhere.
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