Why Ignoring Online Business Could Leave You Behind — Here’s Why They’re the Real Deal

Yesterday, I read a story that struck a nerve. Someone was talking about online businesses, waving them off as “not serious.” Their main point? That online businesses aren’t “tangible.”

They said there’s nothing physical to touch, no storefront, no products on shelves, and therefore, no legitimacy. As I read, I couldn’t help but think about just how outdated this view really is. The way people perceive value in business is changing fast, and in truth, if you’re not online, you’re being left behind.

Let's take a closer look. The very definition of business is about providing a service or product to people who want it in exchange for profit. And what’s really at the core of any business? Value.

Whether that value is delivered through physical goods, virtual services, or knowledge, it’s all about solving someone’s problem or making their life easier. And with today’s digital tools, the way consumers expect value is shifting — and it’s shifting fast.

If you need proof, just consider where most of us spend our time these days: our phones.

These days, your phone is the new TV, your TV is like the old radio, and your radio... well, it might as well be history. Email has replaced traditional mail, Netflix is the new VHS player, Google is your daily newspaper, and if a trend doesn’t go viral online, it’s almost as if it didn’t happen at all.

Examples of Online Businesses Dominating the Game

If you’re still thinking that online businesses aren’t “real,” take a look at companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google.

These started online and have not only survived but thrived, with revenues that dwarf many traditional businesses.

• Amazon: From humble beginnings as an online bookstore, Amazon now rakes in over $500 billion annually and has transformed everything from retail to cloud computing.
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• Facebook: With its ad revenue model and huge user base, Facebook’s revenue hit about $117 billion in 2023, becoming one of the world’s most powerful advertising platforms.
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• Bet9ja and SportyBet: These online betting companies generate massive revenue by tapping into the high demand for digital sports betting.
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• Bolt: With a simple app, Bolt competes with traditional taxi businesses across multiple countries and has scaled into food delivery, proving the scalability of online platforms.

Let’s face it: these companies didn’t just “dabble” online. They dominate online. They have mastered how to attract, engage, and satisfy consumers on digital platforms — and the money follows.

The point is, anything that doesn’t go viral online almost doesn’t go viral at all. Today, to reach people, connect with them, and gain their trust, you have to be online. For businesses, this is more than just a trend; it’s the new normal.

Why Do Some Still Dismiss Online Businesses?

The resistance to online business is often rooted in nostalgia and a reluctance to adapt. People from older generations grew up with the belief that business had to be physical to be real. If they couldn’t see or touch it, they weren’t sure it existed. Today, we know better, but those mindsets can be hard to shake.

It’s easy to assume that because an online business doesn’t have a storefront or physical goods, it lacks legitimacy. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Running a profitable online business requires strategic planning, rigorous marketing, and a deep understanding of digital platforms and customer psychology — a skill set that’s essential in today’s digital-first world.

Tangibility Is Not the Measure of Success

When people say online businesses aren’t “tangible,” they’re missing the point. Think of the many services you can’t hold in your hands — like consulting, tutoring, or coaching. In each case, you’re paying for knowledge, expertise, and guidance. The results are often much more valuable than something you can touch.

What many people fail to realize is that consumers care more about the value and convenience they’re receiving than about whether it comes in a physical package. Many of these online services and businesses have a far-reaching impact.

A course you take online could lead to a career shift or personal transformation, while a book you buy online could provide insights that shape your future. The impact of these “intangible” services can be lifelong.

Consumer Attention Has Shifted — And So Must Business

Today’s consumers are spending more time on their phones than ever. They’re scrolling Instagram, watching videos on YouTube, reading articles on Google, and shopping on Amazon.

That’s where the real action is happening. It’s no longer a question of whether businesses should go online; it’s about which platforms and strategies they should use to stay relevant.

Where are consumers now? They’re on their phones. And as a result, businesses must go where their consumers are — online.

This shift has led to an entirely new landscape, one where businesses build trust, connect with customers, and make sales through websites, apps, social media platforms, and online marketplaces.

Is Online Business Really Serious Business?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Running an online business isn’t just serious; it’s demanding and rigorous. Success requires learning digital marketing, understanding SEO, mastering social media, optimizing user experience, and staying on top of technology and trends.

Online business owners are constantly testing new strategies and tweaking their offerings to keep up with rapid changes in consumer behavior.

A business that’s online can be just as complex, if not more so, than a traditional brick-and-mortar operation. And the scope of online business is massive.

E-commerce, digital marketing agencies, freelance marketplaces, e-learning platforms, and influencer marketing are all growing fields that contribute significantly to the economy.

In short, online business is as real as it gets. It’s just different.

The Perks of an Online Business

With all this change, you might wonder — what’s the real advantage of running an online business? Here’s a quick rundown:

Global Reach: An online business can reach audiences worldwide, 24/7. Traditional businesses are limited by location, but an online store or service is just a click away.

Lower Overheads: No storefront means you don’t pay for rent or utilities. The cost savings can be reinvested in improving products, marketing, and customer service.

Scalability: Online businesses have the advantage of scaling quickly and easily. Digital products, for example, have virtually no production cost, allowing for unlimited sales without a large inventory.

Flexibility and Freedom: With an online business, you’re not tied to a location. This flexibility appeals to many entrepreneurs who value location independence and a more flexible schedule.

Constant Learning and Growth: In the world of online business, trends evolve fast. Running an online business forces you to stay sharp, learn continuously, and develop valuable skills.

Are You Ready to Step Into the Future?

Online businesses aren’t just an alternative; they’re the new frontier of business. The platforms may evolve, and the devices may change, but one thing is clear: consumers expect businesses to meet them where they are, and that’s online.

The truth is, the physical aspects of a business are only a small part of its impact and value. In the last decade, online companies like Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, and Google have revolutionized the world. And if you’re still wondering whether an online business can be a “real” business, take a page from these giants. They didn’t just join the online game — they created it, and they’re winning.

For those willing to embrace this new world, online business is serious, profitable, and incredibly exciting.

So the question isn’t whether an online business is a “real” business. The question is: Are you ready to take your business to where the world is headed?