How Female Founders Can Distinguish Themselves from the Competition

Image credit: Entrepreneur

There’s no shortage of women entrepreneurs today. Many women are leaving the corporate grind due to factors like financial pressures, career burnout, or a desire for independence, and are starting their own businesses.

Currently, women make up nearly half of emerging entrepreneurs, a significant increase from less than a third just five years ago. With low startup costs and numerous DIY website builders available, many of these new ventures are online.

“Launching an online business is strategic,” says Lisa Box, SVP of Strategic Alliances and Business Development at Identity Digital. “It allows women founders to work remotely, improving work-life balance and reducing costs associated with physical storefronts or offices. This removes a major barrier, offsetting the initial capital needed to start a new business.”

Identity Digital, based in Bellevue, Washington, manages over 270 custom top-level domains (TLDs), such as .life, .bio, .media, and .expert. Many female-owned businesses are leveraging unique TLDs to enhance their web addresses, helping them stand out online, strengthen their branding, reach target audiences.

Here are some creative ways women entrepreneurs can start and grow online businesses:

1. Choose a Unique Domain Name: Your web address should be as unique as your brand. A short, memorable domain name can bring your digital identity to life. Search for domain names at domain retailers like Wix, Name.com, Rebrandly, and Beacons. “A unique domain signals commitment to your mission and builds credibility,” says Box.

   Examples of successful women-founded websites using Identity Digital TLDs include:

   • empowerwomen.media: Promotes gender equality and peacebuilding.
   • ethica.diamonds: Sells sustainably grown lab diamonds and gemstones.
   • lyma.life: Offers supplements, skincare, and laser devices.
2. Share Your Knowledge: Build your brand by providing valuable information to your audience. Create content for a blog, e-newsletter, and social media channels. “Write original thought leadership content and weave in industry trends,” advises Box. Include links in your social media bios to drive traffic to your website.
3. Cultivate a Social Community: Engage with customers and industry thought leaders on social media. Join conversations with other female entrepreneurs, use relevant hashtags, and interact with posts. “

Re-reported the article originally published in Entrepreneur.