The definitive guide for creating, building and scaling an online business in today’s fast-moving digital economy

Packed with candid stories and hard-won lessons from more than 30 of Australia’s leading online founders, this book reveals what actually works when it comes to online business. The digital mavericks behind ventures like Boost Juice, Airtasker, Luxury Escapes and OzHarvest didn’t do things by the book. They followed their passion and did what others weren’t prepared to do. They relied on their creativity, grit and gut instinct to create world-leading brands worth millions and, in some cases, billions.

In Secrets of the New Online Entrepreneurs, bestselling author Bernadette Schwerdt distils the proven tactics and actionable lessons of online empire builders. You’ll discover how side hustles are turned into standout brands, how early mistakes become the foundation for future success and how tiny ideas can become transformational startups. Along the way, you’ll hear how Australia’s chocolate queen turned six students and a fax machine into a multi-million-dollar empire. And you’ll learn how a home-based tanning company used one mega-influencer to go global. The stories and insights inside reveal the surprisingly random, remarkably honest origins of Australia’s biggest digital brands — and show what actually works in launching, growing and selling a business.

Secrets of the New Online Entrepreneurs shows you:

• Which industries are ripe for disruption and how to spot a profitable niche
• Why most online businesses and partnerships fail and how to avoid the same traps
• How to test, measure and validate demand before you invest heavily
• Practical ways to grow an audience and leverage social media, content creation and influencer partnerships to build your personal brand
• How free, low-cost tools and AI opportunities can help you launch smarter and faster with minimal risk
• The top 10 key metrics that make an online business attractive to investors and buyers.

Whether you are starting from scratch or growing an existing business, the practical tools, strategies and frameworks in this book will fast-track your idea from concept to commercial reality. There has never been a better time to build an online business, so don’t miss the next wave. Now is the time to start smart, move fast and discover how to turn your idea into the next digital standout.

BERNADETTE SCHWERDT is the founder of the Australian School of Copywriting, a TEDx speaker and an award-winning author and ghostwriter for Australia’s leading CEOs and entrepreneurs.