What are your tips and tricks to starting an online business?

The question is straightforward. I want to know how people make their online business successful? From how they start from scratch. How did you get your inspiration if you own an online business? Where do you get your products? Do you make them yourself or what? How do you market your products? And how did you come about making your own personal website? Did you make it yourself or hire a professional to do it? How much time out of the week does your online business take up?