The only tough part about getting started is that you need an
idea! To help with that realize you need to be
involved in something you enjoy, otherwise you won't be able to stick with it
through the initial slow times.
Use the checklist below to create a plan of action for
yourself and then click the titles for more details as this guide will take you
step by step to help you get your Internet Startup off the ground!:
Internet Startups:
Brainstorm: Come up with an idea for your site, will it be strictly
content based or will you focus on selling products or services. Maybe even
a combination of the two to make a truly effective site.
Domain Name: Secure yourself a web address. You need at least one
and if you want your site to ever make money it can't be hosted on a free
server.
Professional Web Site: Decide if you will design your website or
have someone else do it for you.
Web Hosting: If your site isn't available 24/7 you are losing
money, take the time to research your options.
Unique product: While you can sell products for other people if you
don't have one that is unique you will never be completely secure and independent.
Credit Cards: Don't expect to sell much if you don't accept credit
cards on your site. There many options, choose the best one for your
budget.
Effective Promotion: If you don't promote your site on a regular
basis in an effective manner you'll never get enough traffic to make it
worthwhile.
Customer Service: Follow up on all inquiries in a timely manner, as
soon as someone sends you an e-mail chances are they have moved on to a
competitors site, you don't have much time.
Newsletter: Find an opt-in strategy and encourage visitors to fill
in their email addresses so you can stay in touch with them.
Affiliate program/Diversified revenue: At some point in your online
business you will probably want to add an affiliate program to create an online sales
force that promote your product or service in return for part of the profit.
Also by promoting a couple of quality related affiliate programs you can
earn additional income from your site as your traffic increases.
These are the basics you need to plan for. Each topic links to a page
containing more details. Go through each step before you get started. Plan
carefully and you will save yourself time and money if you incorporate
everything you need to succeed from the beginning.
Most of the pages contain additional resources in the form of "Suggested
Reading" links at the bottom, these link to articles or parts of the Basics
Marketing Course that contain more details on each subject.
If anything isn't clear don't hesitate to contact me
personally (mike@surf22.com)
for some free advice to help get your online business off the ground.
