Internet
Business Start-Up
What you will need to start your internet business will depend
on which type of online
business you choose. That said, there are some standards
that almost all internet-based ventures will require:
An
Internet Connection & Computer System
Exactly what type of connection and hardware that you will need
depends on the types of programs that you plan to use. The computer
systems that are sold new at your local electronics store or
computer shop will work fine for almost any use.
A
Website
No matter what type of internet venture you start, you will
want a website to showcase your products, services or information.
You can create
your own site or hire a web designer to do it for you. If
you plan to hire someone, see this discussion on Website
Designers for a great list of "14 Tips to help you
make the right decision".
A
Hosting Account
This is where your website will 'reside' on the internet. Your
hosting account will be a specific amount of space for your
files (web pages, images, scripts, etc) and will generally include
email addresses as well. ThirdSphere
is a great all-in-one host that includes a website builder,
shopping cart, mailing lists, email addresses and much
more.
An
FTP Program
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is how you move your files from
your computer to your hosting account. You can also download
files from your hosting account to your computer. Total Commander
is very easy to use (very similar to Windows Explorer) and you
can download it free at http://TotalCommander.com
An
Email Client
You will need an email client in order to set up your "pop
email accounts" that come with your hosting service. This
will allow you to send and receive email using an address like
yourname@yoursite. A popular solution is Eudora, which you can
download free at: http://www.eudora.com/products/
You may also need help, a how-to guide or perhaps even a mentor
so that you can make practical decisions and wise choices while
setting up and marketing your internet business. Before you
decide which guide to purchase, or where to turn for help, get
recommendations from your peers or by asking other business
owners what they would suggest. (You can also see our Online
Business Basics section for recommendations)
If
you arent sure where to turn, visit a few of these personally
recommended online
communities. Read through topic-specific discussions, or
introduce yourself and ask for help or advice. You will find
most of these people to be extremely helpful and super-friendly!
Be
sure to check out our Getting
Started
section for even more
tips & resources on starting your own Internet Business!
Basic Equipment that you may need:
The Easy
Way to Create an Endless Stream of Income-Generating
Websites in MINUTES -- not days or weeks... Check
it Out!
