The 3 Most Important Steps to Starting an Internet Business
With the Age of Technology increasingly impacting how we do business with one another, we are finding ourselves taking more and more comfort in the convenience of online shopping. As a global nation, we are relying on the Internet for our clothing, educational, entertainment and business purchasing needs. Naturally, this leaves many of us with the desire to want to get in on the action; not as a customer, but as a merchant of the Internet. Upon realizing this goal, the first question that comes to mind is “Where Do I start?” Below are the 3 Most Important Action Steps Of Starting an Internet Business. Follow these first, and you will be on your way to entrepreneurship!
Step 1: Choose a Niche
As one decides to start an internet business, it is common to choose a niche based upon what is “thought” to be the needs and wants of the market. This is the worst way to choose a niche and will most certainly end in failure. Consider that to start an internet business (or any business for that matter), you need to live, love and breathe what you are selling. If you are not totally excited about the product and niche you are immersed in, then soon boredom will set in and the desire to have an internet business will move out.
Instead, choose a niche based upon something you are passionate about. Start by brainstorming 3-5 ideas of niches that you not only are highly interested in, but also have a good base of knowledge. Do not sell yourself short of being an “expert” just because you don’t have a license or an education degree in the area. You may be surprised how much you actually know.
A perfect example of this is a parent that has had a child grown into a product and respecting adult. If there were ever an “expert” in parenting, I would bet on this person’s experience rather then simply some letters behind one’s name. Remember, your experiences CAN and DO make you an expert!
By taking this first step of properly choosing a niche, you will be setting yourself up for a perfect start out of the gate.
TIP: Don’t worry about which product you are going to sell when choosing your niche. That part will come later in the game.
Step 2: Buy a Domain Name
Once you choose your niche, the next step is buying your domain name. The domain name is simply your internet business’s website address. There are many different places to buy a domain name, however, we suggest GoDaddy. Go to GoDaddy and click on Domains in the top left-hand corner. This will bring you to a page where you can enter some domains to see if they are available. If your first choice is not available, don’t worry about it. Keep trying different variations until you find one you like and is available. Try to prevent choosing an alternative domain name that ends in .us or .org. Choose a unique domain name that ends in .com .
TIP: Try to choose a domain name that has your keyword in it. This will help with traffic and sales later on!
Step 3: Get a Hosting Account and an Autoresponder
After securing your domain name, your next step is to purchase a hosting account and an Autoresponder. If you are brand new to starting an internet business, I am sure both of those terms seem very abstract; which in fact, they are. A Hosting account is a monthly fee that you pay to be able to house your domain (website). This is a necessary tool.
The Autoresponder is going to house the lifeblood of your company…your customers! You will need this service to be able to keep record of the people on your list (potential buyers) as well as to be able to communicate to them through email marketing. Don’t worry, you can learn more about all of this. Just make sure that you go ahead and buy your Hosting Account and get your Autoresponder.
TIP: When purchasing these services, purchase the service that best fits your finances. In the beginning, you can select a small package option and always upgrade later.
Starting an internet business can be confusing, especially for those of us that don’t have ions of experience in the technical field. Use these three steps to get started and don’t let anything hold you back. You deserve to own the internet business that you dream of!
Tellman Knudson, CEO of OvercomeEverything, Inc., is a master list builder and well-known for his List Building Club. Tellman teaches students how to build a successful online business. Create your successful business from his step-by-step videos at: http://listbuilding.com
