Tools

Since you are probably reading this online, it’s safe to assume that you have access to the main tools: a computer and an internet connection. However, it is possible that you happened across this information some other way. Perhaps a friend photocopied this Web page and mailed it to you at your tropical hut in Borneo, where you live off-grid. Your friend knows that when you’re through teaching the locals all about algebra, you plan to return to your high-rise apartment in Tokyo or London and begin building your online business.

Even if this isn’t the case, you should be able to make use of the following information. Here are the six top tools you need:

1. Computer
For the time being, say, the next three to five years, your number one requirement will still be access to a reliable personal computer, although computing will quickly move to the cloud (the internet) and all you will need then will be a Web notebook, which is usually a very cheap, recycled computer. It is likely, however, that in the near future your sole requirement will be access to the Net and a keyboard.

2. Internet connection
You are usually limited to the two or three internet connection options that are available in your locale. Internet access generally comes bundled with your cable TV or your phone service. If Google gets its way with Congress, it may provide you with absolutely free wireless internet access in the near future. Free wireless access would be a boon for you as an internet entrepreneur. The overhead expenses of running a business online are already dirt cheap. Free access would further reduce operating costs.

3. Web design software
You will need a wysiwyg editor. These come in many forms and values, ranging from free to quite expensive. Popular choices are WordPress for blogging, DreamWeaver for general design and Adobe’s design suites for professional quality work. In addition, you may choose from open source and free programs such as Google Sites and the popular KompoZer Web design program.

4. Web hosting
There are so many Web site hosts it boggles the mind. Your Web site will be hosted on a server on which, technically, you rent space. You can expect a variety of services from your Web host, such as a free domain name and an experienced (and not cranky) customer service staff, available 24/7. Other features to expect are unlimited traffic, web space and email accounts. Your server uptime should be at least 99. 9%.

5. Domain name
This is the name of your site: YourBiz. com. The dot com part is technically called the extension. There are a couple dozen popular extensions to choose from. Choose the one that meets your online business needs most accurately, such as dot net, dot info, or dot org. Your domain name is usually included free-of-charge when you order a Web hosting plan, and registered through your hosting service.

6. Business model system & philosophy
One popular online business philosophy goes something like this:
•    Build your content –>
•    Attract traffic to your site –>
•    Pre-sell your readers –>
•    and lastly, monetize your site.

This is the philosophy we follow, because by doing so we have seen our online business income increase each year. Notice that the monetization part is the last step, after building useful content and attracting traffic.

Monetization follows after you’ve put your shovel to the dirt. It follows only after you have worked to build value on your site, and after you have established yourself as incredibly helpful to everybody who stops by. Monetization doesn’t come first. Many neophytes who go into business online get this part wrong, lunging for the money right out of the gate. It just doesn’t work that way online.

What is your business model or philosophy? Have you thought about it?

Costs of an Online Business
These six tools are the top of the list, nuts-and-bolts ingredients you need for building your online business. This is just the start.

The costs of running an internet business are extremely low compared to other types of business, and even so, they are still coming down. We have created many of the interactive features built into our online business by using the powerful and reliable tools that are widely available. Some especially good ones are Google’s free tools, open source tools such as The GIMP, or very inexpensive tools such as RapidWeaver and BannerZest Pro.

Software and hardware can often be bought at bargain prices for stunning results. This is because your online business success does not depend on the resources you have, so much as it rides on your ability to maximize your resources and use these tools skillfully.
Are you a bargain shopper? You’re going to love this. We started our online business writing an eBook and programming our first Web site on a laptop that we bought from a friend for $1. That is the honest truth!

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