How to Start Your Own Web Based Business

Starting an online business is easy once you've figured out a niche.

Starting a web-based business may seem easy, but it takes more than a computer and an Internet connection to set up a successful online company. According to WorldWideWebSize.com, as of August 2010 there were 14.91 billion indexed pages on the Internet. A fledgling web entrepreneur should combine enthusiasm, originality and know-how to create a competitive web business. Target market, pricing, advertising and customer service, among other issues, need to be addressed by a web startup even before the site goes live.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Business license

Instructions

1. Discover your niche. Your business can provide copy editing, consulting, life coaching or other services via the website. If you make crafts, jewelry or homemade items, you can focus on creating and assembling original products and shipping them to customers. Many Internet businesses act as an affiliate and sell other companies' products, fulfilling them and shipping them from a warehouse. Determine which business type best suits your personality and budget.

2. Decide on a name for your business. It should be short and easy to remember. While it doesn't need to be flashy, a memorable name, such as Dining Divas for a caterer, will help people remember your company in a crowded marketplace. Design a logo for your business, one that can be used on the web and on business cards. Get business cards printed to hand out to prospective customers and vendors.

3. Secure the appropriate business license. In most states, a DBA (doing business as) will suffice for most simple home-based web businesses. You'll need to register the business with the Secretary of State or County Clerk, depending on the laws in your state. Then you may need to place a classified ad announcing formation of the business in a local newspaper for a specified number of weeks, depending on local government rules.

4. Choose a domain name. It should be the name of your business or a shortened version of it. Purchase the domain name for a few years instead of a year at a time to save money and ensure that no one else will grab the name if it becomes available. Pay for a web hosting service. Review the services offered by each one before choosing. Web hosts offer different packages, each one with a different number of allowed email boxes and gigabytes (or web space).

5. Design your website. If you're on a strict budget, many web hosts have their own built-in design template. These services will give you a basic, easy-to-use website. If you hire a web designer, discuss in advance all the features that you would like on your site. Study your competition's websites to learn what works (and what doesn't). Few things can turn off a customer faster than an ineffective or hard-to-use website.

6. Focus on your budget. If you need to purchase merchandise, shipping boxes, a postage meter and other items, you may need to get a loan through your bank or the Small Business Administration. A one-person service or craft business, however, can start up for the cost of an Internet connection and office supplies.

7. Advertise your business. Get the word out on the web, in print and in person. Attend networking events in your community with plenty of business cards. Exchange links with bloggers and other websites related to your field. Place banner ads on popular websites to drive traffic to your site. Start an email newsletter with information and special offers, and invite people interested in your product or service to subscribe. A proofreading business, for example, could invite novelists, freelance writers and small publishers to join their list.

References

• WorldWideWebSize: Index Size August 2010
• Business Name Registration: Doing Business As
• Internet Moms: How to Start an INternet Business

Resources

• Quick on the Net: Create Your Own Website Design