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It's a picture of frustration and delays.
When the numbers tell us that half of American internet users are using some form of high speed connection we are called to remember that that leaves half of them on some level of dial up. An old computer and slow internet isn't the least of their worries. They may be able to log onto the net and find some great resources, but they're still limited in the type of resources that they can consume.
If you desire to get started with an internet business you're
going to need a bare minimum of tools.
A. A good computer.
Please don't take your circa 1998 system to cousin Bobby for an upgrade. Sure, Bobby's gonna have fun showing off his computer skills but you're going to be disappointed in the end. There is only so much that can be done to upgrade a system and if Bobby cares more about you than his ego - he'll tell you so.
If you're system is more than four years old, I would look at an upgrade.
B. High Speed Internet Access.
The number one excuse I hear from those who do not have High Speed is that it's expensive. Sure it is. I pay four times what someone on dial up pays in my community but without it I wouldn't be earning a tenth of what I earn now.
C. A Professional Website.
Resist every urge to sign up for a free website host 'just to get started'. The freebie website will represent you poorly. It's like wearing sweats to a job interview. You would never do it! When you can register a domain for less than $8 and buy feature rich hosting for around $9 a month, there's no excuse for cheaping out. I recommend the resources at MomWebs.com.
You can purchase a simple template for as low as $5 and adapt it for your own use if you're comfortable with it or hire a designer to put up a few pages for you. What matters is that what you put up represents you well.
D. A professional and reliable mailing list system.
From the moment that you set up your website you are working to build a following of one kind or another. When someone visits your site and has an interest in you they must have a way to invite you to stay in touch. With your mailing list invite on every page, they'll be able to do that. Whether you will be sending out a regular newsletter, a free e-course or occasional product specials - your list of interested contacts is golden.
E. Business Mentoring.
No matter what kind of business background you have off line, internet marketing is a whole different playing field. There are tried and true principles to learn and apply and some that change constantly. It's important to know who you can trust.
If you're serious about taking your business to the web you can use this as a preliminary check list. With the right tools in place your internet business will be on a solid foundation.
It doesn't matter if you are a small firm offering computer parts to local businesses or sell clothes to a wide range of international consumers, launching your bricks and mortar venture across the Internet will most definitely work in your favor. Before you can increase the awareness and interest in your business, there are a few things you should consider, which will make this transition into the World Wide Web much easier. Below you will find a few tips to get you started:
1) Assess Potential Start-Up Costs
Before you commit to creating an online presence, you should be aware of all start-up costs, which for some may seem quite intimidating. Website design doesn't usually cost an arm and a leg and if you possess any creative skills, the final total will be much lower. For the average start-up site, costs are often seen between $500 and $1000. Websites also require a hosting company, which could cost about $20 to $30 per month. Those following a tight budget can find less expensive substitutes in all areas of website design, hosting, and maintenance; it just might take a little longer to locate.
2) Offer Up-to-Date Information
Since customer service is handled across the Net, it is important to keep all website information up-to-date and easy-to-find. For those who need additional information before making a purchase, it is vital to offer alternative means of contact, such as email addresses, telephone numbers, and store address. Businesses with a direct customer service line are highly attractive to the curious consumer.
3) Consider Search Engine Optimization
Once your website is complete, you can optimize it for popular search engines, such as Google and Yahoo. It is quite common for some businesses to fall victim to submission scams trick unsuspecting webmasters in paying a fee for multiple search engine submission, so be careful of what services you use.
4) Request Reciprocal Links
Amplify your chances for increased traffic to your site by establishing a reciprocal link relationship with another website. For instance, if you sell fashionable dog outfits, you may seek out dog food companies and pet shops that might find interest in trading links. Some websites quickly climb the ranks of search engines because they possess a high number of reciprocal links.
5) Consider Common Website Traffic Tactics
Don't be afraid to explore website boosting tactics, such as cost per click search advertising to attract more visitors to your site.
6) Don't Forget the Little Things
In the rush and excitement to launch your business on the Web, don't forget the little details that are so very important. All bricks and mortar websites should display their company mission statement, contact information, map to business, and hours of operation.