Starting an Online Biz is Easier Than Ever

Question: I'm looking to start a business, but I want something that I can do myself. The more I investigate, the stronger I feel that launching an online business is the best way to go. I'm no tech guru, however, so I'd prefer something simple, as well as low cost. Where do I start?

Answer: Starting a business of any kind - online or otherwise - requires a heavy dose of time and effort. It's a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, with many pieces that need to fit together for it to work. Even with an online business, you still need a legal structure of some type (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.), some financial and budgeting skills, marketing plans and materials, bank and merchant (credit card) accounts and much more.

Still, starting an online business is easier than many people think - and getting less expensive all the time. For entrepreneurs who are willing to start small, grow gradually and put it all together one step at a time, operating an online business offers one of today's best routes to independent business ownership.

Don't let the fancy lingo stop you. Choosing an e-commerce platform, finding a hosting service or hiring a Web designer all seem daunting. But site providers such as Interland, Yahoo Small Business, BigStep, 1&1 and others offer simplified do-it-yourself packages that make the process straightforward, if not outright simple. Even with little tech know-how, you can get a basic site registered, designed and online quickly for less than $20 per month.

Here are some keys to online business success and ways to make your site stand out:

1. Make sure your Web site is listed in search engines and get more out of your listings. You'll find help for search engine submission at Search Engine Watch (www.searchenginewatch.com). This site offers submission tips, Web searching tips, search engine reviews and other resources.
   
   
2. Targeted ads attached to keyword search results are a great way to promote your wares. Their simplicity, low cost and popularity among small businesses have made them the main method for connecting buyers and merchants online. Business owners also like the concept because you pay only when someone clicks your ad and visits your site. Google AdWords (www.google.com/ads) is one of the leaders. Cost-per-click pricing makes it easy to control costs. But take some time to develop your approach before going online. If your ad doesn't pull, Google may yank it. At Overture, another good choice, click on "Advertiser Solutions" at the main page for instructions on how to set up an account. Visit www.overture.com. Business.com is another excellent choice, especially for B2B marketing. Just look for the "Advertiser Center" link in the footer of this page.
   
   
3. Go interactive. To get visitors more involved in your Web site, add surveys, guest books, auto responders and downloadable documents. Your Web host may offer some of these. These resources can also help: Constant Contact (www.constantcontact.com), Topica (www.topica.com) and GetResponse (www.getresponse.com).
   
   
4. Establish cyberspace partnerships: Link up with other sites via their affiliate marketing programs. Check site maps for information.
   
   
5. Animated art, professional quality buttons, bars, backgrounds and banners can add pizzazz to your site. Low cost sources include NetStudio (www.netstudio.com) and ScreamDesign (www.screamdesign.com). You don't need any special design or art skills to tap in. See the handy online demos.
   
   
6. At every opportunity, try to leverage the strengths that a small online business affords, including flexibility (offer short turnaround); low overhead (keep costs lower than the competition) and personalized service (from you, the owner).