Are you excited about launching your online business,not sure where to start? With technology improving everyday and excellent online tools and lower costs, there has never been a better time to commence an online business.
To start an online business it is a great idea to 'get to know the internet'.
What sort of experience have you had with being online? Do you still raise your eyebrows when some-one talks a bout 'tweeting'? Being a success online does require time and it involves doing some research.
• Researching you competitors.
• Knowing your niche.
• Understanding web tools and how they work.
• Familiarise yourself with the culture of the internet.
The first steps to commencing an online business would be to register a domain name.
Your domain is an online address unique to you.
It is just like a trademark.
On the internet there are numerous registrars these are companies that register domains and you can purchase your domain online.
There is a small charge for registration.
However, there are some registrars that offer 'free' domains with a hosting package.
It is also important when starting an online business to make sure that our registered domain is in your name, there are some companies that are not legitimate.
If the domain is registered in the registrars name it will be very difficult to switch over to different hosting company without losing your domain.
Some reputable domain registrars: • Blue host • Go daddy • Network solution • 1and1.
com Through a web host you will be 'renting' space on their servers to host your website.
These companies offer domain registration and hosting.
It is easier to have hosting and domain registration with the same company.
Though this sounds a little difficult it really isn't.
You can either design the site yourself or have it created for you.
• Hire a designer • Design yourself.
If you decide to design your own website there are some options available.
Many hosting companies offer free site building tools to commence an online business.
• WordPress is a free tool for websites and stand-alone blogs.
It is easy to install, with many hosting companies having install tools just for WordPress.
This software is easy to use and there is no need for extensive knowledge.
• There is the option of using a high-end program like Dreamweaver by Adobe which has everything you need to design a website.
The downside is that there is a steep learning curve.
If you decide to design your own website then there some options available.
Many hosting companies offer free site building tools to commence an online business.