Technology is an important consideration for any internet marketing business, but frequently people just starting out don’t have a good understanding of what kind of technology is needed or how it will impact their businesses.
The following ten tips should help you get off to a good start.
As much as you possibly can, you should try to institute processes and systems that integrate easily, and are available 100% of the time to care for customers and prospects. Develop an “automated money machine” to make your life simple and your wallet full.
1. Computer & Printer
If you’re going to conduct internet marketing, you’ll need a computer – preferably one that you own, either a desktop model or a laptop. Get one with plenty of memory and speed. A broadband internet connection is faster than dial-up. You’ll also want a printer. If you can, get both with wireless capabilities.
2. Your Own Domain Name
Be sure to get a domain name that you’ve purchased, so that you can begin to establish your own brand. Further, some providers will not allow you to refer to an affiliate website, but only a domain that you own. A worthy domain name will be short (30 characters or less), understandable to the eye and the ear, and indicative of your business or product. The most favored names end in “.com” and such names are ideal for most internet marketing businesses, when available.
3. Telecommunications
Another key tool is telecommunications, including an Internet Service Provider and a telephone – either land-line, cellular, or VOIP, with or without headset, whichever you like. It should have both local and long distance features, and if you plan to hold conferences for your downline, the ability to handle conference calls. If you’re going to do teleseminars, etc., you’ll probably want to invest in a teleconferencing service that can handle many, perhaps hundreds or even a thousand, callers at the same time.
4. Web Hosting Service
You’ll need a web hosting service to provide a “home” for your website. There are many such companies available to meet the needs of home businesses and internet businesses. Their services do differ somewhat, as do their costs, so be sure to shop around before making your decision.
5. Data & Systems Security
You’ll also need good security for your systems and data. This can take the form of physical security, plus software such as firewalls, and security applications like McAfee or Norton.
6. Data & Systems Backup/Restore Capability
Another requirement is for backup of your locally stored programs and data. Regardless of the best security programs you might be able to implement, there will probably come a time when you undergo some sort of a system crash, with either partial or complete loss of data and key programs. Consequently you will also want a robust backup and restore program.
7. Products
You’ll require one or more products to sell – products that you have developed yourself, or ones that have been created by other people. If you create your own products, then you’ll also have to worry about all the associated back office capabilities. If you get your products from other vendors, then you’ll have to worry about maintaining the relations with those vendors, order fulfillments, customer satisfaction and that you get properly paid.
8. Affiliate Program Network
If you’re intending to sell several affiliate products, you’ll doubtless also want to join one or more Affilate Program Networks (APNs), such as ClickBank, Commission Junction, or LinkShare, etc. to handle your commissions, sales statistics, and other back office functions for you.
9. Web 2.0 Capabilities
The Web is very dynamic, so if you want to be successful in today’s online world, you’ll want sites and services that support blogging and interactive communities (i.e., ones that use Web 2.0 to facilitate a whole host of collaboration, interaction and participation, using the web as the network platform).
10. Technical Support
Finally – another often overlooked requirement – is the need for excellent technical support – for both your local hardware and software, but even more importantly, for any of your customer-facing websites and product systems. If your customer-facing systems go down and you are unable to get fast technical support from any/all your suppliers, the resultant downtime can influence your advertising and marketing campaigns, you can lose or upset potential customers, and ultimately, your profit margin will suffer (including your reputation, as well).
Technology is the lifeblood of an internet marketing business, and Murphy’s Law being what it is, you should to prepare for the eventual breakdowns and system crashes that come about as well. Implementing all these basic technologies will help ensure the success of your online business.
I’m taking this advice to heart and working my own internet marketing business. Take control of your future and your financial security by starting a legitimate home based business.