I want to start an online business providing document services and printing needs to small businesses.  I know who I want to host my website (Yahoo! Small Business works the best for me and is affordable) and I can make a website.  What I need to know is 1) is this an area that is profitable online and 2) what are some of the first steps I should take so that I can start earning money almost immediately wothout having to spend tons of money first.  Other tips are welcome!
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You seem to have thought out your online business. What strikes me though is your statement "earning almost immediately."\n\nSure, you can achieve that -- IF AND ONLY IF you have pre-marketed your site. It means that your target market is aware that your site will be launching so they are ready to go there and order as soon as you have launched. \n\nOne of the realities of the Web is that there is no truth to what they say "If you build it they will come." They won't; unless you are extremely proactive in your marketing. But to expect people flocking to your site as soon as you launch if you did no prior marketing is nothing but foolish hope. It just doesn't happen that way. For one, it takes time for search engines to pick up your site; and it even takes a longer time for your site to be in the top 10 of your keywords.\n\nOne article that I found very useful is "7 Steps to Successful Web Site Development" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol142/website.htm as it takes to you all the decision steps that you need to take when starting an online business. Like any other business, startup period is full of "should I do this" or "should I do that" questions. The article is useful because it helps you think through every step of the way - from why do you want a website to who is your audience to how will you create your website to how you will market your new website.\n\nHere are the steps you need to take when creating your online business:\n\nSTEP 1: Set Your Goals - Why do you want a web site? What is the size of the online market? What are the goals for your website?\n\nSTEP 2: Develop Your Web Site Strategy - Who is your website target audience? What typically appeals to your target audience? How are the other websites (your competition) reaching out to this target audience? How will you measure your performance?\n\nSTEP 3: Set-Up Implementation Plans - What name will you give to your site? How do you envision the design of your web site? How will you create your website? How will you create your content? How will you maintain your website?\n\nSTEP 4: Start the Ball Rolling - Do you have a logo? For e-retailers, do you have the critical components needed to run an e-commerce site? How are you going to host your site?\n\nSTEP 5: Create and Launch Your Web Site - Have you uploaded your site with your chosen web host provider? Are the scripts and application you need for your website functioning well? Have you tested your website? \n\nSTEP 6: Promote Your Web Site and Measure Its Results - Do you have a plan in place to market your website? Do you regularly review your traffic logs and web site performance tracker? How are you going to get sites to link to you? Do you know the search engine keywords that you rank well? If your site is not visible in the search engine results pages for its keywords, what strategies do you intend to do? \n\nSTEP 7: Maintain Your Website and Grow Your Web Business - Continue to find ways to grow your web business. How do you intend to continue your education on web development?\n\nHere are some shoestring marketing ideas that can help you get the visitors you need at the least cost possible: \n\n1. Create the best content you can with the best products you can possibly offer. Your content is your best advertisement - if visitors love your content, then they will go back and spread the word to others.\n\n2. Make it easy for users to recommend your site. Viral marketing is very important -- and easy to tap on the Web. But give your users the tools. Get a Recommend this Site script from websites such as cgiscripts.com and similar directories of scripts. Some even go as far as giving incentives to those who recommend the site to their friends. If only 10 people go to your site, but these 10 people invite 10 more - that's additional traffic that you get for FREE!\n\n3. Rank well in the search engines (organic search results, not the pay per click).
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The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* Selling Online: How to Become a Successful E-Commerce Merchant by Jim Carroll, Rick Broadhead\n* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds\n* Intelligent Selling: The Art & Science of Selling Online by Ken Burke \n* E-Commerce for Dummies by Don Jones\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
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There is nothing simple or easy about starting a home-based business.\n\nThere is nothing simple about doing business on the Internet.\n\nYour best chance for success is to make a list of all the skills you have - what you like to do, what you are good at doing and then match that with a perceived need.  \n\nIf there is an existing market for what you can do, it's much easier.  Otherwise you will be spending large amounts of time building up a clientele for your product or service.\n\nA good place to start is with SCORE - link below - for free business advice from retired executives.\n\nEven if you don't spend cash starting up - be prepared to invest lots of time - most of it without bringing in cash - to establish and build your business.  \n\nEven when you do get clients, expect to put in long hours - most successful businesses don't begin to see a profit for 3-5 years.
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Well, to be quite honest, I've never known anyone who has made a living with an internet business. That is not to say that it can't be done. However, I have my own business, which is doing quite well. I put a bit of money into it to get started, and I am doing great. I am a DJ/KJ..(KJ-karaoke) and it took a few years to get it off the ground. Now it's to the point that I'm double booked, and (thank God for me having 2 systems) I can pretty much keep up on shows. It just takes a lot of time and effort to get your own business going. Good luck!
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....Valid question. If you find... share the wealth!  The website you are looking is something the entrepreneur in you is going to create. Most business ops make others wealthy. Guard your idea and make it work! For You!
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Now a days Internet cafe business is not earning much profit.\nI would recommend you start most profitable LEGITIMATE homebased business which is fully automated.  This system is very much different from other business which requires lot of time,energy and money. This incredible system allows you to earn fortune without selling, advertising, prospecting, closing or answering questions. It works 24/ 7 and you can earn profit for each automatic sale, sitting in your home, enjoying life with family and friends or on vacation. . This system allows you to earn $3000 everyday.\nThis business can be done Globally.
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this is a great way to advertise and get your business going. this site even sells affordable targeted mailing list and much more. check it out: http://hotshorturl.com/fp98
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Hi,\n\nLuis Galarza here...\n\nWell my friend if you really want to earn more money in 2 month and maybe build a business that will generate a monthly residual income and not just "more money" I really recommend you to go for Partnership business and MLM or Network Marketing... Why? Simple because you can start any of this business with no or little investment from your part.\n\nPartnership Business: When I said partnership business I am talking about that you can earn more money with JV or Joint Venture Partnerships and Affiliate or Associate Program Marketing. \n\nThis type of business can be very lucrative if you know how to market on the internet the right way. Plus, you don't need:\n\n- A product\n- Employees\n- Office or storefront\n- Merchant Account\n- Phone\n\nAnd you don't have to worry about returns, customer service or sales support, the merchant does all that for you. The only thing you have to do is send traffic to the unique link or links the merchant provide you when you sign up for their affiliate program.\n\nMLM or Network Marketing: Is just another form of Affiliate Program where you can make money by selling the merchant's products or services and you can earn even more money by introducing more people to the business opportunity and teaching them to do the same, which is what network marketers call "Downline".\n\nThe bigger your downline the less work you need to do and the more money you can earn. You can do the same thing on some multi-tier or multi-level affiliate programs... (See resource box for some useful links).\n\nDid you know that even Donald Trump knows that Network Marketing is the way to go... That's exatly what he recommends to anyone who wants to start a new business on a low budget. \n\nAnd he's right... Because you get everything you need from the business plan, business training, and business supplies design to help you earn more money.\n\nPros: Low or no investment, and big money to be make\n\nCons: 95% to 98% make little or no money on ths industrys.\n\nThat's why I really recommend you to get the training you need to have a successful business venture that can earn you more and money for years to come...\n\nHope this little tip will help you.\n\nTo YOUR Success,\n\nLuis Galarza, CEO of\nFree Affiliate Marketing Training Membership Site\nhttp://www.AffiliateCashSecretsClub.com/ \n\nP.S. Test you marketing until you find what works for you, don't be like those poeple that can't earn any money on a affiliate program or network marketing opportunity and then they call it scam.\n\nRemember any business have the potential to make money and you are the only one that can make it happen!\n\nAlso you can visit my blog for more tips at:\nhttp://luisgalarza.blogspot.com/ \n\n\n\n\n.
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What should you look for in an "ideal" internet business? \n\n- No or minimal start-up fees (Our business start-up is $29.00)\n- A product or service you feel good about  (Consumable products used in every home… safer, more effective, less expensive, things people use and need on a daily basis)\n- A duplicable system (work FOR yourself- NOT BY yourself… we are a TEAM of individuals working to help others… “Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others reach their goals from Home!!!”\n- Residual income (Residual Income PLUS bonuses for helping others!!!)\n- Customizable web sites to promote your business  (Free website for ALL Members)\n- Free training and support  (Free Company and TEAM Training… we will work with you to reach YOUR GOALS!!!)\n- Free marketing materials and ideas (Our support team has 70 members who are there to help you every step of the way… Training and support from people who have been there and done that.  Training provided via email, internet, or telephone)\n- Company in business at least 18 months and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (Inc 500 Company in business for over 20 years with over 700 Million in annual sales. As for the Better Business Bureau: “The Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming division of the Better Business \nBureau recently presented Our Company AND CEO with its 2005 "Hall of Fame" award. This prestigious award honored Our Company for its example of ethics and integrity in \ndealings with customers, employees, and the community. We have received many other Prestigious Awards.)\n\nIf you would like to get all the details... contact me through IM or Yahoo360.  The information is FREE and there is no obligation to join... If it makes sense to you... we can work WITH you to reach your goals from home.  If you deside to give it a try... the $29.00 start-up fee is refundable for up to 120 days.\n\nMy websites: http://learn2.momsmakemore or http://learn2.ownanewbusiness.com
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http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting/?r=wh\n\nThis is a great tool for making your own website. It offers a variety of templates and other tools for you to make a website very easy. The instructions are soooo easy and the pages turn out just the way you want them to look.\n\nIt is free to download and make your pages.\nIt does cost about 11.00 a month, to add to the web, but is well worth it. It also gives you a free domain name..\n\nGood Luck\n\nDesign and Build Your Web Site\nUse our easy site building software with 380+ designs or your own third-party design tool to create a professional web site.\nYahoo! SiteBuilder Software\nYou don't need a technical background to build a professional, ad-free web site with Yahoo! SiteBuilder.\n\nCreate a site from scratch or customize one of our 380+ designs. \nGet step-by-step help from our built-in Site Creation Wizard. \nTry Yahoo! SiteBuilder before you sign up for Yahoo! Web Hosting. \nLearn more…\n\nThird-Party Tools\n\nWe support popular third-party design tools like Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe GoLive, and Microsoft FrontPage (2000 and 2002).*\n\nLearn more…\n\nSupport for Flash, Shockwave, audio, video, slide shows, and more.Room to Grow...and Grow!\nGet plenty of capacity to build many web pages and support lots of visitors. Web hosting plans start with 5GB of disk space and 200GB/mo. of data transfer.\nCapacity\n\nGo ahead and grow as much as you want — we've got you covered! Our popular Yahoo! Web Hosting Starter plan comes with: \n\n\n\n5GB of disk space: With enough space to build 5, 10 — even 25,000 web pages — chances are that Yahoo! Web Hosting Starter offers more than enough storage to get you going!** \n200GB of data transfer per month: Plenty of capacity to support anywhere from 1,000 to half a million visitors each month.** \nEasy upgrades: Should you need more capacity, you can purchase more disk space and bandwidth or just upgrade to Yahoo! Web Hosting Standard or Professional. No additional fees, beyond the monthly fee, are charged when you upgrade. \n\n\nScalability\n\nWe host more than 30 million web sites.*** You can rely on Yahoo! Web Hosting to handle your most advanced hosting needs.\n\n\nPricing\nYahoo! Web Hosting plans start at $11.95/mo. With no annual contracts required, you get a low-risk, high-reward investment! \nYahoo! Web Hosting offers you three plans to meet your business needs.\n\nYahoo! Web Hosting Starter: $11.95/mo \nYahoo! Web Hosting Standard: $19.95/mo \nYahoo! Web Hosting Professional: $39.95/mo \n\n\nAll plans include a $25 setup fee \n\n\n\nAll plans are billed on a monthly basis, and no long-term contract is required to receive our standard or promotional rates.\n\n\nSite Management \nYahoo! Web Hosting simplifies site management, making it easy to update your site, share site access, view performance reports, and more. \n \nUser-Friendly Control Panel\n\nYour control panel is your command center to oversee site building, file management, editing, email, and much more. \nGive web site access to multiple users, such as business partners, so others can contribute to your web site. \n\n\n \nWeb Site Statistics\n\nWith Yahoo! Web Hosting's easy-to-read statistical reports, you can gain important insight into: \n\nHow many people have visited your site \nHow many times each web page has been viewed \nWhich search engines and search terms were used to find your site \nWhich sites your visitors came from \n\n\nDownload raw access logs for an even more in-depth breakdown of your site performance — plus get a free log-analyzer tool.\n24-Hour Customer Support\nYahoo! Web Hosting is committed to giving you all the help you need to build and maintain a successful web site. \n24-hour toll-free customer support \n24-hour email support \nExtensive online help \nGetting Started guides and videos \n\nFree Domain Name\nYahoo! Web Hosting saves you money by including a free domain name with all plans. You can also use a dom
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Do not try to start an Internet business. Start a business that allows you to use your passions.\n\nDetermine what you are good at and what you love to do. Then research to determine if there is a market for it. Do you love making jewelry? Start a jewelry business. Are you good at graphic design? Start a design business. \n\nOnce you know what your business will be, you can decide if you should do business on the Internet. "Internet" is not a business. It is one way of reaching customers.\n\nAnd you will have to learn some "techie" things, unless you have the funds to pay people to set up your Web site and all the things that go along with that (shopping cart, merchant account, search engine optimization, pay-per-click ad campaigns, etc.). \n\nThere is no magic to making money online. It takes hard work, just as it does offline. It is certainly possible, but do not expect that you will get rich with no effort.\n\nCome up with something (a product or service) that people want, find those people and tell them about it. That is the simple formula for success in any business.\n\nGood luck!
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You may want to read the article “6 Hottest Businesses on the Web  http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/web.htm which lists six areas of the new Web that present new opportunities to small online businesses:\n\nThe Web offers tremendous opportunities for those who know how to harness it. You hear of stories of people who earn thousands if not millions of dollars from doing business on Web. While there are many scams (same way in the traditional business world), there are various ways you can legitimately make money on the Web.\n\nHere are the main business models you can adopt:\n\n1. Sell products on the Web - Big boys like Amazon or Lillian Vernon online catalog or smaller businesses like BigKidsVideo.com or Candle4Less.com all sell products on the Web. \n\nYou can either sell: (a) through your own storefront through your own website or applications such as Yahoo Stores; or (b) sell through online auctions like eBay\n\n2. Information Delivery. Others such as About.com or PowerHomeBiz.com create content and monetize their content in a number of ways:\n\na. Advertising - From the article "How to Generate Advertising Revenues for Your Web Site" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol28/adrevenues.htm , there are several ways you can earn money from advertising:\n\n1. Join an advertising network. Advertising networks are organizations that aggregate Web sites that offer advertising space, and sell banner ads (and other advertising options) across them. Traffic requirement is often a minimum of 5,000 monthly impressions, although many do not accept sites hosted by free page services. \n\nBurst Media http://www.burstmedia.com\nFastclick (ValueClick). http://www.fastclick.com\nAdvertising.com. http://www.advertising.com\nTribal Fusion http://www.tribalfusion.com \n\n2. Participate in contextual advertising networks. Contextual advertising are text ads delivered based on the content of the web page using an automated system. \n\nGoogle Adsense https://www.google.com/adsense/\nYahoo! Publishing Network (currently in beta and available to US publishers only) http://publisher.yahoo.com/ \nIntellixt http://vibrantmedia.com/site/web_01a5.htm \nQuigo Adsonar http://www.quigo.com/adsonarexchange.htm \nIndustryBrains http://www.industrybrains.com \nCommission Junction Evolution http://www.cj.com\n\n3. Sell advertising for your site directly. This is admittedly a more difficult route for a small business site wanting to earn advertising revenues. But hey, as they say: "no pain, no gain!" \n\nb. Affiliate Programs - you sell other people's products that your audience may be interested in; and you get a certain commission after the desired action was done (whether a sale, a lead, subscription to email newsletter, or however this is defined)\n\nc. Paid online content. Hoovers.com or WebmasterWorld.com Supporters forum all require paid subscription before accessing the information\n\nd. Content licensing and syndication. Some publishers such as the Associated Press get paid every time their content is published elsewhere
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Hi.,\nI will take a look at it for you. Chck my site friday.\n\nWhen starting an online business there are many things to consider. Do you have a product you would like to sell or are you planning on selling an existing product as an affiliate marketer? Do you have a budget or will you be raising capital later? You will nedd to spend money in order to make money. Are you someone who would like to spend a lot of time at home or do you prefer the commute. Some people really do, I know it sounds nuts but they do. These are all things you will need to ask and answer as you begin. Plenty of people are making money online, working at home, running an online business. So you probably can as well. But be careful!! There are lots of scams out there!  Dont pay for anything untill you have read the free ebook Dotcomology !!\n\nHere is the link to the free download:\nhttp://www.bizoppreview.com/dotcomology.html\n\nGood Luck
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I can tell you about what I did to make money from home. I have two children and really didn't want to work outside of the home, but having some extra money was something that I wanted. I decided to do some reading.\n\nGracious, are there ever some get rich quick schemes out there. I read about all of them over the course of two months. Nothing I saw really intrigued me until I read about Site Build It.\n\nWhat is that all about?\n\nCreating your own web site. My site is about resume writing. I know a lot about it and I have worked in the field before (for years), so writing about it is almost second nature.\n\nI'll list my web site below and if you want more information, click on the "My Passion" button on my site or click on the "Contact Us" button and ask me any questions you want.\n\nSome people who have their own sites make a whole lot more than I do. I happen to have created a web site in a very competitive field. My next site will be more focused on a tighter niche as those tend to make a lot more money.\n\nAnyway, it has worked for thousands of people and it's now working for me.\n\nI'll include one other link so that you can read about other people's stories. One young lady started building her site when she was a teenager and has completely financed her way through college with just one web site.\n\nMy site won't do that anytime soon, but I like what I have built so far. :)\n\nGood luck with whatever you choose to do.
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1. You can sell products and run an ecommerce website like Newegg or Amazon\n\n2. You can publish information earn by advertising (through contextual advertising like Google Adsense and Yahoo Publishers Network; banner advertising such as Fastclick, Tribal Fusion and Burst Media; or your own ad sales)\n\n3. You can create members-only website and earn money throough monthly or yearly subscriptions such as most adult websites or Economist.com\n\n4. You can sell information products such as downloadable ebooks or CDRoms\n\n5. You can bring buyers and sellers in your portal such as eBay\n\n6. Sell services such as search engine optimization, graphics design, web design, online incorporation, domain broker, etc. \n\nOne article that I found very useful is "7 Steps to Successful Web Site Development" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol142/website.htm  as it takes to you all the decision steps that you need to take when starting an online business. Like any other business, startup period is full of "should I do this" or "should I do that" questions. The article is useful because it helps you think through every step of the way - from why do you want a website to who is your audience to how will you create your website to how you will market your new website.\n\nHere are the steps you need to take when creating your online business:\n\nSTEP 1: Set Your Goals - Why do you want a web site? What is the size of the online market? What are the goals for your website?\n\nSTEP 2: Develop Your Web Site Strategy - Who is your website target audience? What typically appeals to your target audience? How are the other websites (your competition) reaching out to this target audience? How will you measure your performance?\n\nSTEP 3: Set-Up Implementation Plans - What name will you give to your site? How do you envision the design of your web site? How will you create your website? How will you create your content? How will you maintain your website?\n\nSTEP 4: Start the Ball Rolling - Do you have a logo? For e-retailers, do you have the critical components needed to run an e-commerce site? How are you going to host your site?\n\nSTEP 5: Create and Launch Your Web Site - Have you uploaded your site with your chosen web host provider? Are the scripts and application you need for your website functioning well? Have you tested your website? \n\nSTEP 6: Promote Your Web Site and Measure Its Results - Do you have a plan in place to market your website? Do you regularly review your traffic logs and web site performance tracker? How are you going to get sites to link to you? Do you know the search engine keywords that you rank well? If your site is not visible in the search engine results pages for its keywords, what strategies do you intend to do? \n\nSTEP 7: Maintain Your Website and Grow Your Web Business - Continue to find ways to grow your web business. How do you intend to continue your education on web development?
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I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\nHow to Start and Manage a Printing Business: A Practical Way to Start Your Own Business  by Jerre G. Lewis, Leslie D. Renn\nFree Money for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs by Laurie Blum\nFinding Money: The Small Business Guide to Financing (Small Business Series) by Kate Lister, Tom Harnish\nFinancing Your Business Dreams With Other People's Money: How and Where to Find Money for Start-Up and Growing Businesses by Harold R. Lacy\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
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In the last few months i have been going through the net looking for such opportunities. Some are really a waste of time and money but others are worthwhile and cost a fortune. I however came across a website that provided an easy way to building a profitable Internet business. They provide training on how to get traffic, how to generate multiple streams of income, and so much more. All the information was presented in such a way that even a 10 year old could build an Internet empire. The best part of all is that it is absolutely free. That was what really amused me. \n\nhttp://giddy.payitforward4profits.com/\n\nSo the site can help guys who are already in other Internet businesses by giving them ways/strategies of building their businesses. Or for us newbies, it gives suitable ways of building our Internet businesses from scratch. Check it out and see what i mean. \n\nHope this will be of help in getting you started. \n\nhttp://giddy.payitforward4profits.com/