Home Based Internet Business Mistakes To Avoid
Using a home based Internet business to make money is a great idea, especially in the current lousy economy, but there are some mistakes that can easily screw it up for you. The most common errors when starting a home based Internet business follow.
One very common mistake made with a home based Internet business is picking an area to work in that has too much competition or that too few people are interested in. For example, if you search for the term "work at home" you'll find a lot of sites that are trying to get you to pay a fee in order to become a home based travel agent.
The problem with starting a home based Internet business like this is that the Internet killed travel agencies! Virtually everyone does their own booking online now. Instead of investing in something that's pass, consider an up-and-coming category like articles brokering or search engine optimization.
Choosing the wrong web host and then having to change is another common mistake people make when starting a home based Internet business. Before registering your URL and making a commitment to a particular host, research them to find one that offers what you need or you'll be sorry down the road because it will cost you time and money to switch.
There are many different levels of web hosting, from companies that just offer you basic space for a few dollars a month to others that offer full website design. There are so many web host options out there that you should be able to find an economical host that meets your needs. These needs will include e-mail addresses and consistent service (you don't want your site down during prime business hours due to server maintenance). In addition, you want to know what other kinds of sites they serve as a host for, because if their IP address is banned due to hosting spammers or porn, it will adversely affect your business.
Advertising the business before it's ready. Lots of people think correctly that they need to have a website presence in order to compete, so they register a URL and get business cards printed with it. However, they neglect to put the actual website up and when customers go to the site listed on the business cards they get a "website under construction" message!
People don't advertise nonworking phone numbers but they think nothing of promoting a URL where no website actually exists yet. This is a common cause for Internet business failure.
Equally important is setting up payments on your website. If the customer is ready to buy, he or she wants to buy RIGHT NOW, not leave a message on your 800 number or send you an e-mail and wait for an answer. Online checkout is a must for competitive Internet businesses these days. It's best to accept both credit cards and Paypal or other payment services, as in the poor economy many people may have payment issues and the more options you give them the better.
The final way to screw up your home based Internet business is to fail at delivering what you promised. A lot of people invest in the website and advertising but give no thought to actually running the business themselves. Then people flock to the site to place orders and get upset when you can't fulfill them. Substance is equally important to style when it comes to a home based Internet business.
One very common mistake made with a home based Internet business is picking an area to work in that has too much competition or that too few people are interested in. For example, if you search for the term "work at home" you'll find a lot of sites that are trying to get you to pay a fee in order to become a home based travel agent.
The problem with starting a home based Internet business like this is that the Internet killed travel agencies! Virtually everyone does their own booking online now. Instead of investing in something that's pass, consider an up-and-coming category like articles brokering or search engine optimization.
Choosing the wrong web host and then having to change is another common mistake people make when starting a home based Internet business. Before registering your URL and making a commitment to a particular host, research them to find one that offers what you need or you'll be sorry down the road because it will cost you time and money to switch.
There are many different levels of web hosting, from companies that just offer you basic space for a few dollars a month to others that offer full website design. There are so many web host options out there that you should be able to find an economical host that meets your needs. These needs will include e-mail addresses and consistent service (you don't want your site down during prime business hours due to server maintenance). In addition, you want to know what other kinds of sites they serve as a host for, because if their IP address is banned due to hosting spammers or porn, it will adversely affect your business.
Advertising the business before it's ready. Lots of people think correctly that they need to have a website presence in order to compete, so they register a URL and get business cards printed with it. However, they neglect to put the actual website up and when customers go to the site listed on the business cards they get a "website under construction" message!
People don't advertise nonworking phone numbers but they think nothing of promoting a URL where no website actually exists yet. This is a common cause for Internet business failure.
Equally important is setting up payments on your website. If the customer is ready to buy, he or she wants to buy RIGHT NOW, not leave a message on your 800 number or send you an e-mail and wait for an answer. Online checkout is a must for competitive Internet businesses these days. It's best to accept both credit cards and Paypal or other payment services, as in the poor economy many people may have payment issues and the more options you give them the better.
The final way to screw up your home based Internet business is to fail at delivering what you promised. A lot of people invest in the website and advertising but give no thought to actually running the business themselves. Then people flock to the site to place orders and get upset when you can't fulfill them. Substance is equally important to style when it comes to a home based Internet business.
About the Author:
Danielle Martensen is a published author, adviser and co-founder of DebtCollectionSteps, a website born out of her interest in commercial collection agency services. Perhaps you have a passion, an idea, or interest in something that can be turned it into a MONEY-MAKING website and home-based business. as well.