Top 10 Basic Technologies for Online Businesses

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 necessary or how it will affect their businesses.

These ten tips should help you get off to a good start.

As much as you possibly can, you should try to establish processes and systems that integrate easily, and are available 100% of the time to take care of customers and prospects. Look for an "automated money machine" that is backed by an excellent technical support team, if you want to make your life trouble-free and your checking account healthy.

1. Computer & Printer

If conduct internet marketing (IM), you'll clearly need a computer of some sort – preferably one that you own, either a desktop model or a laptop. Purchase one with plenty of memory and speed. A broadband is better than dial-up. You'll also want a printer. If you can, get both with wireless capabilities.

2. Your Own Domain Name

You'll want a domain name that you've purchased, so that you can begin to create your own brand. Further, some providers will not allow you to refer to an affiliate website, but only a domain that you own. A high-quality domain name will be short (30 characters or less), meaningful to the eye and the ear, and indicative of your product or service. The best names end in ".com" and those are ideal for most online marketing businesses, if 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 capabilities, 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 host to provide a "home" for your website. There are many such companies available to service home businesses and affiliate marketers. Their capabilities do differ, 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 applications and data. This can take the form of physical security, plus software such as firewalls, and security programs like McAfee or Norton.

6. Data & Systems Backup/Restore Capability

Another necessary, but frequently overlooked, need is for backup of your locally stored programs and data. Regardless of other security measures, there will likely come a time when you undergo some sort of a system crash, with either partial or complete loss of data and key programs. Therefore you will also want a rigorous backup and restore capability.

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 maintaining appropriate inventories, performing upgrades, handling returns, etc. If you get your products from other vendors, then you'll have to worry about maintaining the relations with those vendors, ensuring that required products get shipped on time, customer satisfaction and receivables and collections.

8. Affiliate Program Network

If you're intending to sell many 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 internet is very dynamic, so if you want to be successful in today's environment, 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 – again a regularly 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 rapid technical support from any/all your suppliers, the resulting downtime can impact your advertising and marketing campaigns, you can lose or upset potential customers, and ultimately, your bottom line will suffer (including your reputation, as well).

Technology is the lifeblood of an online marketing business, and given Murphy's Law, you have to to prepare for the eventual downtime and system crashes that occur as well. Implementing all these basic technologies will ensure the success of your online business.

I'm taking this advice to heart and operating my own online marketing business. Take control of your future and your financial security by starting a legitimate home based business.

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