Making the Internet Your Business
The internet is a place with so much potential for starting a business, especially in South Africa where more and more people are getting connected.
Our internet markets are so far from its full potential that I suggest you get yourself ready for the day when broadband becomes even cheaper. The internet will become accessible and cheaper for households throughout the country.
For you to really start earning money from multiple income streams on the internet, you have to have some sort of an online presence.
As I have explained in a previous article on my website, you can earn an income without a website, by signing up for an affiliate programme like the one at Bidorbuy’s auction site, promoting individual products or their seminars.
It is very limiting to only use the e-mail option, most affiliate marketers eventually opt for a website or blog.
Where do you start?
Even though there are many free websites available on offer, it is preferable to get your own domain name to create a trustworthy site.
There are blogging sites like www.blogger.com, www.typepad.com or the popular www.wordpress.com, but most of them have rules about marketing and you don’t have 100% control of your website.
Other blogging sites, like blogs.24.com are social sites and do not allow affiliate links and other marketing tools, so ensure follow the rules of the sites you decide to blog at.
The best option is to pay for web hosting service, like Afrihost. They have various payment plans to choose from, with a reasonable cost of R99.00 per month you can host your blog or website and have total control of your content.
What can you blog about?
The best topics to blog about (or create your website around) would be things you have a real interest in. It might be something you consider to be simple, but other people might be looking to talk about.
If you are a movie buff then talk about the latest movies or if you like gaming, then write about that. You can write about writing, knitting, cooking, crafts, fishing, cars, etc. The list is endless.
Is that all?
NO! You have to do your research! Read everything you can about blogging and internet marketing. A good place to start would be a free resource from Quirk eMarketing. Keep up to date on what is happening in the internet marketing world and you will make money.
What Now?
Now you start writing! Geta few articles done and then sign up for an account with a reputable website like the TrafficSynergy Affiliate Program ,Kalahari.net’s eTrader and/or PC Mall and find campaigns to match your topics of interest. Sign up to Google Adsense immediately and start earning.
2 Responses to “Making the Internet Your Business”
By Abu on Jan 2, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the information. Need to know more about this. Wish you great 2009.
By Abigail Abrahams on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Abu. Happy 2009 to you too.