1. Internet-Based Business: Startup Rules
1. You do NOT need to be an expert in SEO (search engine optimization), social media
marketing, website marketing, traditional marketing or sales in order to get started.
However, you DO need a professional website.
2. Pre-packaged programs only work as much as you can customize it and make it unique
and your own. Even then, techniques that work for one niche will not work in all niches.
3. Be aware of any “system” that promises instant results (especially anything that sounds
like a get-rich-quick scheme!)
4. Every business is done stronger by specializing in a tight niche. Know your audience and
stick to it.
5. Internet Business Idea #1: Affiliate Marketing
What is it? :: Promote other company’s products and services on your website. When a
sale is made, you get a commission.
Most important skills needed :: PPC (Pay Per Click marketing), sales copywriting, web
marketing
6. Internet Home Business Idea #2: Blogging
What is it? A chronologically based website filled with articles, reviews, or journal-style
writing. You can sell advertising or incorporate affiliate marketing on a blog to earn
money. (Don’t have a blog yet? Get a professionally-designed one .)
Most important skills needed: Copywriting, social networking, affiliate marketing, web
marketing

2. 7. Web-Based Business Idea #3: eBay & Auction Selling
What is it? Selling or reselling products via an online marketplace like Ebay, Amazon
Auctions, or Craigslist. You can sell used goods, buy goods wholesale, or use a drop-
shipping service.
Most important skills needed: Merchandising, sales copywriting, customer service
8. Idea #4 for Internet Home Based Businesses: E-Commerce
What is it? Selling products or a technology-based service on your own website.
Most important skills needed: All of the above, below and then some!
9. Internet Home Business Idea #5: Arts & Crafts
What is it? Creating and manufacturing your own product lines and selling them online.
Most important skills needed: Creativity, sales, e-commerce
10.Home Business Idea for Web Workers #6: Internet Research Business
What is it? Doing internet research for corporations, law firms and other small
businesses.
Most important skills needed: Librarian-style research skills, customer service
11.Idea #7 for Working From Home on the Web: Freelance Services
What is it? Providing professional services such as copywriting, design, photography,
illustration, and programming usually billed on an hourly rate.
Most important skills needed: Sales, customer service, trade-specific knowledge
12.Work At Home Web Business Idea #8: Recruiting
What is it? Recruiting candidates for companies who pay a fee when a hire is made.
Most important skills needed: Sales, relationship building, networking

3. 13.Internet Business Idea #9: Consulting
What is it? Providing your specialized industry knowledge to corporations,
entrepreneurs, investors or other businesses.
Most important skills needed: Trade-specific knowledge, sales, customer service
Best learning resources: Entrepreneur.com’s Consulting Business Startup Guide
14.Web Business Idea #10: VA (Virtual Assistant)
What is it? Providing administrative and business support to other business owners and
small businesses.
Most important skills needed: Customer service, organization
Unless you have a brilliant tech idea that makes venture capitalists drool (which means you
don’t need this list), you need to determine where your strengths are and which business
model you plan on following. I have run three home-based businesses in my life, all of which
leveraged my current skill set as the foundation for building the business.
Look over the following list and single out the ones in which you have at least some
experience. You probably won’t have all of the skills necessary, so don’t let that stop you! All
you have to do is work hard and be willing to learn.