Technology is a critical success factor for any internet marketing business, but frequently people just starting out don’t have a very good understanding of what kind of technology is required or how it will affect their businesses.

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

Try to institute processes and systems that integrate thoroughly and are up 100% of the time to care for customers and prospects. Establish an “automated money machine” that is backed by an excellent technical support team, to make your life simple and your wallet full.

1. 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 applications like McAfee or Norton.
2. Technical Support – A frequently 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.
3. Products – You’ll have to have 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 others, then you’ll have to worry about supply relationship management, ensuring that required products get shipped on time, customers are satisfied and proper payment.
4. Computer & Printer – If you’re going to do internet marketing (IM), you’ll need a computer – preferably one that you own, either a desktop model or a laptop. Obtain one with plenty of memory and speed. A broadband internet connection is faster than dial-up. You’ll also need a printer. If you can, get both with wireless capabilities.
5. Web 2.0 Capabilities – The Net is constantly changing, so if you want to be successful in today’s environment, you’ll want websites and services that enable 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).
6. Data & Systems Backup/Restore Capability – Another requirement is for backup of your locally stored programs and data. Regardless of the best security programs you might be able to implement, there will probably come a time when you suffer some sort of a system crash, with either partial or complete loss of data and key programs. Consequently you will also have to have a healthy backup and restore program.
7. Web Hosting Service – You’ll need a web hosting service to provide a “home” for your website. There are many web hosting companies available to service home businesses and online marketers. Their capabilities do differ, as do their costs, so be sure to shop around before making your decision.
8. Affiliate Program Network – If you’re planning to sell several affiliate products, you’ll almost certainly 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. Telecommunications – Another important 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.
10. Your Own Domain Name – You’ll want a domain name that you own, so that you can begin to develop your own brand. Further, some providers will not allow you to refer to an affiliate website, but only a domain that you own. A superior domain name will be short (30 characters or less), understandable to the eye and the ear, and representative of your business or product. The most popular names end in “.com” and those are favorite for most affiliate marketing businesses, if available.

If your systems go down and you are not able to get rapid technical support from any/all your suppliers, the resulting downtime can blow your advertising and marketing campaigns, you can lose or alienate potential customers, and ultimately, your profit margin will suffer (including your brand, as well).

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

I’m taking my own advice and working my own affiliate marketing business. I invite you to take control of your future and your financial security by starting a legitimate work at home job.

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