For my last post, Some Basics For An Internet Marketing Newbie, I mentioned a few items that I thought were essential for a newbie wanting to start an internet business. I received quite a few comments that I had left out some other important items and needed to give some prices for the items I recommended.
One of the items I mentioned was a domain. This is needed as it is the name of your website. I have a couple of companies I use though there are quite a few others that are just as good. I use Godaddy and Namecheap, namecheap.com. Both I have found to be reliable. As I say though just goggle domain companies and you will see a bunch. You can usually find domains ranging in price between $7-10.
For a hosting company I would recommend HostGator, that is who I use. They have a 99.9% Uptime Guarantee which is the amount of time they are usually up and running. This is very important because if your website is not up, you are not making any money. And after all you are in business for what?
Hostgator has few plans to choose from starting with the Hatchling plan that you can get started with for $4.95/mo. It would be a good starting plan for a newbie but I would suggest the Baby plan for 7.95/mo. The big difference is that the hatchling plan will only allow one domain but the Hatchling will allow unlimited domains. That way if you figure that you like this business you might want to set up more websites.
Most hosting companies are pretty similar with some offereing a few more thing than others. But the most important thing from any company is to make sure they have Cpanel. This will low you to work in your back office to work on your website.
Another must have item I did not mention was an autoresponder which I must admit is a very important part of your business. This will allow you the ability to stay in contact with your customers, better known as your list. The autoresponder will be your communication link to them to let them know what you are up to.
This will be how you can load up a bunch of messages to send out to the whole list at one time on specific days that you can decide on. You can send them your newsletter, let them know about upcoming events, the next product launch and you can go on and on.
Now two of the bigger names out there for this service are Get Response and Aweber. I use Aweber and have never had any problems with them. Now you could get 10 people and you might get half to say either one. You can look to spend between $18-25 with either company and by signing up for quarterly, half yearly and yearly plans the price will be a bit cheaper.
There are loads more little things I could throw in to tell you about. One thing though you will learn in this business is Analysis Paralysis which can stifle and sometimes kill a newbie. No need for brain overload when you are just starting out.
I will talk about other things from time to time. Just check back and see what our next topic will be. Internet Marketing has a world of opportunities available to you. Just get in and take a look, though I must warn you you might get hooked.
April 10th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Great additions to your original list Andre. I have used most of these services that you mentioned and they are very good services to start out with.
I have not had any problems with any of them.
April 11th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Analysis paralysis is the real key that needs to be overcome. Nike had it right – Just Do It. Even if it is not perfect the doers move ahead.
April 11th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Great follow-up. Both recommendations are great, use them also.
I had the baby account as well, the unlimited domains are internally added as a subdomains to you master domain. If you are going to add many domains consider the lowest priced reseller account. Gives you full control on each domain.
Fred
April 11th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Thanks for the list. I agree that it’s important to get a Host that has Cpanel. I wish I knew about Hostgator before getting into IM. I’m presently with a Host that does not have Cpanel and will make the switch at sime time.
Thanks again
April 11th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Getting a hosting company should be one step in the process that no one overlooks. It is an essential part of the internet marketing experience.
And I agree that it should support cPanel.
April 12th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I use Namecheap for my domains now. Used to used GoDaddy, but just find Namecheap more easy to deal with on transfers. I also use Hostgator as one of my hosting resources. Their support used to be terrible until about 12 months or so ago, but now it’s fantastic and that is really important when choosing a hosting company. Of course cPanel is a MUST!
April 13th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Andre,
Great additions.
Probably one of the more important things for a marketer to have access to is the autoresponder.
With a list to mail to, it’s almost impossible to make money online.
Thanks for the update.
Ron