Starting an online business has the attractive potential of working for yourself and tapping into the vast marketplace of the Internet. The challenge can be where to start and what to market. This is a question best answered with what you are passionate about and the experience you have.

Three steps you need to understand to start your online business are:

1. Get traffic to see your offer.

2. Build a list — Capture names and email addresses.

3. Follow up on your list messages to convert them into sales.

Where to start: You need a system that can make a profit by marketing a product or service. This requires you to get your offer for your product/service or someone else’s product/service in front of as many eyes as possible.

Get traffic:

Blogs, article writing, websites, and videos are common tools for getting your information seen. Having your own blog post is a bonus. The cost is $10 to sign up and around $10 per month for hosting. WordPress is free and has many options for free templates.

You can supplement this by reading and commenting on established blogs in your chosen niche to build your online business. Be sure to provide links to your blog. Share valuable information, not sales pitches. At no cost to you.

Write and submit articles to various article publishing sites. These are long-term resources, so make them valuable and build respect and trust. Their links go in the authors resource box. Slightly different rules for each article publishing site.

Having your own web page for a sales letter and capture page can be easily added to your blog. There is no extra charge for these pages.

You need an autoresponder to create the capture forms and set up follow-up messages for your list. This is usually a $1 trial for the first month and then $10-20 per month. I have found the tutorial and customer support very helpful. This is essential for creating efficient and effective online businesses.

Adding video to your blog is powerful. Your videos can be shared for free via video sharing sites like Tube Mogul. This doesn’t have to be a barrier for you if you don’t want to be in front of a camera.

Jing Pro costs $15 and is a screen capture system. There may be others, this is what I use. Create a simple video using Notepad. It’s simple and works great for having visual video text to back up your audio message.

Using Microsoft Word or a similar Mac program would allow images to be added. Of course, if you have Power Point or the Mac version, that would give you more options.

You can use the webcam on your computer if you want people to see you and you feel comfortable doing so. A video or image helps your audience connect with you.

In the auto responder you can set up a series of follow up messages to build your relationship and market your product/service. The best thing has been to alternate a message of valuable information with a more commercial email. Add value to the customer and you will build trust. People prefer to buy from people they trust.

Total cost:

* Website registration $10

*Jing Pro $15

* Autoresponder $10-20 per month

* Website hosting $10 per month

*Totals: $45 upfront and $20-30 per month.

*Optional: Collapsible camera or quality webcam and microphone with headset Estimate $150.00.

Considering what it costs to start a traditional business, this is an incredibly low cost.

Summary: Generate traffic with your blog, writing articles and videos. Offer a valuable free report to people who come to your capture page and give free membership to your newsletter or community.

Capture visitors with a web form and this link to your list. Send follow up messages to build relationships. Communicate with your list constantly. With free teleconference services, you can make teleconference calls to share information and promote offers.

Skills to develop as you learn are simple WordPress functions, basic copywriting with good headlines, and time management.