Looking to Start Website Business, Can It Really Be Done?

Updated on November 12, 2008
S.C. asks from Saint Charles, IL
11 answers

I have an idea for starting a web-based business and I feel it's a pretty good idea. I've spoken to some different people and they've given me the steps I need to take to get it going but I just don't know if it can really get off the ground. Does anyone have any experience in this area? Has anyone ever started a web business? I'm a savy business gal but wonder where do I advertise, how does my name get out there, where do I find the people to join??? I can't imagine just launching the site and sitting back and watching it work (wouldn't that be nice). If anyone has any expertise or knowledge, PLEASE let me know. I'm really focused on trying to make this work so I can be home with my family more. Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

2 moms found this helpful

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J.T.

answers from Indianapolis on

1and1.com is a nice website start and kudzu.com is great free international/local advertising. I am in the middle of doing it all myself as well. GOOD LUCK!!!! :)

1 mom found this helpful

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L.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Sarha, My name is L., I live in Downers Grove and have 5 Children. I have meet a group of awesome Moms that had the same desire I did, We all wanted to make an income without leaving our children.

As I'm sure you know, there are all kinds of work from home idea's out their now, and Ive tried a few, they were either scams, cost a fortune it join or just didn't work for me.

I have found out about a reputable on line wellness store that is much like Costco or Sam's club, they are a consumer wholesale direct store. their products are safer for you and your family, healthier for everyone and the environment and cheaper than any major store, even Walmart or Target. Their products are all guaranteed to work as well if not better than what we are buying now, or your money back, no questions asked.

They are so sure that you will love their store, they are now offering to give you 100.00 in free products just for trying them!

We are working in partnership, using our first hand knowledge of their store and awesome products. Word of mouth referring is their only advertising. So just for telling people about them, I get a check.

Now for my business, I do not have stock, inventory, deliver products, collect money, do billing or collections, all I do is tell people where to shop to save money and keep their family healthy.

This is so easy to learn, and fun to do, and there is no risk! Here are some informative websites you can check out for yourself. www.livetotalwellness.com/lahart and www.2achievethedream.com. This really works! You and nothing to lose! This is truly an awesome opportunity.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from Bloomington on

To set your website you can go to, Go Daddy. They will help you get started. You can also go to AnnVertel.com and she has a place where to help set up different kinds of websites. I am building one now and I am going to use the one that is a membership site. She has different ones to choose from.

Dont be afraid just get out there and do it.

"The future belongs to thouse who believe in the beauty of their dreams"-Eleanor Roosevelt.

You are great! I believe in you!

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J.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi S.,
I have been working from home 3 months.Make $400 and over a day.U are welcome to visit my sight http://www.thesecretpays.com/cash2day it's easy u make $400 and over a day.Have questions call me 1-###-###-####
your new Friend,
J.

N.P.

answers from Chicago on

I am not sure of your business line but few things to think about...

1. Webdesigner
- Hire a reliable webdesigner. VERY important. If your business is solely web-based you must have an excellent site and consumer purchasing ability. If you need help with design of your site (even down to best colors/font) you may want to consult on this matter as well.
- First, I'd go out and reserve your domain name. If you do a search on Google, you can find a whole bunch. Some are a little reliable than others. If you'd like further opinion, just let me know.
2. Advertising
- Try and start out with what you can for free. Depending on your line this could be: PR announcement in local newspapers/magazines (ex. Star, ChicagoParent), Craigslist, TONS of Mom Business sites and groups out there (ex. meetup.com, Yahoo Group - Mom Vender Blender, MomPack, etc), postings around town, finding local groups (ex. mom groups) and advertise in their newsletter for very minimal cost), fliers around neighborhood or schools (if applicable) or wherever. Move on to those that cost more money - Ebay (would this possibly work for you as well?), public access tv ad spot, moneypack ad, clipper ad, tribune/sun-times ad, google, overture (yahoo). Just to name a few!

Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi S.,

Congrats on wanting to start your own biz!
Starting an online business can be both stressful and rewarding. You are in a good position since you already know the most difficult part of an online business....letting others know that you exist. Even if you would offer every person who visits your site $500 for free, no strings attached, you still have to get the word out there that you excist.

It is important to advertise mainly to the people who might have interest in your products/service. Social Networks are an awesome way to do this. Just talk to people about yours and their interests and make sure you have a catching link in your profile. You don't necessarily have to advertise in your posts as long as you have a good signature link. It has been proven that people rather do business with someone they know, so build relationships.

For me being successful online has come with trial and error. Just be sure you learn from you mistakes....

I wish you good luck with your new endeavors!

S.

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M.D.

answers from Chicago on

S., I can't help at all in the internet/web business but I just published a request to start a support group for women who want to have a home based business - of any kind. Maybe we can help each other and start support for us mom's located in the fox valley area. You interested?

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T.H.

answers from Chicago on

S.,
You can read my profile and if you are looking for a mentor my husband and I take on 3-4 people a year to teach how to do internet marketing. A website with ecommerce for $99.95 Start up. I have been home for 11 yrs with the same company so it is changing the world one customer at a time. If you would like an interview, we can show you what we do via internet. Thanks, T.

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V.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi S.,

I'm doing what you are attempting to do prior to the birth of my daughter in 2006. Yes it can be done but it takes a lot of work. I quit my corporate job to have the ability to stay home with my daughter and after 2 years, I'm still in business. I would recommend to hire or subcontract good people (web designer, programmer and designer) as they will be an asset to your business. Also network, network, network. I have to say 90% of my business comes from referrals. The other 10% is from people finding my site online.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me back as this is my passion :-)

C. Technologies Web Design

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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

My advice would be to keep your options open! Okay, I'm being a bit selfish! :-)

I'm in desperate need of a new business partner to help me to continue to expand in the area. If you don't mind entertaining another income venture, just so that you'll have a Plan B please let me know!

M.
###-###-####

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

I do freelance web design (I'm currently going to school for an IT degree in Web Design) and your startup costs are going to depend on how complex the website is, how many products you sell and how time consuming the graphics are....

Is your product/service a one of a kind thing?
Is it common product/service? What makes you stand out compared to others?

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