Copyright
© Francisco Aloy
There
are so many different business opportunities available on
the Web; the never-ending stream of offers that will lead you to untold
riches. Everybody claims to have the "inside knowledge" that will put
you on Easy Street! Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
That
scenario is particularly painful for Internet beginners
lacking the advanced researching skills of more seasoned Netizens.
Nevertheless, is there a way for most inexperienced surfers to
ascertain the initial merits of a particular offer?
There
is a general procedure to dissect and examine most
Internet Marketing offers, in broad terms. The bulk of the offers can
be classified into two categories: Dream Merchants and Web Specific
Products. They have unique qualities that are very obvious once you
study them. Follow me and I'll show you how to recognize each one.
The
Dream Merchant:
I'm going to describe a real world,
brick-and-mortar analogy to
help you understand what the Dream Merchant sells. Let's say you walk
into a retail outlet and the sales clerk mentions an idea that's going
to make you rich! He sounds very excited and full of enthusiasm!
He
then continues to tell you all the benefits you'll get from
the "great idea." Curiously, every time you ask him what it is, he
never gives you a strait answer! He continues to pump you up while
never revealing what it is he's selling. By now, your expectation is at
a fever pitch; you gotta have it!
So you corner the
silver tongued sales clerk and ask him,
point blank. He then produces a little book and informs you that it
contains the "great idea" and it will cost you $100! You pay for the
book and he quickly scampers out the door with your money. As you open
it, it says: Do to the next guy what I just did to you!
I
know the above scenario is rather simplistic but it does
occur all the time on the Web. That kind of business is selling you a
dream! The dream is the product! You must continue to sell the dream to
the next guy. Do you want to become a Dream Merchant? I don't think so!
Beware of any company that requires an
up-front
investment to
become an affiliate member. They pump you up with dreams of big money
and the good life. Then the pressure starts for you to purchase all
kinds of products from them. Some of the items are ordinary household
supplies; quite mundane! Let's face it: When was the last time you
heard anybody getting excited about dishwashing liquid?
Web
Specific Products:
As you investigate online
business opportunities I'm sure you've
become aware of needs that are specific to Web based businesses. No
matter what a Website is selling, its owner will purchase some items
that are necessary for doing business on the Internet.
Another
thing about selling Web business specific products is
that you are, in fact, selling a product. That is such a comforting
thought! There is a basic demand for your product and it doesn't matter
if your family or friends buy a heap of them!
The
list of Web specific products is endless, here are a few:
Domains:
You gotta have a name!
Hosting: Every Web business
needs a home.
Website Design: Build and decorate
your home. Writing: Fill your home with content.
Copywriting:
Write about your product and make it sell!
Images:
Let folks see what it looks like.
The products
above are the most basic items an Internet centered
business needs. A name for its business and a place to call home; the
ability to do a written presentation with images. You can't go wrong
selling any of those listed products. The competition will be great but
you'll have an endless supply of new customers.
The
following products are of a secondary nature. I'm
including them because they will gain importance as we go into our
Broadband future. As a matter of fact, most will be considered a
necessity! Some are already widely used but will have new features when
implemented for Broadband.
Audio:
When
visitors hear your voice it lets them know you are a person, not just a
Website.
Video:
So much better!
You can present products, lessons, courses. Video is going to be big!
Scripts:
A great way to build an Opt In list and
discover the
buying
habits of your visitors. Scripts can be used in so many ways to enhance
your visitor's experience.
AutoResponders:
Follow
up to the initial customer contact is so important. A
Sequential AutoResponder is a must for doing business on the Web. If
you haven't already, get one!
Of course, there are
many more Web specific business products.
Most are connected with promotion and advertising. Some that come to
mind: Traffic exchanges, message boards, linking automation
applications, turnkey website packages, just to name a few.
When
all is said and done, you're the only person that will
make the decision about your business choice. However, if you are more
comfortable selling a real product that fulfills a real need, the list
is endless! The Web is so young it guarantees the supply of new
customers will continue for many, many years to come.
by
Francisco Aloy
(C)2004 Francisco Aloy
About
The Author
Francisco Aloy is the creator of The Newbie Business
Guide. He
is a Webmaster and Author dealing with solutions for Web Business
start-up Newbies. Discover original content with marketing punch.
Visit: http://www.newbie-business-guide.com
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