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 set up systems and processes that work together thoroughly and are accessible 100% of the time to assist customers and prospects. Look for an “automated money machine” that is backed by an excellent technical support team, to make your life uncomplicated and your wallet full.

1. 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 affiliate links, or even subdomains, but only a domain that you own. A first-rate domain name will be short (30 characters or less), meaningful to the eye and the ear, and directly related of your business or product. The best names end in “.com” and those are preferred for most online marketing businesses, if available.
2. Computer & Printer - If do internet marketing (IM), you’ll need a computer - preferably one of your own, either a desktop model or a laptop. Get one with plenty of memory and speed. A broadband internet connection is better than dial-up. You’ll also want a printer. Get wireless capabilities for both
3. Products - You’ll require one or more products to sell - products that you have developed yourself, or ones that have been created by other people. If you offer your own products, then you’ll also have to worry about all the associated back office capabilities. If you get your products from third parties, then you’ll have to worry about supply relationship management, ensuring that required products get shipped on time, customers are satisfied and receivables and collections.
4. Telecommunications - Another vital 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.
5. Data & Systems Security - You’ll also need good security for your applications and data. This can take the form of physical security, plus technologies such as firewalls, and security applications like McAfee or Norton.
6. Web 2.0 Capabilities - The internet is constantly changing, so if you want to be successful in today’s online world, you’ll want sites and services that allow 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).
7. Technical Support - A often overlooked requirement - is the need for outstanding technical support - for both your local hardware and software, but even more importantly, for any of your customer-facing websites and product systems.
8. Data & Systems Backup/Restore Capability - Another necessity is for backup of your locally stored programs and data. Regardless of other security measures, there will probably come a time when you experience some sort of a system crash, with either partial or complete loss of data and key programs. So you will also require a rigorous backup and restore capability.
9. Affiliate Program Network - If you’re intending to sell many 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.
10. 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 meet the needs of home businesses and online marketers. Their services do differ somewhat, as do their costs, so be sure to shop around before making your decision.

If these go down and you are powerless to get rapid technical support from any/all your suppliers, the resulting downtime can impact your advertising and marketing campaigns, you can lose or upset potential customers, and ultimately, your income will suffer (and your brand, as well).

Technology is the lifeblood of an internet business, and Murphy’s Law being what it is, you ought to prepare for the eventual downtime and system crashes that occur as well. Implementing all these basic technologies will help ensure the success of your online business.

I’m taking this advice to heart and running my own internet marketing business. I invite you to take control of your future and your financial security by starting a turnkey business.