Getting started with an online business these days isn't the easiest in the world. It's by far not anything like getting a dentist office or construction business off the ground, but it does take a load of time.

First, you need to decide on an idea. You're gonna have to put a lot of thought into this though. Either you will need to have an original idea, or you have to copy someone else's, but take it to the next level.

Secondly, you have to learn learn learn. Learn as much about the type of people that you are marketing your website to as possible.

Thirdly, build the website. You can either do this yourself using a content management system (CMS) or code it yourself. I always choose the first, it's just a lot easier.

Fourth, market! This is where the rubber meets the road. You need to market the website. I'm not going to go into details, but this is by far one of the most vital aspects of your growth. I've found that viral advertising is one of the best ways. Get people to talk about your website, and you will have an influx of visitors. Try it out!

Good tips.

Thanks Heidi.

One thing that I would like to add to my statements above, you don't have to spend a bundle of money on getting started with a website. It would help, but it's not needed. You can start out with a very small amount of money.

The websites that I am running right now, I started out by spending a whole $20 and one of them has brought back many many times that amount.

Yes, you have definitely hit that right on the money. You can make something out of almost anything. As long as you have money for a host and domain and a unique idea, you can make anything possible. You just need to do your research and find out what software you may want to use (if any). As long as you invest time into your website, it can expand.

Just think about it, an online business can be made with a host, domain, paypal verification, and a product or service to sell.

This is a very good point about getting started. It really doesn't take much money if you're willing to invest some time.
My first site almost started accidentally with a pretty cheap web host, a free html editor (nvu.com) and my own content. I just put some time in it and eventually it started to make some money.

I agree with all the points scheda has made. Deciding on an idea is the most vital stage, having a unique idea that nobody else has puts you in an advantageous position in the online realm. Offer something that your competitors dont have, what makes your site unique and special.

I'm currently using Joomla a CMS system, very efficient, modules and easy to adapt coding makes it my number one choice. Foremost, Marketing is the vital stage, through viral marketing, establishing your brand throughout cyberspace, unique visitors will arrive and cash will flow in

Viral marketing works REALLY well, if you can take off. Getting an email to be forwarded (or for that matter, a MySpace bulletin) can lead to thousands of hits to your website.

The only real downside to viral is that if you don't do it right, your attempt will not be nearly as targetted as you would like it to be.

I'm using Joomla now as well, and I can't really see using anything else at this point.
The modules and components that are available for it are amazing and there is a great community of users willing to provide help.
I was originally a mambo user, but once they made the split I wen Joomla and haven't looked back.

I tried Joomla once, and boy it had a pretty steep learning curve. Of course maybe that's because I've never successfully used a CMS of it's type. I have tried PHPNuke, but frankly, it wasn't so great.

Can you PM me a link to your website so that I can see what you have accomplished with Joomla? I am always interested to check out other people's websites.

Yeah, I kind of agree about the learning curve and Joomla. It did take me awhile before I became comfortable with it, and I'm sure even now there are a lot of things I don't know or haven't used. But, once you sit down with it and just play around for a few hours it all starts to come together.

The joomla forums also offer quite a bit of help.