Top 10 Technology Basics For Affiliate Businesses

By: Sue E White
Technology is a critical success factor for any online marketing business, but frequently beginning internet marketers don't have a good understanding of what kind of technology is necessary or how it will impact their businesses.

The following ten tips should help you get started well.

As much as you possibly can, you should try to launch systems and processes that work together thoroughly, and are available 100% of the time to support customers and prospects. Look for an "automated money machine" that is backed by an excellent technical support team, if you want to make your life uncomplicated and your bank account fat.

1. Computer & Printer

If do internet marketing (IM), you'll need a computer - preferably one that you own, either a desktop model or a laptop. Obtain one with plenty of memory and speed. A broadband is preferred over dial-up. You'll also want a printer. If you can, get both with wireless capabilities.

2. Your Own Domain Name

You'll want a domain name that you own, so that you can begin to create your own brand. Further, some providers will not allow you to refer to an affiliate website, 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 reflective of your product or service. The preferred names end in ".com" and such names are favored for most affiliate marketing businesses, if available.

3. Telecommunications

Another indispensable tool is telecommunications, including an ISP 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.

4. Web Hosting Service

You'll need a web hosting service to provide a "home" for your website. There are many such companies available to benefit home businesses and internet businesses. Their products do differ, as do their costs, so be sure to shop around before making your decision.

5. Data & Systems Security

You'll also want good security for your software and data. This can take the form of physical security, plus technologies such as firewalls, and security applications like McAfee or Norton.

6. Data & Systems Backup/Restore Capability

Another necessary, but frequently overlooked, need is for backup of your locally stored programs and data. Regardless of other security measures, there will eventually come a time when you suffer some sort of a system crash, with either partial or complete loss of data and key programs. Consequently you will also need a robust backup and restore program.

7. Products

You'll have to have one or more products to sell - products that you have developed yourself, or ones that have been created by other people. If you provide 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, order fulfillments, customers are satisfied and that you get properly paid.

8. Affiliate Program Network

If you're intending to sell multiple affiliate products, you'll probably 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.

9. Web 2.0 Capabilities

The internet is constantly changing, so if you want to be successful in today's internet world, you'll want websites and services that enable blogging and social 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).

10. Technical Support

And finally - another commonly overlooked requirement - is the need for excellent technical support - for both your local hardware and software, but even more importantly, for any of your customer-facing websites and product systems. If your systems go down and you are powerless to get quick technical support from any/all your vendors, the resulting downtime can crash your advertising and marketing campaigns, you can lose or push away potential customers, and ultimately, your bottom line will suffer (and your reputation, as well).

Technology is the lifeblood of an affiliate business, and given Murphy's Law, you need 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 following my own advice and conducting my own affiliate marketing business. I invite you to take control of your future and your financial security by starting a legitimate home based business.
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