When setting up your business online there is a few things you need that are essential to your online success. I thought it would be helpful to create a  resource page that you can always come to for all of your business needs. A  Information Station you can reference often. Most of  this information is for anyone starting a business online, not just for nurses. As I learn more and feel it’s relevant to what you need as a business owner, I”ll add to this page  so be sure to bookmark it for your reference and easy access. Enjoy!

Web Hosting

Host Gator- This web hosting is what I use here for Small Business nurse. They have several different plans you can choose from, very affordable for any budget.

Fat Cow - This web hosting site is great for small business owners or individuals. Also very affordable.

Both sites are now powered by 100% wind energy and both have unlimited disk space, unlimited bandwidth and a free domain name when you sign up.

Tip - Using your own web hosting or “self hosting” as it is called, will give you more control over your site. Free web hosting sites don’t allow you to use your own domain name and may put advertisements on your site that aren’t relevant.

Domain Name

Namecheap.com - I use this site because it’s user friendly and I can store all of my domain names in one place. I can also easily transfer them to my web hosting account for free.

Tip - Try to pick a domain name that is as close to your business name or what your business is about, so people can easily find you online.

Auto-Responder

What is an Auto-responder? Quite simply, it’s a software program that enables you to send emails to people automatically. You set up a sequence of pre written emails beforehand and when someone signs up for your email list a respond is sent out welcoming them to your newsletter, weekly tips or an ecourse, whatever you are offering through email, without you having to manually respond to every email that comes in. 

This is an invaluable, must have tool for all online business owners.

Aweber- This is the most popular auto-responder with a free trial plan. Aweber offers many features such as customizing your own sign up form, unlimited email lists and much more. Check out there site for more information on what you can do with an auto-responder.

Tip - Get your mailing list started by using an auto-responder. Have a sign up form on your website to capture email addresses of your target audience. This will make it easy for you to keep in touch with them before, during and after the sale.

Web Site Design

Do it Yourself Website Kit -  If you want to do-it-yourself but need a step by step guide to help you than this is the course for you. From my friends over at Mybusinessmarketingmentor.com have put together a 4 week course to teach you how to  create an effective website from start to finish. Even if you are a beginner without tech experience this course will walk you through in an easy step by step format. The great thing about this course is you’ll learn the foundation of building a profitable website the right way from the beginning and will be able to maintain your own website without spending thousands of dollars hiring someone to do it for you.  Check out the video explaining why this course is for you.

Blogging

Blogging Starter Pack - If you are a small business you should be blogging, even if you think you have nothing to say or don’t know what or how to write good copy, you must learn. Blogging for business will introduce your clients and prospects to who you are and what you have to offer which in turn can mean more sales and money, who doesn’t want that!  This is the blogging package I started with about 3 years ago and it has been updated to include 50+ videos on how to set up your wordpress blog, how to change the header, adding content, installing widgets, plugins and so much more.

WordPress.org - This is the blogging platform I use but it’s not just a blogging platform, it can be used as your website too. WordPress has become so popular that most training courses (including the one above) teaches blogging on wordpress.org which is a self hosted site. What does that mean? You need a web hosting service (see above) to use wordpress.org but once you have a web hosting service wordpress.org is free to download as many times as you want. WordPress is easy to use with hundreds of plugins, widgets and themes for free. 

Tip - Also with the Blogging Starter Pack is a forum to ask all the questions you may have about blogging and using wordpress.

Affiliate Marketing

 Affiliate Marketing Profits Secrets - My favorite person whom I’ve learned affiliate marketing from is Connie Regan Green. She teaches in a style that makes sense, easy to digest and is step by step on how to do affiliate marketing effectively. Read my article on affiliate marketing for nurses to see what I have to say about this great program you don’t want to miss out on, Click Here to learn more.

Tip- Inculde affiliate marketing in your business model even if you are selling your own products. Do this by finding affiliate products that compliment what you are selling. This can provides you with passive income for years to come.

Business Information

Small Business Association - Starting a business is the same for everyone, whether your starting a nursing business or an online business doing marketing, the steps are the same. To start learning about business, head on over to find information on how to get started in your business journey. Lots of information and resources for free.

SCORE – This is another business information website worth checking out. Here they offer workshops, webinars and will even connect you with a mentor online or in person to help you turn that business idea into a business plan.

 Tip – Learn all you can about the business aspects of being self employed. The more you know the more you’ll be able to ask the right questions to the right people.

Please note that some of the links are affiliate links that will earn me a commission. These are products or services that I have experience with and trust. I am recommending them because I feel they are relevant and beneficial to your online business success.  To read more see the Policies | Disclosure page by clicking here. Thank you!