|
An essential part of running a successful Internet business
is quality software. Software will play a major roll in your
success. You must be willing to invest in the software
you'll need to assist you in running your business.
Email Program
The first and most important software you'll need is a
quality email program. Although most Internet Service
Providers include email accounts for their customers, these
accounts aren't adequate for an Internet business --
especially if you get a large amount of email. Not only do
the email addresses contain your ISP's name, but they are
also very limited on features and options.
There are many email programs available on the Internet.
However, the best program I've found is Eudora. Eudora is a
standalone email program that works with any ISP. It will
enable you to easily organize your email by filtering your
messages into specific mailboxes. This feature alone can
save you a great deal of time. What's more, your email
address will be your own domain -- not someone else's.
Eudora
http://www.eudora.com
Mailing List Software
Collecting your visitors' email address is one of the most
important parts of developing a successful Internet
business. You must develop a database of potential customers
if you truly want to succeed. Publishing an ezine is a great
way to accomplish this. In order to do so, you must have a
good mailing list program that will enable you to send your
potential customers personalized messages.
Mailing List Software:
Mailloop
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=ml
Group Mail
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=gm
If you're using a software program that resides on your
computer, you'll also need a good form processing script to
enable your visitors to subscribe:
Master Form
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=wm2
If you're an American Online customer, you won't be able to
use a software program that runs on your computer. You'll
need to use a program that runs with your web browser.
OptIn Lightning
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=oil2
@News Wizard
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=nw
HTML Editor
Your website is the storefront of your business and is one
of the most important factors in determining your success.
In order to design your website, you'll need to get a good
HTML editor.
Coffee Cup
http://www.coffeecup.com/editor/
DreamWeaver
http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/
HotDog
http://www.sausagetools.com/
HomeSite
http://www.allaire.com/Products/HomeSite
Microsoft Frontpage
http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage
Before you begin the actual design process, I highly
recommend that you download and install two web browsers -- Internet
Explorer and Netscape Navigator. These are the two most widely used browsers
on the Internet. However, they are not created equally. Your page might look
great when viewed through Internet Explorer, but may not display well when
viewed through Navigator. It is very important that you view your website
through both browsers, and design your pages accordingly.
Internet Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
Netscape Navigator
http://home.netscape.com/computing/download/index.html
Graphics Editor
Graphic design is an intimidating subject for many Internet
entrepreneurs. However, most of us must learn some basic
design techniques in order to avoid the high costs of hiring
a professional designer.
In order to create or edit your graphics, you'll need to
invest in a good graphics program. The most popular program
used by Internet marketers is Paint Shop Pro. This powerful
program is the only program you'll need to design
professional looking graphics.
Paint Shop Pro
http://www.jasc.com/
Zip/Unzip Program
Zip files are used to compress and transport file archives
over the Internet. It is the preferred method used for
electronic file distribution, as rather than downloading
several different files, you can simply download one Zip
file. In addition, the download time will be minimized, as
the files within the Zip archive are compressed.
Once a Zip file is downloaded, it can be easily opened and
extracted (unzipped) with a Zip/Unzip software program.
Although there are many Zip software programs available on
the Internet, WinZip is the most popular. WinZip makes
working with file archives simple.
WinZip
http://www.winzip.com/download.htm
FTP Program
File Transfer Protocol, better known as FTP, is a procedure
used to upload and download files to and from your web
server.
In order to use FTP, you'll need to download and install a
software program on your computer. The most widely used FTP program is WS
FTP Pro.
WS FTP
http://www.wsftp.com
Text Editor
Text editors have a variety of uses such as writing HTML,
editing scripts, and writing ezine articles -- just to name
a few. NotePad is an excellent text editor and is most
likely already installed on your computer. However, it can't
handle large files and is better suited for smaller files.
You may find that you'd like an editor that is a little more
powerful. I use a great program called NoteTab Pro. This
powerful editor will enable you to edit large files, format
your text, convert your text to HTML, and even includes a
spellchecker and thesaurus.
NoteTab Pro
http://www.notetab.com/
Ad Tracking
Testing and tracking your marketing strategies is an
essential part of your success. I recommend using a great
script called LnkinLite. It's simple to use and will assist
you in tracking all of your strategies.
LnkinLite
http://www.dtp-aus.com/cgiscript/lnkinlte.shtml
Financial Management
In order to keep track of your business financial matters,
you'll need to invest in a good financial management
software. The best program I've found is Quicken.
Quicken
http://www.quicken.com
Tax Program
Filing your taxes and keeping up with the ever-changing tax
laws can be very intimidating. However, if you keep good
records and use a good tax program, you can file your taxes
with ease. I highly recommend using Turbo Tax. This great
program will make the process a lot easier and even enable
you to file your taxes electronically. What's more, it will
even allow you to import your Quicken files.
Turbo Tax
http://www.turbotax.com
Although this list of software is far from complete, it will
provide you with a basic guideline to get you started.
If you're serious about your business and you really want to
succeed, purchasing software is an absolute must. Do your
homework and select software that best suits your needs. It
will be well worth the investment.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery 2002.
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the highly acclaimed ebook series, Web
Design Mastery -- an in-depth guide to professional web design that is
rapidly becoming known as the "Bible" for professional web design.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com
Part Two
Part Four
Internet Business Articles Summary
Article Library
|
|
