Today I want to discuss with you the importance of getting started the right way, when it comes to building your home-based business through leveraging the Internet.

There are all types of things you need to learn (which I’m sure you are  aware).   And if you learn all these "things" but you don’t know how to fit the pieces together you may end in a place worse than you started… You don’t want that, do you?

So, let’s get the big picture here, so you don’t get lost among the details.

But, before I get into the more or less mechanical pieces of Internet lead generation, there is something HUGE you need to understand … and that is… WHY all this works in the first place!

Usually I charge $125 to put together personalized game plans, but you can download it free and summed up lovely in the Marketing Manifesto here>>

You’ll get the most out of it with what I have  outlined below so, go grab it now, I’ll wait right here…

Now that you’re back, here are the basic and most important pieces you will need to succeed:
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A website

But, not just any website! You need one that is…

• Hosted on your own server
• You control ALL of the design elements
• You can easily add and modify the layout/content YOURSELF

A Theme

This is the primary topic of your website.  My theme on www.GetPaidToProspectOnline.com is automated lead generation for network marketers/direct sales distributors and Independent sales representatives using the Internet.

Choose a theme that reflects your passion and/or field of expertise. To learn more about how to chose a website theme click here.

MyTelecomConsultant.com describes what has been my profession for 10 years

I also have another website under construction called: OnlineTravelAgentCareers.com which describes my expertise and passion for travel.

I’ll let you guess what the theme of those sites are.

This brings us to the next element of online success…

A Domain Name

But, not just any domain name! Your domain name should be…

• All about YOU and/or what you bring to the table in your given field of expertise
• Give a clear message about your website theme
• Easy to remember
• Catchy

For example:   If you were teaching wood burning techniques to beginners on your website: www.woodburningfordummies.com or www.woodburning101.com may apply. If your site is about outsourcing, www.outsourceit.com or www.easyoutsourcing.com would work.

A Lead Capture/ Subscribe Box

Unlike "contact us" box, which are only for quick one time inquiries, lead capture boxes allow you to build a relationship with your site visitors on an on-going basis.  Your lead capture box is the tool through which you build a prospect list and continually "sell-ucate" your prospects on doing business with you.

This is best accomplished by giving your site visitor additional value for subscribing.  This can be offered in the form of a free report, an e-zine/newsletter or the promise of future benefits like exclusive offers, coupons and discounts on products/services just for your the lucky people on the list!

Which brings us to the next topic…

An Ezine/E-Newsletter

If you are afraid of creating your own e-zine/newsletter, I suggest you get over it quickly.  Businesses of all sizes are clamoring for the attention of existing and potential clients.  If you already have the trust (hey, they granted you space in their email box, right?) you have their attention cornered when it comes to your industry and niche. You are already head and shoulders above the crowd!

If you don’t have an e-zine of your own get started with one right away. If you already have articles you’ve written about your niche/theme just use those in your new e-zine.

You can also use your e-zine to promote industry-related news, announce new pages added to your website, or point subscribers to third-party resources you know will be of interest , such as  articles and videos.

And speaking of content…

YOU NEED CONTENT!!

…And Lots of it! Content includes anything you create in the form of words (also called copy or copywriting), audio, or video related to your site theme/business. Content is the engine of your Internet marketing, traffic generating, lead attracting, prospect qualifying, sale asking and deal closing!

Content is what attracts website visitors, through the search engine (FREE! FREE!!!).  It’s also what pre-sells (sell-ucates) your prospects about what value you have to offer them from hanging around your website  for a while. Content is what you use to entice browsers to become subscribers, and how you invite subscribers to become customers through your ezine/newsletter.

Content is what you put in the e-books , courses, bootcamps, blog posts, forum posts etc., that you will create.

If you are passionate about your business , and you would  love nothing more than to attract a well-educated, ready-to-buy prospect, then create content that proves your expertise.   If you want more sales and more money,  dedicate yourself and discipline your mind to create content like a well-oiled machine.

Content, and the creation of it,  is the single most important thing when it comes to building a massive web presence and being viewed as a leader in your niche and an authority in your field.

Get used to consistently creating good content.   Learn to LOVE it.

Personally, I like to create all my content myself.   The good news is that  you don’t have to create your own content.  You can enlist the help of a professional content producer based on your business model, your niche, and your budget.

Sales/Funnel

Believe it or not, your website is NOT your actual sales funnel. Your e-zine/newsletter, website, and content is there to invite your website browser to enter your sales funnel.

That invitation comes in the form of a "call to action" which you give on each and every piece of content you create.   It could be, "visit this site…", "keep reading…", "click here", "to learn more…", "subscribe now!" etc.  The call to action can consist of buttons, banner ads, click-able links, and other forms of media.

Your sales funnel should be as automated as possible,   and it needs already be in place and ready for business before you start driving traffic to your website.

If you would like more detailed information on getting started on the right foot with lead generation on the Internet,  join me on  the Savvy Business Mom forum.

Make sure you have your free copy of the Marketing Manifesto and your questions handy.

On the Savvy Business Mom forum, you don’t have to pretend to be a know- it- all to impress your peers.  And you don’t have to worry about being spammed, recruited or over-hyped.  For a private invitation send me an email and tell me, "How Would Your Business Improve If You Knew How to Read Your Prospects Minds?" (only the first hundred best responses get free one year membership, a $107 value) -70 spots left.

To ending overwhelm,

Malika Duke

P.S.  If you found this article entertaining, educational or engaging feel free to share it with the options below and subscribe.