If you want to start a business online, you will find thousands of
companies and individuals who want to sell you information and tools to
help you get started. However, since you are just starting out, you will
be better served by taking advantage of free internet resources for a
newbie. Here are eight resources to get you started in the right
direction.
1. PayPal.com
– PayPal will allow you to collect payments from customers, even if
they do not have a PayPal account. For business purposes, you can sign
up for either a Premier Account or a Business Account, and for both
types, you can get an ATM debit card for the account, all free of
charge. With PayPal, you will not need an expensive merchant account to
collect payments from your customers. Be sure to explore all that PayPal
has to offer you as a business owner, including the PayPal marketplace.
2. SnapPages.com – This free service allows you to build your website pages, even if you
do not know the first thing about creating web pages. The simple drag
and drop features are excellent for someone who is just starting out.
With this service, you can literally have your business website up and
running in a matter of minutes. The free service is limited, and there
are options to upgrade that are available for a fee, but the free
service will definitely get you started.
3. FileGuru.com
– This is an online file sharing site. Here, you will find numerous
business applications and information all for free, and all available
for immediate download. This site will save you a great deal of money,
but none of the files that are available for download are pirated, so
you won’t be breaking any laws.
4. OpenOffice.org
– This is the best alternative to Microsoft Office, which costs
hundreds of dollars. This software is free to download, and includes a
word processor, a spreadsheet application, and a database application.
You can also create Power Point presentations with the Open Office
Suite. You will find yourself using the programs in the Open Office
Suite again and again while starting and running your online business.
5. Small Business Administration – This is an invaluable free resource for those who want to
start a business, as well as for those who are already in business.
Here, you will find information about every aspect of starting a
business, as well as numerous free resources, such as business plan
templates and marketing plan templates. Many people often think that the
SBA is only a valuable resource for those who are starting brick and
mortar businesses. In the past that may have been true, but today, the
SBA has valuable resources for those who are starting online businesses
as well.
6. Google.com
– Google is so much more than just a famous search engine. By opening a
free Google account, you will have access to powerful programs that you
can use in your online business. These programs include Google Docs,
Google Calendar, Gmail and more. As you start and grow your business,
you will find that Google is very important to you.
7. BizInfoLibrary.org
– This is one of the best free internet resources for a newbie starting
a business online. Here, you will find any information that you need
that relates to starting and running a business. The site has an
excellent ecommerce section that you will find very useful.
8. My Own Business.org
– My Own Business offers excellent free courses and resources for
anyone who wants to start a business. There are two courses available.
One is for starting a business, and the other is for growing a business.
You will also find many additional free business resources through this
site as well. Another advantage of this site is that it is a non-profit
organization, which means that they are not trying to sell you
anything.
Starting an online business does not have to be hard or expensive. In
fact, by using free internet resources for a newbie, you could
essentially get your business up and running without investing any money
at all. I hope this information will help you in your on-line
endeavours.
