• Do your homework:
  

  Building a great website doesn't guarantee anyone will see it. Research the web  to determine the potential market for your product or service. Determine who your customers are going to be. Is the market full of like businesses? If so, how will  your business differentiate itself from the others? Are there enough customers in the market who need your product or service? Where will you market your business? These are all questions that need to be answered before you start your online business. 

• Money: 
  

  No matter what type of business you are going to start it's going to take money. You need to figure out how much money you're going to need and how you're going to get it.  Do your homework to determine the costs of starting and operating  your Internet business.  Know how much money you'll need and decide where it may come from. 

• Determine a business structure:
  
  Depending on the type of business model  you decide on your taxes, regulations and  personally liability will vary. The types of business structures are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, "S" corporation and limited liability corporation (LLC).  If you can afford it you may want to consider having an attorney assist you with this decision.  There are also many online services that can assist you in this area. 

• Determine a business name:
  
  

  There is more to picking  a name for your online business than one that  is just catchy or easy to remember.  For example, according to the Small Business Association many states require a sole proprietor to use their own name for the business name unless they formally file another name as a trade name.  You also need to determine if your name is being used by another business.  Internet domain names are usually the same as the company business name. Try making a list of names and checking to see if they are registered. For more information on how to do this go to the building websites page. 

   

• Licenses and permits:
  
  Make sure you check with your locality for business license or permit requirements. Laws vary depending on where you live. Do your homework and don't assume the laws don't apply to you.  

   

I highly recommend the following books to help you get started. The Unofficial Guide to Starting a Business Online and Starting an Online Business for Dummies. Both books are highly informative and inexpensive. 
 


                                                                                 
Starting an Online Business for Dummies                            The Unofficial Guide to Starting a Business Online