Online Business / Hosting: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Choosing a Domain Name
Tips for choosing a domain name from a domain registration expert.
Tips for choosing a domain name from a domain registration expert.
Find the Best Web Hosting
5 steps to find a Web hosting provider that perfectly suits the needs of your online business
5 steps to find a Web hosting provider that perfectly suits the needs of your online business
Brick-and-Mortar to Ecommerce
A step-by-step guide for main street retailers on how to start an ecommerce business selling goods online.
A step-by-step guide for main street retailers on how to start an ecommerce business selling goods online.
Forum Marketing
Participating in forums is a great way to market your online business. Forum users are generally net savvy and open to making online purchases. Many forum users are also respected experts and bloggers in the specific topics covered by the forum. Making a good impression in front of this influential audience can help you make sales and generate critical buzz for your online business.
Participating in forums is a great way to market your online business. Forum users are generally net savvy and open to making online purchases. Many forum users are also respected experts and bloggers in the specific topics covered by the forum. Making a good impression in front of this influential audience can help you make sales and generate critical buzz for your online business.
Hiring a Web Designer
Step-by-step guide to hiring the best possible Web designer for your budget.
Step-by-step guide to hiring the best possible Web designer for your budget.
60+ Ad and Affiliate Programs
List of Advertising Networks and Affiliate Programs
List of Advertising Networks and Affiliate Programs
Cheap Web Hosting Under \$10
Cheap, low cost shared Web hosting providers that are reliable options for a business website.
Cheap, low cost shared Web hosting providers that are reliable options for a business website.
Affiliate Marketing Basics
Affiliate marketing is the business of marketing a product or service for someone else, then getting paid if visitors complete an action like fill out a form or actually purchases the product. Here are the top ten tips for successful affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing is the business of marketing a product or service for someone else, then getting paid if visitors complete an action like fill out a form or actually purchases the product. Here are the top ten tips for successful affiliate marketing.
Top 10 Web Design Job Boards
Places where people can post Requests for Proposals/Quote (RFP), or where freelance Web designer can find job.
Places where people can post Requests for Proposals/Quote (RFP), or where freelance Web designer can find job.
5 Web Design RFP Essentials
How to Write an Effective Request for Proposal (RFP)
How to Write an Effective Request for Proposal (RFP)
AdWords Local
AdWords also allows you to target ads to a local audience and have your business listing appear in Google Maps searches.
AdWords also allows you to target ads to a local audience and have your business listing appear in Google Maps searches.
eBay Search Tips & Tricks
Tips & tricks for mastering eBay's search engine so you can find stuff.
Tips & tricks for mastering eBay's search engine so you can find stuff.
Online Advertising Terms
Glossary of Essential Online Advertising Terms
Glossary of Essential Online Advertising Terms
Web Based Invoicing Tools
Billing and invoicing websites that are easy to use and have just enough features for an individual or small team of freelancers.
Billing and invoicing websites that are easy to use and have just enough features for an individual or small team of freelancers.
Web Design Contract Essentials
6 essential clauses in a Web design contract
6 essential clauses in a Web design contract
CPM (Cost Per Mille)
How much it costs an advertiser to show an ad 1,000 times. A $100 CPM means the advertiser paid $100 per every 1,000 times his ad appears on a website. CPM is the most common measurement of online advertising costs. Also known as cost per thousand (Mille is Latin for one thousand).
How much it costs an advertiser to show an ad 1,000 times. A $100 CPM means the advertiser paid $100 per every 1,000 times his ad appears on a website. CPM is the most common measurement of online advertising costs. Also known as cost per thousand (Mille is Latin for one thousand).
Belkin F5L009
Review of the Belkin F5L009 Network Attached 5-Port USB Hub
Review of the Belkin F5L009 Network Attached 5-Port USB Hub
Top Pay-Per-Post Networks
Top 5 Pay-Per-Post Marketplaces for Selling Sponsored Blog Posts
Top 5 Pay-Per-Post Marketplaces for Selling Sponsored Blog Posts
Contextual Ads w/ AdWords
How to run a contextually relevant, keyword targeting ad campaign on search and content sites using Google AdWords.
How to run a contextually relevant, keyword targeting ad campaign on search and content sites using Google AdWords.
Firefox 3 = Best Web Browser
Firefox 3 is the best Web browser on the market due to its significant performance boost (it's blazingly fast!), new anti-phishing features, and a revolutionary user interface.
Firefox 3 is the best Web browser on the market due to its significant performance boost (it's blazingly fast!), new anti-phishing features, and a revolutionary user interface.
5 Traits of Successful CEOs
A successful CEO (one who leads their company to its highest potential) has the following 5 traits: understands the vision, macro manages, follows industry trends, hires a strong team, and always has the customer in mind.
A successful CEO (one who leads their company to its highest potential) has the following 5 traits: understands the vision, macro manages, follows industry trends, hires a strong team, and always has the customer in mind.
6 Easy Ways to Monetize a Site
Ad networks and affiliate programs that are easy to get started and use so you can monetize your blog or website quickly.
Ad networks and affiliate programs that are easy to get started and use so you can monetize your blog or website quickly.
5 Keys to Pay-Per-Post Success
How to Add Sponsored Posts to Your Blog Without Angering Your Readers
How to Add Sponsored Posts to Your Blog Without Angering Your Readers
VPS Web Hosts
Top Web Hosts Specializing in VPS Hosting. VPS stands for "Virtual Private Server".
Top Web Hosts Specializing in VPS Hosting. VPS stands for "Virtual Private Server".
Amazon Associates
How to use the many tools and options available in Amazon.com's affiliate program.
How to use the many tools and options available in Amazon.com's affiliate program.
Types of Web Hosting
Overview of the types of Web hosting from the cheapest shared hosting to running your own dedicated server.
Overview of the types of Web hosting from the cheapest shared hosting to running your own dedicated server.
AdWords Getting Started
Google AdWords is an extensive advertising program that offers targeted campaigns shown across Google's network of sites and its millions of partner websites that display AdSense. AdWords' ability to deliver contextually relevant ads, its ease of use, and extensive reach make it a powerful marketing tool for any business.
Google AdWords is an extensive advertising program that offers targeted campaigns shown across Google's network of sites and its millions of partner websites that display AdSense. AdWords' ability to deliver contextually relevant ads, its ease of use, and extensive reach make it a powerful marketing tool for any business.
AdWords Website Placement
How to buy text or banner ads on specific websites in the Google Content Network.
How to buy text or banner ads on specific websites in the Google Content Network.
AdWords Ad Formats
Policies and rules for buying online advertising using Google AdWords.
Policies and rules for buying online advertising using Google AdWords.
How to Write a Web Design RFP
Where to send your Web design RFP to find the best talent.
Where to send your Web design RFP to find the best talent.
5 Effective Web Writing Tips
Writing great Web copy means it's easy-to-read and scannable.
Writing great Web copy means it's easy-to-read and scannable.
Call To Action
Definition of Call To Action (CTA). The portion of ad copy that prompts customers to take a specific action.
Definition of Call To Action (CTA). The portion of ad copy that prompts customers to take a specific action.
CPA (Cost Per Action)
Advertising pricing model where advertisers pay only when users completes a specific desired action. The action is usually a sales transaction or a registration.
Advertising pricing model where advertisers pay only when users completes a specific desired action. The action is usually a sales transaction or a registration.
Social Media Overview
Overview of Social Media Including Social Bookmarking, Networking, and Marketing.
Overview of Social Media Including Social Bookmarking, Networking, and Marketing.
Changing E-Mail Service
Advice on changing email newsletter providers.
Advice on changing email newsletter providers.
Choosing a Web Designer
How to choose the best Web designer for your project among a sea of applications.
How to choose the best Web designer for your project among a sea of applications.
VPS - Virtual Private Server
VPS stands for "virtual private server". When you have a VPS Web hosting plan, you are allocated a dedicated slice of system resources but share the physical hardware with other hosting clients.
VPS stands for "virtual private server". When you have a VPS Web hosting plan, you are allocated a dedicated slice of system resources but share the physical hardware with other hosting clients.
Registrar
A company that registers, sells, and manages domain names.
A company that registers, sells, and manages domain names.
Banner Ad
Banners are graphical ads that links to an advertiser's website.
Banners are graphical ads that links to an advertiser's website.
Google AdWords
Best practices for buying contextually relevant online advertising via Google AdWords.
Best practices for buying contextually relevant online advertising via Google AdWords.
Dynamic Webpage
A webpage that is created in real time, usually as an interactive response to a visitor's preferences.
A webpage that is created in real time, usually as an interactive response to a visitor's preferences.
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
The graphical front end of a software or website that makes it easier to use.
The graphical front end of a software or website that makes it easier to use.
Expandable Banner Ad
A banner ad that expands in size after a user clicks on it or hovers the mouse cursor over the banner.
A banner ad that expands in size after a user clicks on it or hovers the mouse cursor over the banner.
Affiliate Marketing
A marketing model where a website (the affiliate) agrees to feature ads for an advertiser in exchange for a commission on the sales generated by such ads. For example, many websites generate sales leads for Amazon.com by displaying Amazon's ad banners. In return, Amazon pays these websites a percentage of the sales revenue generated by the ad banners.
A marketing model where a website (the affiliate) agrees to feature ads for an advertiser in exchange for a commission on the sales generated by such ads. For example, many websites generate sales leads for Amazon.com by displaying Amazon's ad banners. In return, Amazon pays these websites a percentage of the sales revenue generated by the ad banners.
B2C (Business to Consumer)
Commercial activity conducted between a company and an end consumer. B2C is often used to describe the retail part of Ecommerce.
Commercial activity conducted between a company and an end consumer. B2C is often used to describe the retail part of Ecommerce.
Blog
Definition of weblogs or blogs. Blogs are a journal-like website that displays its entries in reverse chronological order.
Definition of weblogs or blogs. Blogs are a journal-like website that displays its entries in reverse chronological order.
Enterprise
Large businesses and organizations. For example, "enterprise software" refers to software designed for large business customers.
Large businesses and organizations. For example, "enterprise software" refers to software designed for large business customers.
Job Board Affiliate
Team up with job board software publishers to show relevant jobs on your website. Earn money when employers post a job and/or when job seekers apply for one.
Team up with job board software publishers to show relevant jobs on your website. Earn money when employers post a job and/or when job seekers apply for one.
RSS
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication
Sponsored Content
Advertising message integrated into the editorial content or placed in a special context on the webpage. Also known as content integration or Web advertorial.
Advertising message integrated into the editorial content or placed in a special context on the webpage. Also known as content integration or Web advertorial.
IP Address
Internet Protocol address. A unique number assigned to every computer connected to the Internet. The IP address appears as a set of four numbers separated by three dots. For example 208.185.127.40.
Internet Protocol address. A unique number assigned to every computer connected to the Internet. The IP address appears as a set of four numbers separated by three dots. For example 208.185.127.40.
Domain Name
The unique name that identifies a website on the Internet.
The unique name that identifies a website on the Internet.
Interstitial Ad
An ad page that appears before the user-requested page is displayed. Also known as a splash page or transition ad.
An ad page that appears before the user-requested page is displayed. Also known as a splash page or transition ad.
Page View
The measurement of how often a webpage is displayed to visitors. Each time a webpage is displayed to a visitor is considered one page view.
The measurement of how often a webpage is displayed to visitors. Each time a webpage is displayed to a visitor is considered one page view.
Website Monitoring Services
Top site monitoring services that alert you when your website goes down. Some also provide uptime and response time tracking and reporting.
Top site monitoring services that alert you when your website goes down. Some also provide uptime and response time tracking and reporting.
Shopping Cart
The software used to create an online storefront. Shopping carts keep track of items visitors have ordered, allows visitors to add or remove items, and facilitates the payment for the selected items through a checkout process.
The software used to create an online storefront. Shopping carts keep track of items visitors have ordered, allows visitors to add or remove items, and facilitates the payment for the selected items through a checkout process.
Social Networking
Social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook let people with similar interests interact online.
Social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook let people with similar interests interact online.
Pop-Under Ad
An ad that pops into a separate browser window that remains hidden until the visitor closes his current window.
An ad that pops into a separate browser window that remains hidden until the visitor closes his current window.
Clickthrough
A clickthrough occurs when a user clicks on an ad and gets successfully redirected to the advertiser's website.
A clickthrough occurs when a user clicks on an ad and gets successfully redirected to the advertiser's website.
Test for Maximum Ad Revenue
Test your ad placement, design and partner programs to maximize revenue.
Test your ad placement, design and partner programs to maximize revenue.
CPC (Cost Per Click)
Advertising pricing model where advertisers pay by the number of times visitors click on an ad. A typical range is 5 cents to $1 per click. Also known as pay-per-click.
Advertising pricing model where advertisers pay by the number of times visitors click on an ad. A typical range is 5 cents to $1 per click. Also known as pay-per-click.
Affiliate Network
Affiliate networks are brokers between advertisers and individual websites.
Affiliate networks are brokers between advertisers and individual websites.
Floating Ads
An ad that appears on the main browser window and floats across the top of the webpage's normal content.
An ad that appears on the main browser window and floats across the top of the webpage's normal content.
CMS
Software that facilitates the creation, modification, organization, and publication of content (usually in the form of articles). Examples of CMSs include Wordpress, Movable Type, Joomla!, and Drupal.
Software that facilitates the creation, modification, organization, and publication of content (usually in the form of articles). Examples of CMSs include Wordpress, Movable Type, Joomla!, and Drupal.
Keyword
A word or phrase users type into search engines in order to find relevant information.
A word or phrase users type into search engines in order to find relevant information.
Ecommerce
Commercial transactions conducted over the Internet, such as the selling and buying of goods and services online.
Commercial transactions conducted over the Internet, such as the selling and buying of goods and services online.
Drop Shipping
Retail business model where the Internet merchant does not keep an inventory of goods. The merchant will accept product orders from customers and forward those orders to a distributor or manufacturer, who will ship the product directly to the end customer.
Retail business model where the Internet merchant does not keep an inventory of goods. The merchant will accept product orders from customers and forward those orders to a distributor or manufacturer, who will ship the product directly to the end customer.
Exit Page
The page from which a visitor exists a website. A website's most popular exit pages may have problems with usability, bad writing, or technical errors.
The page from which a visitor exists a website. A website's most popular exit pages may have problems with usability, bad writing, or technical errors.
Brochureware
Websites created by publishing a company's traditional print marketing materials online. Like a brochure, such websites contain only basic information about the company and does not offer any interactive features.
Websites created by publishing a company's traditional print marketing materials online. Like a brochure, such websites contain only basic information about the company and does not offer any interactive features.
COPPA
US federal law which regulates the online collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. COPPA specifies a website's responsibility for the protection of children's privacy and safety online, such as how to draft and display the website's privacy policy, and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent. For more information, visit COPPA.org.
US federal law which regulates the online collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. COPPA specifies a website's responsibility for the protection of children's privacy and safety online, such as how to draft and display the website's privacy policy, and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent. For more information, visit COPPA.org.
5 Online Marketplaces
Where to Sell Physical Goods Online
Where to Sell Physical Goods Online
AdWords TV, Print, Radio Ads
Google's AdWords is experimenting with selling ad space in traditional media like print (newspapers, magazines), television, and radio.
Google's AdWords is experimenting with selling ad space in traditional media like print (newspapers, magazines), television, and radio.
RPM (Revenue Per Mille)
The amount of revenue a website generates per thousand page impressions. Also known as revenue per thousand (Mille is Latin for one thousand).
The amount of revenue a website generates per thousand page impressions. Also known as revenue per thousand (Mille is Latin for one thousand).
Search Engine
Websites that allow users to search for information online using keywords or phrases.
Websites that allow users to search for information online using keywords or phrases.
Insertion Order
A purchase order that specifies the terms and conditions for a specific online advertising campaign.
A purchase order that specifies the terms and conditions for a specific online advertising campaign.
Text Link Ad
A text ad with a link to the advertiser's website. The link usually includes the name of the advertiser or a call to action.
A text ad with a link to the advertiser's website. The link usually includes the name of the advertiser or a call to action.
B2B (Business to Business)
Commercial activity conducted between two businesses, as opposed to between a business and an end consumer.
Commercial activity conducted between two businesses, as opposed to between a business and an end consumer.
Bandwidth
The total amount of data that can be downloaded from your website each month. Your hosting company will usually set a bandwidth limit and charge you a penalty fee for exceeding that limit.
The total amount of data that can be downloaded from your website each month. Your hosting company will usually set a bandwidth limit and charge you a penalty fee for exceeding that limit.
CRM
Business tools and strategies used by companies to better attract, service, and retain customers.
Business tools and strategies used by companies to better attract, service, and retain customers.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
One of the most common methods for transferring files online. It is a popular way for webmasters to upload and download files from their Web servers.
One of the most common methods for transferring files online. It is a popular way for webmasters to upload and download files from their Web servers.
Contributor Profiles
Profiles of contributors to the About.com Online Business / Hosting guide site.
Profiles of contributors to the About.com Online Business / Hosting guide site.
Analytics
Statistical analysis of the behavior of a website's visitors, such as where they came from, what information they were looking for, how they navigate around the website, and whether they performed a desired action (e.g. purchase a product or register for an account). The results of such analysis is used to determine whether a website is achieving its business objectives.
Statistical analysis of the behavior of a website's visitors, such as where they came from, what information they were looking for, how they navigate around the website, and whether they performed a desired action (e.g. purchase a product or register for an account). The results of such analysis is used to determine whether a website is achieving its business objectives.
Spam
Unsolicited advertisements usually in the form of emails, blog comments, or forum postings.
Unsolicited advertisements usually in the form of emails, blog comments, or forum postings.
Aggregated Content
Content -- such as articles, videos or images -- gathered from various sources and presented on one website.
Content -- such as articles, videos or images -- gathered from various sources and presented on one website.
Exit Strategy
A plan for making a profitable exit from a business venture. For online businesses, exit strategies often involve the founders selling the company or taking the company public.
A plan for making a profitable exit from a business venture. For online businesses, exit strategies often involve the founders selling the company or taking the company public.
Information Architecture
The organization and structure of information on a website. In particular, the organization of a website's pages using directories and subdirectories.
The organization and structure of information on a website. In particular, the organization of a website's pages using directories and subdirectories.
Referrer
When users visits your website by clicking on a link from another website, that linking website is considered a referrer.
When users visits your website by clicking on a link from another website, that linking website is considered a referrer.
Monetize
The process of converting a website's traffic into money.
The process of converting a website's traffic into money.
Animated Ad
A graphical ad with movement, usually generated by an interactive Java applet, flash or an animated GIF file.
A graphical ad with movement, usually generated by an interactive Java applet, flash or an animated GIF file.
Geo-targeting
The ability to target ads at users based on their geographic location. The targeting can be based on country, state, city, or postal code. Geo-targeting is an important tool for local small businesses that wants to run focused, cost-effective ad campaigns.
The ability to target ads at users based on their geographic location. The targeting can be based on country, state, city, or postal code. Geo-targeting is an important tool for local small businesses that wants to run focused, cost-effective ad campaigns.
Internet Service Provider
A business that provides users access to the Internet, usually through DSL, cable, or dial-up telephone lines.
A business that provides users access to the Internet, usually through DSL, cable, or dial-up telephone lines.
Phishing
Phishing is a common email and Internet scam where the perpetrator tries to get your personal information including usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and home phone and address. Scams often originate as a fake but legitimate looking email from a trusted bank.
Phishing is a common email and Internet scam where the perpetrator tries to get your personal information including usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and home phone and address. Scams often originate as a fake but legitimate looking email from a trusted bank.
Dedicated Server
Dedicated server Web hosting means you are renting an entire physical server for use all by yourself. Dedicated servers generally cost $200 or more.
Dedicated server Web hosting means you are renting an entire physical server for use all by yourself. Dedicated servers generally cost $200 or more.
About - Online Business / Hosting Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.