How to Become an Internet Researcher 1

Working from home and being self-employed is one of the best ways to life the life you want.  If you have a knack for research, being an internet researcher may be the ideal entrepreneurial opportunity.  Itís also one of the easiest businesses to start.  Hereís how:

What You Need to Know

To be successful as an internet researcher youíll need to know how to maneuver online quickly and effectively. You’ll want to know how to get online and have a solid understanding of search engines and online research tools.  You’ll also want to know a good deal about a particular industry or type of research.

Many marketers, for example, have a need to understand their target audience and need market research.  If you understand market research, demographics, psychographics and keyword research then youíll be a valuable asset to this industry.

Create Your Office

To get started as an internet researcher, you’ll need a well-equipped home office.  Essentially, you’ll need a computer with a good internet connection.  Youíll also need some way to document the hours you work, bill your customers, pay your taxes and store your information.

Because research generates quite a volume of content and memory, it is advisable to have some sort of backup.  You can purchase an external hard drive or use online storage solutions.  Create a system to regularly back up your computer, and organize your information in a manner that makes it quick and easy to access.

For example, ask yourself “How would I find a client project I did 5 years ago?”

This is helpful if a client comes back to you later wanting more information or if your research projects overlap.

Get a Website

Because you are going to be researching online, it’s important to establish yourself online as well to demonstrate your ease working online.  Additionally, many of your clients will find you online.  Websites can be created quite easily and for very little expense.  You’ll need a domain name that represents your business, not your name, and will help people find you online.  You’ll also need a website host.

If you are lacking expertise when it comes to website creation and design, then you should consider setting up a blog, which requires no special software and can be organized as you go. WordPress is one of the most popular blogging programs.  It comes free if you get your domain hosted at Hostgator, and can be set up in minutes with just a few clicks once your url is set up by the hosting company.

Continued in part 2.

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Author: jm

Joan Mullally has been doing business online for more than 20 years and is a pioneer in the fields of online publishing, marketing, and ecommerce. She is the author of more than 200 guides and courses designed to help beginner and intermediate marketers make the most of the opportunities the Internet offers for running a successful business. A student and later teacher trainee of Frank McCourt’s, she has always appreciated the power of the word, and has used her knowledge for successful SEO and PPC campaigns, and powerful marketing copy. One computer science class at NYU was enough to spark her fascination with all things digital. In her spare time, she works with adult literacy, animal fostering and rescue, and teaching computer skills to women.