Internet marketing is a buzz word at the moment as an increasing number of people turn to it in order to try to make money after being made redundant. However, just how difficult is it to make money on the internet, and can ordinary people really succeed online? The answer to that question is a resounding yes, but it takes application and knowledge.

Let's be honest about making money online - it isn't as easy as some people would have you believe. A quick search can often produce tens of thousands of websites promoting money-making schemes and many business packages that guarantee you a fortune. If you were to believe these people, you'd believe that it's possible to make hundreds of thousands of dollars online working just a few hours every day! However, unless you can come up with the next Google or Facebook, it's unlikely that you'll see that kind of income any time soon.

So what is the reality, and how does one start to make money online? There are three basic alternatives, each of which offer a number of advantages and are also countered by disadvantages. It will be up to you to decide which sounds as though it will fit your personal needs and circumstances best.

1. Buying a Franchise

The first option, and perhaps the least risky of all three, is to purchase a franchise. However, if you've previously considered a franchise but have been put off because of the large expense required at the start, an internet franchise opportunity might be worth considering as the cost is usually far less.

In some cases, these franchise packs include a ready made website template, and so there's not even any need for you to have much understanding of web design, although being realistic, some knowledge will make a big difference to your eventual success.

However, it is important to be aware that just because a franchise sounds good and is available at a good price, it may not necessarily be a good deal. One of the huge benefits of the internet for those seeking to trade or make money online is the growing number of bulletin boards, chat rooms and discussion forums populated by people just like you. It would be highly recommended, should you be considering buying a franchise, to do some research online and ask questions in some of these forums.

If the deal is above board and sound, you'll have the reassurance of having other like minded individuals give it their approval. Should anything not seem right, or should the business have something of a bad reputation, then you are likely to find this out quite quickly.

2. Purchase a Business

The second option is to consider buying a business package outright. Unlike a franchise, there is no license to trade, nor any brand name that has been established. Instead, you're buying something often referred to as a turnkey business. This usually includes a readymade website business, a list of contacts and an explanatory booklet which guides you through getting started. Typically, these turnkey businesses have a stock of software products which you are then entitled to sell and market in any way you like, or a catalogue of warehouse companies that offer a dropship service.

A dropship service is an arrangement whereby you can advertise and promote products online through your website, and when a customer places an order this is automatically routed through to the appropriate warehouse, with you pocketing the difference between the price you choose to advertise and the price the warehouse will actually charge you. These dropship businesses are easy to start up and can provide you with a very rapid way of getting your business up and running with an established look and feel.

3. Do Your Own Thing

The third option is of course to pursue your own, unique idea. Perhaps you have a particular interest or skill, particular contacts or the determination to offer specialists services or information. The internet certainly provides a wealth of possibilities and a market place which could not be any bigger. Of the three options, it is usually those who pursue this last one that are most likely to fail and also most likely to become the names of tomorrow.