...here are the seven steps you must take (to Fail):

1.Check for an available domain name. (Don’t do this)
2.Register your trading name. (Don’t do this)
3.Determine your payment method. (Don’t do this)
4.Design your site. (Don’t do this)
5.Find a host. (Don’t do this)
6.Promote your site. (Don’t do this)
7.Maintain your site. (Don’t do this)

Each of these steps (at the right time is necessary) but the list is totally incomplete and in the wrong order.

How do I know this...

...I tried it that way myself and I know it does not work!

The way of starting a small business online that actually works i.e. gets traffic is to understand that the primary function of the internet is to provide information. Unlike the offline shops and malls where it's about location, location, location the online mantra is:

Information, Information, Information.

Once you understand this fundamental reality (why is Google the number one website?... because it lets you find relevant information) then you are already half way to making your online business succeed.

Why is the list wrong?

If you look at that list the one thing that it screams is 'I want your money now' and every step is designed to create a sales site. Unfortunately if you do this you will get the click...

...it will be the "Back Button" and not the Kaaching button!

The right way

If you understand that it is information that people want...

...and not to see yet another sales pitch...

...then you can begin to build a viable online business.

The first step is to give people (and search engines) what they want i.e. information that is relevant, useful and search engine friendly (so you can get free search engine traffic).