6. Conduct a Site Analysis There are at least three different ways to do this, and it is of key importance that you do so. You can use "built-in" analysis tools provided by your web host (assuming they include this with their plan), or you can use one of free site monitors, such as SiteMeter, or you can pay for advance featured services of SiteMeter or Hits Link. Needless to say, if you skip this step, you'll be "shooting in dark". That is, you won't know how or from where people are accessing your site or with what search keywords.

7. Optimize Your Site for Search Engines While this is still an inexact science as yet, you simply can't ignore role of a well-placed ranking in most popular search engines. I read somewhere recently, though I neglected to note source, that if you aren't in top 20 on list for your keywords, an estimated 85% of searchers just won't find you, because they won't bother to go any further.

8. Promote Your Site This is a no-brainer, yet what is best way to do it? I focus on getting FREE exposure for my sites. Banner exchanges and link swapping are two other important ways. Writing articles for ezines is one of most effective ways. There may be times when paying for inclusion or advertising is worthwhile, but I haven't been convinced of that just yet.

9. Consider an Affiliate Program This step can help you with both promoting your site and selling your product(s). Don't underestimate power of a good affiliate program. You'll need good affiliate tracking software or a paid affiliate tracking service to help you do this. A quick search of Google will yield a plethora of sites to help you with this.

10. Maintain Excellent Customer Service While this may seem obvious, it's amazing at how underemphasized it is! Don't get so caught up in trying to sell your product(s) that you forget to sell your customers on your service after sale. Like a doctor with a bad bedside manner, no one wants to deal with an apparently uncaring person. After just one bad experience, they not only will avoid doing business with you again, but they will warn all their family and friends and even casual acquaintances to avoid you as well!

Certainly, there are further steps you can take in creating and managing your online business, but I believe these ten steps constitute basics. If you're ready now to finally create that online business you've been studying about for so long, follow these steps to make your dream a reality.