Some multi-level marketing programs are legitimate. However, others are illegal pyramid schemes. In pyramids, earned commissions are based on number of distributors recruited. Most of product sales are made to these distributors--not to consumers in general. The underlying goods and services, which vary from car leases to cosmetics to vitamins, serve only to make schemes look legitimate.

Joining a pyramid is a risky proposition because vast majority of participants lose money to pay for rewards of a lucky few. Most people end up with nothing to show for their money except expensive products or marketing materials they're pressured into buying.

If you're thinking about joining what appears to be a legitimate multi-level marketing program, take time to check out everything about program. For example:

What's company's track record? What product does it sell? Does it sell products to general public? Does it have evidence to back up claims it makes about its product? Is product competitively priced? Is it likely to appeal to a large customer base? How much is investment to join program? Is there a minimum monthly sales commitment to earn a commission? Will you be required to recruit new distributors to earn your commission?

Be skeptical if a distributor tells you that for price of a "start-up kit" of inventory and sales literature--and sometimes a commitment to sell a specific amount of product or service each month--you'll be on road to riches. Many times participants spend a lot of money to "build their business" by participating in training programs, buying sales leads or purchasing products themselves. Far too often, their own purchases are all they will ever see for their investments.

Let us take you through a brief description of each step along Yellow Brick Road of Web Design.

Domain Name Registration

Your domain name is what you type into address bar of your browser (it is your URL). It is what your visitors will be typing into their browser, so selecting an easy to type and understand domain name is important. It is your home on Internet. Make it easy to get to. Some examples of domain names include directoryone.com, google.com, and NBC.com. You know exactly where you are headed when you type those into your browser. However, with millions of domain names already registered, it may feel like all good ones are taken. But be creative and patient and right name will come along.

Web Hosting

If your web page is like a paper flyer, than your server is like bulletin board you stick it on. You will need to sign on with a web hosting service so you can store your files on their server. Your host is who makes your site available to public, not just to you. When choosing a web hosting company, you should take into account how much space you’ll need, how much bandwidth, access, and so on. There are numerous web-hosting terms that may be new and confusing for you. For example, you may come across will be “Secure Server” which you will need if you plan on doing any sort of eCommerce. Another strange term you might see is “FTP Solutions.” FTP is short for File Transfer Protocol. FTP is what is used to “upload,” or move your site from you computer to host computer “bulletin board.”

Design

Although design is not only important aspect of creating a website, good design is still vital to having a successful site. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and studies show that average person’s attention span is only about 8 seconds when looking at a site. Make those 8 seconds count by having a clean, clear, easy-to-read site that conveys information while also being aesthetically pleasing to view.

While graphics and animation are snazzy and fun, they aren’t necessary to making your website work. Sometimes simpler is better, easier on you and easier on customer. If you do choose to use advanced graphics and animation, remember that good visuals should be eye-catching but NOT distracting. Do not crowd your page with spinning vortexes and dancing bears. Utilize appropriate graphics that go with your company.

Remember: Sloppy website design does not make your product look very desirable. If your website is quality, it implies your product is quality, too.

Layout