I am going to start at the beginning and try to explain what is needed to have a successful online business.

First, we need to understand that there are three reasons why people search online. They are either looking for entertainment, information or to purchase a product. This means there are three types of websites, information websites, entertainment websites and shopping websites.

Step 1 is the need to understand which type of site you are looking for. Do you want to sell a product online or just give information about your business? Alternatively, are you looking for an entertainment website?

Entertainment sites can get very complicated. Sites like MySpace, dating sites, blogs, and forums and so on are types of social media sites, which allow the visitor or member to interact with other visitors or members.

It is normal that a dating site would make their money by charging a monthly fee. While a site like YouTube would make their money by selling advertising space. Each site has to be set up with an understanding of how the site will make money or interact with its visitors.