Backing up our personal data on our computers is something we all know we should do, yet I know for a fact that millions of people do not follow a regular backup schedule. Now that you are a blog author and site developer, you have even more data to worry about. Here are my 5 steps that I use to manage the backup on my sites.

1. First thing to do is to set a regular blog backup schedule that you follow religiously. Backups are useless unless done consistently. I backup my data weekly and have a Google calendar reminder email send to me on this day (Thursday) so that I remember.

2. Download Wordpress Database Backup from here, and install it to you plugin directory using you FTP client. On you scheduled backup day, go into the backup management pane (Manage > Backup) in Wordpress admin and select how you want to have the file delivered to you. Do not backup items such as Spam Killer data or blacklists as this will create huge files - in my opinion you don’t need to back this data up. Click the ‘Backup’ button and let the program do the work. You will need to do this for each Wordpress blog you run. Once you receive the backup file, burn it to a disc, transfer it to a external hard drive, or store it online (I recommend Mozy: 2GB Totally Free Online Backup! Compliments of Mozy) to keep the file safe.

3. Backup the other data that Wordpress Database Backup missed. That tool backs up things like you posts and comments which of course are crucial. However, it doesn’t backup up things like you site design and layout. If you are like me, you spend A LOT of time on the look and feel of you blog (such as on The Dividend Guy) and it would be disastrous if I lost this work.

So the next step is copying your wp-content file to your computer so you can then burn it or store it online. This will ensure you also have a copy of your site format and layout. Again, make sure this data is backed up to disc, external hard drive, or online storage (Mozy Online Backup - 2GB Free).

4. You may have other sites that are not Wordpress based as I do (Alberta Tourist) - these need to be backed up as well. The methods for doing this will vary depending on your site structure. For me, it simply means using an FTP program to transfer all the files from my server to my local computer. Once again, I move this data to a CD/DVD, external hard drive or Mozy.

5. Verify that you data was backed up properly. Go into your backups and spot view them to ensure you backed it all up. Try opening a couple of them to ensure they are not corrupt or something. This step ensures you have a good backup.

6. Rinse and repeat. Complete this process according to the backup schedule you set up in step 1. Do this every week and you will be covered for WHEN you run into issues.

This process has worked well for me in the past and I encourage you to follow a similar one.

The necessary evil of making money on the internet is knowing how to code a website. You may have a wicked idea that could make you $10,000 per month, but unless you know how to write the code to develop your own website you are out of luck. Fortunately there are some alternatives that can help you.

1. Elance

Elance is a web-based service where you can have other people design and code your website for you. Essentially it is a way for an individual to put a project up for bid. Various web design companies then have the opportunity to bid on your project. Once you have received a number of bids, you can then evaluate them based on cost and their proposal and vision for your site. Expect to pay at least $250 for a single page site using Elance.

2. Free Blogging Software

Perhaps the easiest, and the cheapest way to get a website up and running is by using a blog. My own personal site, The Internet Cash Flow Guy, is set up as a blog. If your niche would lend itself well to using a blog, then there are many options to consider. I like and use Wordpress. There is also Typepad, and Blogger. Blogger is the easiest way to get started - you do not need to set up web hosting as Google (the owners of Blogger) will host the site for you. You can customize your blog, however the customization options are not as robust as with Wordpress or Typepad. Blogging is a good way to get started making money with your niche - it is how I did it with my site, The Dividend Guy.

3. Free Website Building Services

A third option for going after your niche to make money on the internet is by using a service that provides you with pre-designed website templates that do most of the legwork for you. Most of these services require no HTML experience and even offer hosting packages so that you do not need to go out and find a reputable and reliable host. One of the best examples I have come across is a service called My Free Website Builder.

(Click For Larger Image)

This product is free and is what is called a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. That means you can design your site without the need to know HTML! In addition, the software also includes over 100 templates that you can simply load up and populate with your own words and publish to the internet. It is a pretty slick program and is a good choice for anyone who does not want to take the time (or does not have the time) to learn HTML to get a website up on the internet. In addition, there is the option to purchase a number of graphical elements you can include on your site. If you have every looked into buying the rights to photos, logos, or other website graphics then you know how expensive it can be. This add-on package can be good value to anyone trying to generate cash flow on the internet.

In summary, presented here are three solid alternatives to getting a website up an running. From the more expensive outsourcing model, blogging software, and finally free website building packages such as My Free Website Builder, there is no reason money cannot be made using the internet.