I thought I would share some things I learnt on building an internet app/site/business. By internet business, I don't mean some "affiliate marketing scheme" or "part time blog". Im talking about building a useful tool or application that has mass appeal.

Hosting - This isn't something you can afford to get wrong. If your site goes down than expect to lost customers and get bad press. I use Mediatemple. The server has been tuned specifically for our app. Apps like mine (task.fm) are server intensive and can't just be run on any old shared hosting account. If you're serious about business - get serious hosting.

Design - If you're not a designer, don't design your site. Web design is an art which took me many years to learn. Before I designed task.fm, I designed over 100 sites as a freelance designer. Hiring a designer isn't that expensive and will mean the difference between turning a profit and failing. Task.fm was designed by 3 designers. I only handled the UI (user interface) which is what I do.

Split Test and Usability Testing - This is overlooked by startups and 100% of startups that fail! Every button, link and sales copy on the app has been tested against different variations. ie. blue button vs. green button, to see which drives more people to the registration page. I have also done hours and hours of usability testing with users, looking at their reactions. This is pretty complex stuff and requires lots of knowledge on the subject, buts its worth it and essential.

Outsource - Im a big fan of outsourcing. Lots of the development of Task.fm was outsourced. Use sites like elance, guru.com or GetAFreelancer to hire developers, designers even sales staff.

What are your tips.