All the top home based businesses use the technology of the internet. We live in the digital age of emails, downloads, streaming data and mobile technology. If your home based business ideas do not include having an online presence, then you’re missing out on a worldwide market who can buy from you at any time of the day or night.Any legitimate home based business will need some investment to get it started and an online home business is no different. The good news is that the start up costs for a home based online business are considerably less than a traditional offline venture.Five Tools For Your Home Based Business.1. Domain Name.A domain name is the name of your website. It’s where your customers can find you online with an easy to use word, or sets of words. Your first option should always be to opt for a.com name when looking for domain name ideas for your home business as it is the universally accepted business domain extension.2. Website Hosting.Once you have your domain name, you’ll need somewhere to “rent” space for your website so that it can be live on the internet. Some domain registrars usually also provide hosting but do check the rates first. Once you have your domain and hosting sorted, you are well on your way to making your home based business ideas into a reality.3. Website.The WordPress website system is the most widely used website building platform on the internet. It has the functionality to help your home business earn online revenue as well providing a complete content management system. WordPress websites are reportedly used by such organisations as the New York Times, Ford, NASA, Pepsi and eBay. If it is good enough for them, then it will surely be good enough for your work from home based business ideas.4. Autoresponder.One of the best online business tools you can have is an autoresponder. Your autoresponder is the ‘salesman’ who works for you 24/7 – every day of the year. Autoresponder services are used to provide your leads with follow up information about your products and services via email. Remember that statistically, a prospect needs to see or hear your marketing message at least seven times before they take any action and buy from you.5. Continuous Education.It can be a frustrating process getting your home based business ideas from concept to reality. When you get stuck on a problem, you can lose focus and direction and that’s when they are most likely to give up. For example, getting a domain name and website hosting organised can seem a little complicated if you’ve never done it before. With ongoing business education, you can learn as you earn and draw on the experience of others for a fast-track to success.