Because of the increasing rate of unemployment, people are looking for alternative ways to earn money. If you are planning to start a home based business, the internet can be your best friend. You can start one with none or very low cash capital, given that you have a computer and an internet connection. If you are not convinced, here are the advantages of internet business compared with brick and mortar business.Business without your own goods!First of all, you can start a business without a product of your own. Now, your writing skills can come in handy. The easiest way to do it is to start a blog. You may begin with just writing about anything. Just keep in mind to make your blog entries interesting. Once you developed a good readership, you can post advertisements on your blog. You may enter an affiliate relationship with companies which have products or services to sell. Write about them and host their links. If a purchase is made through your efforts, you will get a commission.No need for a shop spaceWith an internet based business, all you need is enough space for you to sit down in front of your PC. You may also have a telephone. There is no need to rent for a place to be your shop, saving you operating costs. If you are advertising products from other companies, then you do not have to keep the goods in stock. If an order from a customer is made, you can have the goods shipped and you still get profit. There is no need to waste room space for storage or pay storage fees.Easy communication with customers and related companiesConventional mail is slow and inefficient. You also have to pay postal fees for paper mailings. But for an internet home based business, it is very easy to keep in touch with customers. You can easily send email to your mailing list, even personalize every message. Electronic newsletters are sent in just seconds and it increase word of mouth about your business. How? It is because emails can easily be forwarded, without cost and effort on the side of your customers.While you are working on your site, you will be exposed to other home based advertisers. You can form an affiliate community, and you can earn more by finding more links to host. In time, your site will be exposed to reciprocal links, which will help your blog become more visible through search engines.EfficiencyThe brick and mortar shop requires a good location, so that it is accessible by customers. If your business is on the internet, you make the whole world your audience.Also with an internet business, your customers are attended to immediately. Buyers do not need to wait if you are dealing with others since internet response can be automated. You also do not have to work whole day long. If you already have updated your blog and all the necessary links and banners have been posted, you can rest or do household chores. You can cook or take care of the baby while actually earning money. Home based business is particularly recommended for mommies.