Gone are the days that required you to hand code html, php or otherwise outsource for website design. You can literally, with one click installation programs, have a blog UP and running in two or three clicks of your mouse. And as far as keyword research goes? I pay for several great tools......but find myself CONSTANTLY going back to the FREE Google tool for the best and purest source of my keyword research. Again - it costs NOTHING, and will give you the entire overview of your competitive landscape, on the keyword side of the street, with elegant and expeditious ease. Can't beat that for newbies.....or ADVANCED marketers alike! The bottom line is this: If you are JUST getting started, there is NO need to invest in ANYTHING to get moving. And when i read your ebook it showed me the demographics i needed to know for finding a niche product and the stragagies you use are very effective." ONCE considered a staple of incredible importance in the online marketers arsenal of weapons, are now somewhat obsolete as well.