More people are choosing to work from home these days. It seems that everyone is looking for that home income opportunity online. But how realistic is it to embark on such a venture?

A recent research report by Forrester, Inc. that was conducted by ecommerce analyst Sucharity Mulpuru shows a steady upward growth in ecommerce. In short, Mulpuru predicted several trends that point to the fact that now is a great time to start an online business.

"Discovery" of new products will define niche marketing. Niche markets are quickly setting up shop on the internet. Online shoppers want their products and their website search results personalized and guided. This is a perfect home income opportunity online because you can get in while it is hot!

Non-traditional methods of payment will increase in popularity. Your site is not set up to accept credit cards? No problem! More and more online shoppers are using PayPal, BillMeLater and Google Checkout, among others. Smaller sites tend to cater to the shopper who may not be the savvy, credit card toting online consumer. Online customers will be heard more than ever. With sites like epinions.com, personal blogs and sites that review online shopping experiences, the consumer will be guiding online shopping more than ever.

What is an online business?
An online business can be a variety of things. Basically, it is a home income opportunity online. You can sell items on your site from various merchants. If you write or type well, you can do freelance writing, start a resume business or do data entry from home. The internet is full of home income opportunities online.

What are the advantages of online business?
There are numerous advantages to doing a home income opportunity online.

You can do several ventures at once. You can blog, have some affiliate accounts, freelance write and sell products, all at the same time. The more that you do, if you are doing it right, the more money you stand to make. You set your own schedule. If you want to sleep till noon, then do a little work, then take in some golf, that is what you do. You call the shots. You have more time for the things you want to do. Having a home income opportunity online allows you more time with family, friends and doing things that you enjoy.

Why don't more people start an online business?

Some people are not comfortable with risk. And face it; starting a business is a risk, whether it is a virtual shop online or a brick and mortar store on Main Street. Others may feel still hold those feelings of trepidation that some feel about the internet. They may feel that it is not legitimate or flimsy or fly by night. Some of the largest, most prestigious companies in the world use the internet to conduct business. Take some classes, do some research and learn which home income opportunities online are right for you.