Entry barriers

Compared to the other businesses, entry barriers on the internet are lower. So some companies maintain their leadership position by brainwashing people into believing that they are unbeatable and they can do no evil. (very similar to those used by terrorist organisations recruiting gullible teenagers). In reality, they employ the most underhand tactics online.

For many products online, marketing or increasing the level of awareness is the main entry barriers.  This is especially true for consumer products.  That is why people spend a lot of time cultivating gurus and experts who can hype the product.

One of the reasons why there are so few popular search engines is the entry barriers to search. Not only does the algorithm have to yield the most accurate results, the company has to invest millions of dollars in data center, hardware and internet connectivity

One of the advantages and disadvantages of having an online business is that entry barriers on the internet are low. If you are a new player, it is an advantage as you can compete against bigger companies.

However, if you are already earning some money online, it can be a problem since a lot of people will try to copy you. So once you start earning a certain amount online, you should invest it back in your business, to create an entry barrier, so that few can take the risk of doing what you have done. Ideally, you should try to find your own formula for what works online.