Well, you need an invitation.

When I went to Belarus, I simply bought an invitation online. BelarusVisaService.com. Completely hassle free and very helpful agency. The price was absolutely nothing to fuss about. They made a mistake with my nationality (understandably) and corrected it immediately after I pointed it out. I got a business visa because it had the maximum amount of flexibility. The Belarussian embassy was helpful and did not ask any questions whatsoever, about anything. There was no queue at the consular section.

I had a very negative experience when I tried to get a visa for Russia (partly my own fault due to poor planning, but they are VERY bureacratic, and less helpful than Belarus). But there is no reason to think that it would be any more complicated than getting a visa for Belarus. Just plan ahead and do not underestimate the bureacracy.