What You Need to Know Before Setting up an Online Store
1. Your domain name - A domain name is your "address" on the web, such as www.example.com. Domain names are now more affordable than ever, but getting a common name like realestate.com or golf.com will be impossible - as those were registered a long time ago.
Domain names are typically "rented" for a period of one year, although you can extend that period up to 10 years. To get a domain name, you'll need to go through a registrar. One of the best cheap domain registrars is 1and1.com where you can register a domain name for $6.99.
It's best to get a ".com" domain. Since they are so inexpensive, you'll want to register your business name (for use on business cards, brochures and such), as well as possibly a domain referencing what you sell - like uniqueleatherhandbags.com or montanaflyfishingequipment.com. People who are searching for those items will likely see your domain at the top of the search results because of the terms in your domain name.
2. Web hosting - If a domain name acts as your web "address", web hosting is like the driveway that leads to your "home" on the web. Two important things to consider when choosing a web host are the amount of space (called disk space) and the amount of bandwidth you get.
You can compare disk space to how wide and long your driveway is. The more or larger the disk space, the better, since your business website will be growing and expanding as you continue to do business online. Look for web hosts that give you at least 1 gigabyte of disk space.
Bandwidth can be compared to the number of cars that can fit in your driveway at any one time. If there isn't much bandwidth (under 1 gigabyte is not enough), your web "home" can only accommodate a certain number of visitors at one time. Look for web hosts that give you at least 5-10 gigabytes of bandwidth.
3. Shopping cart - Your shopping cart solution is one you should research thoroughly, as this will determine how easy (or difficult!) it is for your customers to place an order online. Obviously you want this process to go smoothly for the customer, but also be easy for you to track and administer online.
This way, you can see who ordered what, create shipping details, stock inventory and maintain a list and reports for different customers. One highly recommended shopping cart is Turn Key Web Tools' SurfShop. It's easy enough for beginners, but has enough options for more advanced users so that it grows with your business.
4. Accept Online Payments - In order to take payments online, you'll need a payment processor. Fortunately, the most popular online payment solutions: Paypal.com and 2Checkout.com let you sign up for an account for free. Once you validate some small (less than $1) charges to your bank account, you'll be able to accept credit cards online.
5. Web Design Ecommerce - Finding a reliable web design ecommerce solution can be frustrating if you don't know what you're looking for. Check out the web designer's portfolio and request a quote. Most designers will give you an estimate for free. Make sure you know what's included with the quote and what isn't. You don't want to be hit with a huge bill later!
Now that you know what to look for in an ecommerce web site, you can start your online business the right way. Good luck!
About the Author: P.S. If you enjoyed reading this article, you can find even more web design tips at http://www.iElectrify.com/resources/
Sherice Jacob holds an M.A. in Media Studies and has played an integral role in creating several successful web businesses - for herself and others. She currently manages a full service web design and internet marketing firm at http://www.iElectrify.com
iElectrify specializes in creating professional, affordable and creative websites that get results. With a strong background in internet marketing and niche marketing, iElectrify.com works with small to medium-sized businesses to help them easily create and manage their own websites.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 37 views | May 19 2008
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