How to Take Your Business Online in Five Steps

Posted on November 14, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

 

From a major mass retailer to a small e-commerce store just getting started, all retail websites share the same fundamental building blocks no matter how large or small they are. Before you officially open your retail site for business, here are the tools you need first to get your website ready for sales.

1. Similar to picking a name for a brick-and-mortar store, you need to select a domain name. Just like your business name, a domain name refers to how customers will identify your website (e.g. www.HancockToys.com). Domain names must be registered with a domain name registrar, such as 1and1.com.

2. In association with a domain name, you’ll need web hosting for your site. Web hosting essentially provides a home for your website and stores it on a server so it can be accessed on the web. If you’re an internet noob or have very little technical expertise, you may want to consider purchasing an all-inclusive web hosting package that has everything you need to get your site live. Most web hosting services charge a monthly fee and some may charge fees based on a percentage of your sales or a flat percentage per transaction.

3. Find a website designer or a site design company that can create and maintain an attractive, intuitive website that will impress your custoers. This option tends to be more expensive than opting for a complete site package, however, your website will be completely unique and you’ll have more control over the features of your site.

4. In order to accept online payments through credit cards, you will need to obtain a merchant account. Most small business owners (with proof that they are a registered business, such as a business license) can obtain a merchant account through their local bank. Another possibility would be to obtain a merchant account through a web hosting package.

5. After you have a merchant account lined up, you will also need a payment gateway. This refers to the system that automates transactions between you and the customer. Payment gateways allow you to instantly process, verify and accept or decline a credit card transaction, all through a secure internet connection.

 

Comments

Leave a Reply