How to Start - Online Store...15 Tips

With the Internet, selling your product, service - or both - has become easier and more affordable than ever.

But there are a lot of pitfalls out there, if you don't study your options first. You could get "trapped" into an expensive service with features you don't need. Or pour hundreds of hours (not to mention dollars) into building a site that doesn't attract customers nor convert them into buyers.

Here are my top 15 tips to setting up your online store, and doing so to maximize your potential for profits.

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1. Create an irresistible offer

Even before you create you online store, make sure you have an irresistible offer. Find out what your target buyers really want, and make your product or service stand out from your competition.

Craft a compelling USP (unique selling proposition), match it with a can't-resist price, and ensure your delivery method is fool-proof.

2. Pick a winning domain name

On the Internet, your domain name might as well be your business name. It's what prospects will remember and associate with your biz. It's one of the things search engines look at to rank your site, and it's one of the first things web surfers see.

Make your domain name easy to remember, but make sure it accurately describes what you offer. Some swear by using a verb, such as "growyourhairback.com"

3. Select a website host who will help you succeed

Not all website hosts are created equal. Some are better suited for ecommerce sites than others. Think first of what you need on your site, and then shop around.

A website builder like Internet Based Family makes setting up an online store easy. It has a built-in shopping cart, so you don't have to pay for one separately, or worry about compatibility.

You won't be a slave to your webmaster if you build your online store with Internet Based Family, because you can add products and do everything else without any coding whatsoever.

4. Design your site for maximum usability

When think of your site design, do so from the user's point of view. Is it easy to find what they need? Can they see enough product information to make a buying decision? Is the order button visible?

Think of your own online shopping experience. Learn from biggies like Amazon.com, as well as those online stores you hated and didn't order from.

5. Make sure your copy converts

Text plays a big role in online shopping. Each page needs a headline which attracts the buyer and compels them to look at the rest of the page. Product descriptions should be accurate and at the same time enticing. Additional copy should address possible objections. And each page should have a clear call to action, such as "click here to order."

6. Get a shopping cart

Every online store needs a shopping cart to receive and process orders. Many options are available. You'll want one that's reliable, affordable, has excellent customer service, and allows you to manage affiliates.

Internet Based Family is a website builder with an integrated, VeriSign Secure Certified shopping cart. That's one less thing for you to worry about when you build your online store with Internet Based Family.

7. Make sure you have a merchant account, which will grow with your business

To receive payments online, you'll need a merchant account. For starters, PayPal may be all you need. But you will eventually have to process credit card payments directly. Ask about Internet merchant accounts in your financial institutions.

8. Balance your budget with what you're willing (or able) to do yourself

The various options can overwhelm you. There are so many choices, with very wide price ranges. Keep your budget and needs in mind. Don't be tempted to pay more for features you may never need.

9. Optimize your site for the search engines

Since your store is going to be on the Internet, make it easy for search engines to find you and rank you high for relevant keywords.

Internet Based Family has tools and free training to help you site rank well with search engines.

10. Choose a system you can use

Make sure your site uses a system that lets you add or update products easily, as well as receive and manage orders. If you need a webmaster to do every little thing on your site, you'll soon get overburdened with your online store.

11. Capture leads

Many of your visitors won't buy your product or service the first time they land on your site. Therefore, you will want to get their contact information - an email address, at the very least - so you can send them information and remind them of your offer once in a while.

12. Keep it simple

Don't fill your online store with flash animation, graphics and images just because you think they're pretty. These can make your site load very slowly and make your visitors so frustrated they'll click away. Minimize the elements that can distract your visitors away from your call to action.

13. Be upfront with all costs

According to Marketing Sherpa, 60% of online buyers abandon their oder at the shopping cart stage, because they're surprised by hidden charges. State all the costs associated with their order so your buyers know exactly what they're getting into.

14. Keep it interactive

Notice how interactive Amazon.com is? You can submit ratings, reviews and even find out about other buyers. Online shoppers like this interactivity and tend to trust online stores that provide it.

Internet Based Family has features, which make interaction very easy. It's simple to add a feedback form, guest book and even a message board.

15. Don't forget marketing

Once your online store is up and running, your work is far from completed. You then have to market your store. Sending press releases, article marketing, video marketing and social networking are some effective ways to promote your online store.

I hope you find these tips helpful when you set up your online store. With the right tools and systems, your biz will be buzzing in no time.

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