How do you set up an online store?

How to Set Up a Dollar Store Online

• Answer:

  Setting up an on line dollar store has some obvious advantages: no rent, few employees, and no electricity or water bills. To set up an on line dollar store you will need a web page, a host site, and an on line payment method. All three of these are easy to do with a little effort. The most difficult is the web page and you could get a professional to do this for you. It is better if you take the time to learn how to set up and maintain your own web page--it is the modern equivalent of having to sweep out the store yourself until the business is successful. Difficulty: Moderate Instructions Create a web page. You should definitely look at similar web pages that are on the net, but your web site must have something different if you want to stand out from the crowd. Setting up your own web page consists mostly of learning HTML. There are thousands of books and on line tutorials for learning HTML. Find a host. You could keep your web page on your computer, but if you have many customers they are going to overload your system--and interfere with your ability to use your computer. A host only cost a few dollars a year and if you choose wisely they will help you set up your web page. Choose a payment system. There are many of these on the internet. Look at some models of payment plans for other dollar stores and online businesses like ebay. A good place to start is PayPal. Find a supplier. There are hundreds of these that advertise on line. You want a supplier that makes it easy for you to ship merchandise and does not charge you warehouse fees. Tips & Warnings Tip: Invest a little time learning about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It is the art of directing traffic to your web site. Also consider on line advertising. This is where you allow other businesses to place ads on your website. This provides some extra income while the business is establishing itself. Make your website pleasant and easy to use--it is much easier to walk out of an on line store. Make the purchasing operation simple and easy as this is the point where a customer is most likely to leave. Warning: If you don't find some way to distinguish yourself from the other online dollar stores on line now you will have a hard time getting a substantial share of the customers. The price is the same for all dollar stores, so your distinction must come from other areas. Consider stock, presentation, amusing name, usability, and "special features." Avoid anything that blinks, flickers, crawls, or bounces as these things tend to irritate people.