The fast and easy way to start and run an online business
Starting an online business is no longer a novelty. It’s a fact of life for individuals and established companies alike. The good news is that e-commerce and the practice of selling goods and services through a Web site and is not only here to stay, but it’s thriving. More good news is that the steps required to conduct commerce online are well within the reach of ordinary people, even if you have no business experience. All you need is a good idea, a bit of start-up cash, computer equipment, and a little help from the practical, hands-on information in Starting and Running an Online Business For Dummies.
With strategies to help you identify your market, design your website, choose services, trade securely, boost sales, and stay ahead of the competition; Starting and Running an Online Business For Dummies is just what you need to succeed. You’ll discover how to open an online business in ten easy steps, how to select the right web host and design tools, why giving your e-business site structure and style is vital, techniques on attracting and keeping customers, and much more.
- Advice on how to get your business on the Web quickly and economically
- Completely revised and updated
- Includes the latest information on web hosting, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, harnessing the power of social media marketing, and more
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a small business owner looking to expand your business online, this up-to-date and easy-to-follow guide covers all the essentials you need to know to get on the Web quickly and economically, without all the technical jargon and hype bogging you down.
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Introduction 1
Part I: Strategies and Tools for Your Online Business 7
Chapter 1: Opening Your Own Online Business in Ten Easy Steps 9
Chapter 2: Choosing and Equipping Your New Online Business 39
Chapter 3: Selecting the Right Web Host and Design Tools 75
Chapter 4: Profiting from Web 2.0 and Social Media Tools 99
Part II: Establishing Your Online Presence 123
Chapter 5: Giving Your E-business Site Structure and Style 125
Chapter 6: Attracting and Keeping Customers 143
Chapter 7: Building in Security Up Front 169
Chapter 8: Monitoring and Improving Your Business 187
Part III: Running and Promoting Your Online Business 205
Chapter 9: Easing the Shopping Experience 207
Chapter 10: Running a Business on e Bay.co.uk 227
Chapter 11: Accepting Payments 247
Chapter 12: Service with a Virtual Smile 263
Chapter 13: Search Engines: What You Need to Know 281
Part IV: The Necessary Evils: Law and Accounting 299
Chapter 14: Making It All Legal 301
Chapter 15: Accounting Tools for Online Businesses 323
Part V: The Part of Tens 337
Chapter 16: Ten Must-Have Features for Your Website 339
Chapter 17: Ten Hot Steps to Entrepreneurial Success 349
Chapter 18: Ten Must-See Websites for Online Entrepreneurs 357
Index 363
Mengenai Pengarang
Kim Gilmour is a business and technology journalist specialising in web hosting, social media and promotion. She has written for Which? Computing magazine, Web User and Internet Magazine and is the author of Digital Photography for the Older & Wiser. Dan Matthews is editorial director of Casis Media and co-author of Starting a Business on e Bay.co.uk For Dummies. Greg Holden is the author of over 25 books including e Bay Power User’s Bible.