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Starting up an Online Business in Simple Steps, 1st edition

Published by Pearson (February 7, 2013) © 2013

  • Heather Morris
C$20.99

  • A print text (hardcover or paperback) 
  • Free shipping
  • Also available for purchase as an ebook from all major ebook resellers, including InformIT.com
This book is for those either starting a small business online or for an existing business owner looking to reach the growing number of online shoppers. It outlines basic business strategies, tools and resources needed to run a business online in addition to the security considerations and legal obligations for small businesses. Readers will learn how to build and manage a website from scratch with an emphasis on using an all-in-one Internet and web hosting service to create a secure and easy-to-navigate e-commerce site. As online marketplaces continue to be a good platform for existing and new business people to market and sell products, ebay.co.uk and Amazon.co.uk marketplace are explored in two separate chapters.
  • A friendly, visual approach
  • Easy-to-understand language
  • Practical hands-on tasks
  • Full-colour large format screenshots
  • To build your confidence and help you to get the most out of your computer, practical hints, tips and shortcuts feature on every page:
  • ALERT!– Explains and provides practical solutions to the most commonly encountered problems
  • HOT TIPS–Time and effort saving shortcuts
  • SEE ALSO…–Points you to other related tasks and information
  • DID YOU KNOW?–Additional features to explore
  • WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?–Jargon and technical terms explained in plain English

Top Ten Tips

1. Assess demand for your idea
2. Choose and all-in-one domain and site building package
3. Consider creating a logo
4. Register for a PayPal account
5. Keep in contact with your customers
6. Understand SEO
7. Protect your business information on a shared computer
8. Understand eBay business basics
9. Understand Amazon marketplace
10.  Understand e-commerce regulations that apply to your business

1. Develop your business idea

  • Choose a product or service
  • Adapt your existing business
  • Study the market
  • Assess demand for your idea
  • Analyse your business idea
  • Find a supplier
  • Assess start-up costs
  • Create a business plan
  • Learn about affiliate marketing

2. Prepare to get your business online

  • Check your computer’s operating system
  • Update your browser
  • Understand domain names
  • Register a domain name
  • Understand web hosting
  • Choose an all-in-one website building package
  • Prepare your product descriptions
  • Take photos of your products
  • Consider creating a logo
  • Register for a PayPal account

3. Create a basic web page

  • Set up your Quick Shopping Cart account
  • Start Quick Shopping cart
  • Edit your store information and add a logo
  • Customize your website template
  • Understand your VAT obligations
  • Add postage options to your site
  • Enable your PayPal account
  • Add product descriptions
  • Upload product images
  • Assign images to your products

4.Add email and edit your web page

  • Set up your website email
  • Assign a name to your email
  • Launch your email
  • Edit your welcome message
  • Add categories to your site
  • Add products to your categories
  • Change category page style
  • Change product page styles
  • Edit and add new products
  • Publish your website

5. Manage you orders

  • Monitor your orders
  • Process a PayPal payment
  • Buy and print a shipping label
  • Log payments in your store
  • Assign a package to an order
  • Complete the order and enter shipping information
  • Send your customer a note
  • Mark the order as shipped
  • Manage unique or non-inventoried items
  • Inventory your store items
  • Issue a refund

6. Promote your business

  • Create a special offer
  • Create a coupon code in Quick Shopping Cart
  • Keep in contact with your customers
  • Understand SEO
  • Define your key words for search engines
  • Understand website analytics
  • Use advertising credits
  • Create a Facebook page
  • Use Pinterest

7. Explore other payment options and online security

  • Explore PayPal options
  • Consider setting up an Internet merchant account (IMA)
  • Learn about SSL security certificates
  • Protect your computer against malware and viruses
  • Protect your business information on a shared computer
  • Use wireless Internet connections safely
  • Back up your data

8. Sell on eBay

  • Understand eBay business basic
  • Research completed BIN and auction listings
  • Understand eBay sellers’ fees
  • Decide on a pricing and strategy
  • Create a listing
  • Write a title
  • Add photographs
  • Write an item description and set a price
  • Choose payment options
  • Select postage options
  • Include a return policy
  • Monitor your sale and respond to queries
  • Print postage

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