How to build a successful e-commerce website?
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- Overview -
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Firstly, people talk about eCommerce all the time, but just what is an eCommerce web site?
This is a site that is capable of handling online transactions and that automatically deposits
money into your bank account once a customer pays for an order. It can (and should) be used as
another marketing channel and sales tool that can generate or bring in the revenue that traditional
methods simply can't produce. Sounds simple? It is - as long as you know
what you're doing! So what does an eCommerce web site need? Take a look at the following 7 basic components:
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- Domain Name:
This is your business address on the web.
- Website:
This is the place where people come to shop with you.
- Secure Server:
This is a hosting server that secures online transactions so that sensitive credit card information won't be stolen or lost during the process.
- SSL Digital Certificate:
This is required to enable encrypted communications between servers and browsers across the Internet to provide the security needed for virtual storefronts.
- Shopping Cart:
This is a back-end application designed to help you sell your products online. It operates your e-store.
- Merchant Account:
This is the bank account that all your online revenue goes into.
- Gateway Processor:
This connects your shopping cart with your merchant account and completes credit card processing.
I am going to explain each of these components in more detail now. But firstly, I strongly recommend that
you BOOKMARK this website. Information is regularly updated and if you check back frequently you'll be
able to take advantage of new ideas and products and apply them to your own business. Keeping your eCommerce site up to date doesn't only give you competitive advantages - it'll also make sure you keep saving time and money!
Now you can start the course with the first topic: "Find your domain name before it's too late!" (recommended!), or you can choose to read the section that you are most interested in from the following course index:
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"How to build a successful e-commerce website" Course Index:
- Preface
- Course overview (You are here!)
- Find your domain name before it's too late!
- You need a web site that sells itself!
- A secured hosting server gives you confidence!
- Guard your privacy with a SSL Certificate!
- Find a shopping cart that works for you!
- Manage your online funds with an internet merchant account!
- Put the pieces together with a payment gateway!
- Last Few Words
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Online Course written by Maggie Pearce
About the Author: Maggie Pearce is the founder of Online Image, a web development firm specializing in high quality innovative web site production that takes your business further on the internet! At online image, we deliver more than top quality online presence; we develop online infrastructure that makes your website sell itself!
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