Approach your eCommerce operation in the same way as any new business - with a good business plan. A website is a big investment so assess whether your business will really benefit before you commit precious resources.
Will your product or service work on the Net? Recent research shows that some sectors such as travel, insurance, books and PCs lend themselves to online sales more than others. Is your operation suitable?
Get on-line. Find an ISP (Internet Service Provider)- it is your gateway to the world wide web.
How is your site going to look, what information are you going to put in it and who is going to design it for you?
Good web design, whether you do it yourself, employ a consultant or use a specialist agency, makes your site easy to navigate, easy to understand and easy to purchase from. Remember for some this is the only contact your customers will have with your business.
Information on how and why you can integrate PayPal into your website or blog to accept online payments for your business.
For many young entrepreneurs, venturing online presents an easy way to enter the world of business. Andrew Pallett, Founder of Urban Alpha, shares his thoughts and tips for starting an ecommerce business from concept to launch.
We catch up with Laura Milligan (23 at the time of winning), the brainchild behind design brand Laura Felicity. She talks about how she used her Shell LiveWIRE Grand Idea award money to expand her range and start selling online.
