The first moves

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.

Can your business handle a large increase in orders. It is essential that your online operation links up to your production and back office. You will only get one chance with an Internet customer - make mistakes at your peril.

How are you going to fulfill online orders? You need to set up cost-effective, efficient and secure distribution channels.

Seek advice on legal and taxation matters before you begin trading over the Internet.

Once you are ready to go live include your URL (web site address) on all your printed material and on your business answer machine.

PR is a powerful marketing tool - send information about your site to relevant media.