Creating an Ecommerce Site
A Home Business Article Contributed by Fiona Mclaren
How Do I Create an Ecommerce Site?
If you are a home based business owner, and you are looking to start your own ecommerce site, you will need to start off with a definite plan in mind. Ecommerce is a fantastic opportunity for home based business owners to really boost their earnings. You can be in contact with your customers daily, and offer products and services around the clock.
Implementing an Ecommerce Site
If you want to implement an ecommerce site, then there are three general ways to create one. However, you will always find a multitude of variations in between. But for now, you should concentrate on the basics. The three general ways to create a website are:
* Enterprise computing
* Virtual hosting services
* Simplified e-commerce
Each of these options offer a range of flexibility and simplicity.
Enterprise Computing - the Ecommerce Site
Enterprise computing involves you hiring specialist staff to build your website, and buying your software and hardware up front.
Amazon, Dell and many other big name organizations are involved in ecommerce at the enterprise level. If you run a business from home, you should consider enterprise computing solutions if:
* Your website has a very high traffic flow (hundreds of thousands of visitors per week).
* Your database catalogue is extensive and continually changing.
* Your sales cycle is very complicated, and needs the use of customized forms, pricing tables, etc.
* You already have procedures in place and need your ecommerce to blend in and integrate smoothly and efficiently with it.
Virtual Hosting Services - the Ecommerce Site
Depending on the vendor you decide to go with, the level of flexibility that your virtual hosting service offers you will be highly variable.
Normally, the vendor sells standardized packages. The vendor is usually also responsible for maintenance of the equipment and software. With a standardized package, part of the package includes security, and usually a merchant account is available too.
You might even find that database access is included in the package. However, you must provide the web designers and developers to make and maintain your ecommerce site.
Simplified Ecommerce - the Ecommerce Site
People who run their business based from home, small businesses, and individuals normally use simplified ecommerce to get into the ecommerce market initially.
Simplified ecommerce is where the vendor provides a simplified system for making your store. Normally, the home based business owner fills out a set of online forms. Once this is done, the vendor's software generates all the web pages.
There are many different vendors available to help you to make your ecommerce site. Make sure that you shop around, and get the best deal.
Summary
It is important that you get a host or vendor that is compatible with your needs. Your ecommerce site should be as attractive, easy to navigate, and helpful as possible. Make sure you take the proper amount of time when considering which of the above solutions will suit you and your business. It is important that you get your ecommerce site exactly right.
