How to Build an E-Commerce Website

Build an e-commerce website to sell hard goods, information products or services online. The internet is a powerful tool, connecting businesses and customers every second. Whether an online e-commerce site is going to be a side venture for you or will eventually replace your income, doing it right from the start is important to success. While experience helps, webmasters new and old can find success building and maintaining an e-commerce site.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   E-commerce niche?

   Research your niche and learn as much as you can about supply and demand for the items you will be selling. If there is competition, how will you stand out? What products or services will you offer on your niche e-commerce website that are superior or better priced?

2. Choose a web hosting service, comparing what each has to offer. Look for one with free site builder tools, templates, shopping cart or e-commerce solutions and good support services.

3. Purchase a domain name and a web hosting package. Research your domain name (the URL for your site) before choosing it. Consider the keywords for your site's topic and main items for sale.

4. Build the pages for your e-commerce site. In addition to pictures and prices, include a description of each item. The text lets the search engine know what your pages are about, so use specific keywords for each item.

5. 
    
   E-commerce ready?

   Install website shopping cart elements in your site. Each item should have a "Buy Now" or "Add to Cart" button, which needs to be coded properly. Test your site to make sure a transaction can be completed successfully.

Tips & Warnings

• Work on your e-commerce website steadily, adding a page or product as frequently as time allows.
• Consider writing a blog attached to your commercial website. This will draw readers, bringing more traffic and sales to your site.

Resources

• HostGator domain names, hosting, site builder, ecommerce features
• SiteBuildIt! domain names, hosting, site builder, tutorials

[MommyTeach]

on 1/11/2009 Thanks for the tips.

[zkoneffko]

on 12/4/2008 There are many sites out there that allow you to build your own online store without knowing any programming at all. Try www.yahoo-store-builder.com, www.netnowsolutions.com, or search for others.

I personally use www.netnowsolutions.com because it allows you to customize the look a lot more then most of the others and has fairly good pricing.

Check some of them out and decide for yourself!

[Pamelateda]

on 12/2/2008 Thanks for the useful tips! Great article.

[TFMiser]

on 11/30/2008 It seems like it would be pretty simple to open an e-Commerce site. I have too much going on with my blogs and other sites to start an e-Commerce site though.

[bg8510]

on 11/26/2008 Thanks!