5 Steps to Creating a Retail Website
Ready to take your retail business to the next level? Selling online can increase profits and get your products in front of consumers who wouldn’t have found you otherwise. Here are the 5 steps you'll need to get your website up and running.
Choose a Domain Name – The domain you select should reflect what you do; for example, if you sell children’s toys and the name of your brick-and-mortar store is “Jane’s Toy Box”, www.JanesToyBox.com would be an appropriate domain. Keep the domain short, simple, and easy for online shoppers to remember.
Website Design – Before you start to hyperventilate when you see just how much website design costs, know that there are a lotof low-cost options that can deliver exactly what you need. A slew of website design companies cater specifically to small businesses and can get your website up and running for less than $1,000. You may also consider hiring a freelance designer and contracting the work. Additionally, look for someone who can perform routine maintenance and help you with site issues in the future.
Web Hosting – Your new website is going to need a home so you’ll need to find a webhost as well. GoDaddy.com, BlueHost.com and HostGator.com all offer affordable webhosting options. Many offer long-term contracts that reduce the overall cost.
Shopping Cart – A shopping cart is software that retail websites use to allow online shoppers to purchase goods. Simply put, the program serves as the store’s online catalog and ordering process, allowing customers to select merchandise and place an order. There are many shopping cart providers and subsequently, you should be able to find a program that fits into your budget. Consult with your web designer or webmaster to find one that is compatible with your website.
Payment Services – In a similar vein, you’ll also need to select a payment services provider which allows your site to accept online payments from shoppers (usually in the form of major credit cards and debit cards). Since your site’s shopping cart will be used in tandem with the online payment processing, it’s important you select a provider that is compatible with the shopping cart. Again, it’s recommended you consult with your webmaster before making a decision.
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