Starting an Online Business
Some things you might consider before launching an online store...
So, you're thinking about going into business online? I say, 'go for it.' Well, maybe not so fast.
First, you need a website.
Of course. You knew that. Ya gotta have a website to be online.
But, do you know what that means exactly? If your understanding of website creation derives from your perspective of, say, a typical Microsoft Word document with a few pictures thrown in, you need to spend a lot more time researching your plan.
Come on. Professional web design and development takes a lot more expertise and talent then putting together a simple print brochure. And, you're website is going to need a lot more than a pretty presentation. Your business will need a sophisticated, secure eCommerce application with a robust database running in a secure server environment.
Sorry for the cold water. But, really: I can't tell you how many times I hear, "All I want to do is..." And, then the client points to Amazon.com. Yes indeed. Even very smart people make that remark. Do these people really think Amazon built their website with Microsoft Word? Of course not. But, a lot of folks DO believe their high school nephew knows how to do it. See?
The good news is your new eCommerce web application isn't anywhere near as difficult as planning, capitalizing and building a retail store or industrial plant location. For one thing, it's a heck of a lot less expensive. That means the relative 'risk' is a lot less than starting a brick and mortar business. Still serious about launching a business? Then let's get you online.
It ain't sale-priced: An online store is a sophisticated piece of programming
So, where do you start? Let's assume you've got a good product and a sound vision. So first start accumulating an adequate budget. You may have seen offers and prices that purport to create websites for just a pittance per month. Or, maybe you've been searching for so-called 'template' solutions that dovetail with your concept that web development shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars. Forget it.
You need to be ready to spend $6,000 to $8,000 (read: 'What's a website worth?') to build and launch your business website. You should be prepared to engage a professional website development organization to create and test it. Now, you could easily spend a lot more if you're not careful. But, if you think that the very foundation upon which your new business will rest, its web application platform, is where you should cut corners, you're making a terrible and costly mistake.
Starting a new business online can be a very smart move
My strong recommendation is to do it right. Take time to understand the technology. Invest wisely. Just make sure you invest enough to get the job done properly.
