If this is your first eStore then you probably are in need of a little help sorting out the what you need to do to get an online store up and running. I’d like to share some necessary steps that will help you get your new eStore online in short order.

Your Business Name

Before you can create a website you will need a domain name. There are any number of domain registrars out there. The cost per year is around $10. You will need to pick a domain. If you are lucky your business name will be available if not you may need to get creative. If it’s available don’t hesitate — grab it NOW — it can just sit until you are ready to open your eStore.

Okay got your domain name? Next step…

Find a Host

You will need to setup an account with a host that has a shopping cart feature. You will have to pay either a monthly, quarterly or yearly host fee depending on your preference. You can also choose host your own site through direct agents like Dreamhost. However, I wouldn’t recommend this for people who are just getting started online.

Now you don’t have to wait until your host package is arranged to have a webset designed but you should have some idea as to who you might be hosting with. It’s helpful for the web designer/graphic artist to know how to prepare your image files to meet the host’s graphic requirements.

Click here to see a list of popular eStore Hosts or Website Builders

Web Graphics

At some point you will need graphics to make your website look professional. You can either buy them premade at any graphic shoppe you find online (checking to be sure the webset is compatible with your host), you can have your webset custom designed or you can grab some free graphics off the web (referred to as shareware, freeware or linkware graphics). Prices can range from $10 a webset for the no frills to as high as a few hundred dollars for an “exclusive” webset.

Once you’ve got your domain, host and graphics you are pretty much ready to setup shop. You will also need to prepare content for your estore as well as get good, clear product shots then it’s just a matter of adding everything in and you are good to go.

Good luck with your new eStore!

Still have questions? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll try to point you in the right direction.