Online Business help

AHOKD

I have been meaning to add an online dimension to my business for some time now, the problem is I am not sure exactly where to start. I know that many on here have developed their business online and may be able to help.

What would be the main overheads associated with an online shop? What online system for accepting/processing transactions would you say is preferable? What could i expect to pay for hosting and advertising? I understand these are probably hugely variable and it is probably a stupid question, but could you point me in the right direction, value for money wise? I'm sorry for all the weird questions, and i know that you are probably fed up answering such questions, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Fergal C

Have you considered getting some quotes from local web designers and outsourcing all the development to one of them? It would allow you to concentrate on the other aspects of your business without learning all the web technical stuff.

tinnuvial

Hi dithered on my website for a long time thinking it was way too complicated. In the end I took the easy route. I used blacknight minimus hosting and used their templates and wrote my own content. I'm not selling products online but I believe they do have options for that. My site isn't fancy but its clear and I've gotten great feedback from it. I think its a great way to get started. You might later want to get a web developer to do a template specially designed for you but this would get your toe in the water anyway. The cost was €4.99 a month with a set up charge (so first month was €12.00. I'm sure other hosting companies have something similar but Blacknight is the one I'm familiar with.

AHOKD

Fergal C wrote: »

Have you considered getting some quotes from local web designers and outsourcing all the development to one of them? It would allow you to concentrate on the other aspects of your business without learning all the web technical stuff.

Most of the quotes i have received so far seem to be just for the actual web design, I was wondering what other costs i would come across. Obviously i would like the website to look professional and trustworthy, but it is something i would just like to test the water with somehow, without a huge outlay at first. I do have a friend or two that might be able to help me when it comes to the actual web design.

Andy_Black

Start with your goals.

Do you want a website, or do you want to make money using a website?

They are not the same goals. It's obvious when stated, but many people want a website because they believe they need one, or because the competition has one.

If you want to make money using a website, then have you worked out how the website will make you money?

Do people want what you're selling?
Are people searching for it?
How will people find your website?
etc, etc

I hope that helps.

Andy

AHOKD

Andy_Black wrote: »

Start with your goals.

Do you want a website, or do you want to make money using a website?

They are not the same goals. It's obvious when stated, but many people want a website because they believe they need one, or because the competition has one.

If you want to make money using a website, then have you worked out how the website will make you money?

Do people want what you're selling?
Are people searching for it?
How will people find your website?
etc, etc

I hope that helps.

Andy

The website is something i would like to try, i would like to see could it make money, and expand my business really. I would not be relying on it. Yes people want the products i sell and there are many websites selling the products also. Im not sure how people would find my website thats why i was asking about running and advertising costs. I do feel it could open up my small business to a wider market and i wouldnt need a huge amount of sales to make it worthwhile.

Andy_Black

This might help:

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=2055721635