So you are ready to start an online business
So now that you've thought long and hard about starting your own
online home business you'll need to take the first steps to
getting started. Below I've suggested a place to visit to help
you on your way. You don't have to use this resource, as it's
only a suggestion. There are many other similar resources on the
web which I'm sure are just as good.
As I mentioned in my previous article a decent HTML editor is
necessary for creating your own website. I use First Page 2000
which can be found at EVR
SOFT Once you've downloaded this or another WYSIWYG (what
you see is what you get) website editor then play around with it
until you feel comfortable enough to start your first web page.
The help files are very useful to read though I stress, play
around with it for yourself, as this is the best way to learn.
There are four different levels that you can choose from when
opening First Page 2000, which are 'Easy' 'Normal' 'Expert' and
'Hardcore'. I recommend starting with the 'Easy' mode and
working your way up.
Try creating a very simple test homepage to begin with for
example:
This is my home page where I am going to fill it with useful
text, only one or two pictures, very little JavaScript, no
tables as I am going to progress to use CSS files and quite a
few text links pointing to exactly where they say they are
pointing.
If you don't understand what the above is about and at this
stage I should think you don't, otherwise you wouldn't need to
read this, then don't worry. Just remember to save the above
paragraph to use as a guide every time you create a web page.
Tips to remember when creating your website:
No 1: Keep it simple. Average users usually surf the Internet
and send emails. They are not too interested in flashy gimmicks
on your website or how clever you are by adding unnecessary bits
and pieces. Google, the Internet's top search engine at the
moment and for the foreseeable future, is very plain and simple
to use though obviously very complicated underneath.
No 2: Make it as user friendly as possible. Let your potential
customers see where they are at all times and keep a constant
navigation bar at the top of every page. Ensure that your
shopping cart has as few clicks as possible leading to the final
payment click.
No 3: Don't have the usual 'You need to register before you can
purchase'. This is a sure way to scare off your potential
customers.
No 4: Clearly display your contact details on every page, real
world business address, email address and landline contact
telephone number.
No 5: A clear 'Guarantee and returns policy'. Customers need to
have confidence in your products. If you don't show the policy
it looks like you don't have confidence in your product so why
should they?