Starting an Online Store (Step 1)
Most new or potential business owners have no idea where to start. It begins with the inception of a new idea, either something that hasn't been done or sold before, or something that has been done, either way though, you need an online store.
You may have gone to friends to ask them if they know anyone who builds websites, at which point you were referred to someone who has built a few decent looking online stores. After you explain your project to to this person, he quotes you his standard $15,000 to $20,000 to get started. But did you know that most e-commerce websites nowadays use already developed systems that are completely customizable? If you find the right developer, who asks you the right questions to understand your project completely, you would be amazed at the talent that's out there and how quickly you can get running while still in budget.
Most people try to to become an "Amazon" from the start, they want to have everything figured out completely. They want the person they choose to develop their website to be someone full time who does Search Engine Optimization (so you show up in a good place on Google, Yahoo etc), PPC Management (to run ads), Affiliate network management (so you can pay marketers commission on the sales they bring you), Website development, Website maintenance, Website graphics design, Logo design, Importing products, the list goes on. What most people don't typically understand is that these are all individual jobs. The person that has all or the majority of those listed talents is already running their own company, they don't need your money.
Here's a tip, start small. Get your website developed by someone who's local. For the Montreal area, I recommend getting in touch with David Azoulay at Daversion.com. You'd be surprised at how much more affordable and organized your business model will have just gotten.
Once you have the website done the way you want it (website design, development, hosting), you're ready to proceed to the next steps.
More to come.
