Top 10 Steps to Putting Your Business
On-line
Copyright © 1999 by Kate Schultz
1. Get your own Domain Name.
Your own domain name is just the start in establishing your
Internet identity. For just $35 a year you can personalize your
space on the Internet. When selecting a name for your domain,
keep these points in mind. Your domain name should:
-> indicate what the web site is about
-> be easy to spell
-> be easy to remember
-> be easy to pronounce.
2. Select a good Web Host. Follow these guidelines when
looking for a Web host.
-> Technical support MUST be available seven days a week,
24 hours a day.
-> Scripts and Software. Look for a hosting company that
offers a library of scripts that are pre-loaded on your site.
These should include guestbooks, forms, statistics and
counters.
-> Support for Java, Shockwave, Cybercash, Real Audio,
Real Video, VRML, secure transactions, and other utilities.
-> Security Features should include the ability to set up
password protected directories.
-> Customer Services should include on online customer
support area with FAQs, guides, tips, and other resources.
Virtualis Web Hosting meets all of these requirements.
3. Learn proper netiquette and respect the culture of the
Internet before you leap in. Follow these simple rules and you
will be off to a great start.
-> Respect the right of privacy of others.
-> Resist participating in flames.
-> Use Upper and Lower Case letters when composing email
messages.
4. Select an E-mail program that works for you. Using Email
is the cornerstone of any on-line business. Spend the time
necessary to learn how to use email efficiently and effectively
and the returns will pay off handsomely in time saved.
Eudora Pro is an excellent choice for an e-mail program. You
can pick up Eudora Pro from Qualcomm for about $39.
http://www.eudora.com
5. Start an opt-in list by offering a free E-Zine.
Use a professional mailing list service to handle the technical
components of managing your subscriber database and the
delivery of your messages to the subscribers on your list.
Recommended Services:
http://www.oaknetpublishing.com
http://www.listhost.net
6. Develop an E-Commerce plan. You will need to accept
payment by credit cards at your Web site. Some of the pieces
involved in e-commerce include:
-> shopping cart software
-> merchant account setup and support
-> real-time processing availability
Your merchant account is a vital part of your Web site's
success. Ask questions, get references, and get an itemized
list of all fees associated with your account.
7. Develop your freebie. Giving away free stuff draws
visitors to your site who can then be directed to your products
or services. Free information and free advice are the most
popular freebies on the Internet.
8. Develop an autoresponder strategy to reply automatically
to your most common requests for information. Create
autoresponders for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), order
forms and information about your products and services.
9. Create Signature Files. A signature file is a block of
text that you attach to the end of all e-mail messages. Think
of it as your on-line letterhead and include your name, company
name and marketing slogan.
10. Adopt, adapt and improve. The Internet is dynamic,
interactive and constantly changing. Stay alert to new
marketing tactics and trends. Use that knowledge to adjust and
improve your site.
Kate Schultz publishes E-ZineZ: the E-Zine about E-Zines.
Discover how to get FREE content for your E-Zine and Web site
at http://www.e-zinez.com
Subscribe to Ezine-Tips at join-ezine-tips@ezine-tips.com
