Ten Tips for Cashing In Online
by
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.
If you don't have a website, you're surely thinking about getting one. Before you do, consider these tips.
1. Take your time deciding the purpose and look of your website.
2. Visit websites. Note what you like and don’t like. Note format and features, but resist the temptation to download basket photos. Remember the basic rule of copyright: a creation is owned by its creator unless the creator signs away his or her rights. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s also theft.
3. Talk to as many designers who have Internet experience as you can find. Compare their costs for website design and maintenance.
4. Learn about the Internet. Learn the language and the protocol. Most community colleges, some high school adult education programs and private companies offer courses about the Internet. Or buy a book.
5. Put search engines or search tools to work for you. They are the computer equivalent of a research librarian.
6. Learn to maintain your own site. You’ll save money and be able to make changes quickly. Otherwise, your Christmas designs may still be up in March.
7. Expect to spend much time in the design stage. Only you know what impression you want your website to make.
8. Plan clear, simple descriptions and instructions. Avoid lots of fancy designs, music, and flashing lights. Many consumers still own dial-up service and smaller screens.
9. Consider buying your own domain name, priced as low as $7.95 up to $35 per year.
There are three advantages to owning your own domain. First, you won’t have to pay someone else a monthly fee to be listed under their name. Second, your own domain name (especially if it’s your company name) is shorter for people to remember. Third, if you decide to change hosts, you take your domain name with you.
10. How will your customer pay you? Many retailers have merchant accounts, either through their own banks or an independent service organizations. But also consider PayPal, now a very efficient and viable option.
Get more detailed help with setting up your website with our special report, "Prescription for a Successful Gift Basket Website."
Have you been asked to create low-cost gift baskets? Learn how to profitably serve this market in our new our free 7-part e-course, "Satisfy Customer Demands for Low-Cost Gifts." Sign up now . Once you confirm, you'll begin to receive lessons in your email box.
About the Author
Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus at Fullerton College, educational consultant, gift basket expert, writer and professional motivational speaker. From her websites, blogs and newsletters she motivates small business owners and gift retailers with sales-generating ideas, marketing tips, design ideas and business success strategies. She is mother of four and grandmother of three. When she's not traveling she enjoys her home in Anaheim, CA.
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