Top Ten Tips v6.0

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Originally published at Internet.com

The Ecommerce Guide Site Builder should be your first stop when embarking on e-business. However, there is also comprehensive information for established sites as well. In any case, whether e-commerce is new to you or you've already made your first digital million, this compilation of site building EC Tips could be quite educational.

Step 1: Find a Domain Name
Domains: the Internet's Real Estate
Every Web site must have an address and as the Internet grows, your address becomes one of the most crucial ways for people to find your site.

Step 2: Build the Site
Web Trendy
Site design has evolved considerably since the explosion of all things Net. The pendulum has swung from white pages with lists of hyperlinks to full interactive streaming media. An effective e-store combines the best of all elements and should strike a balance between boring and overwhelming the visitor. In essence, the site shouldn't look outdated nor should it be too complicated.

Step 3: Find a Host
The Host with the Most
Since the Web hosts provide and manage the hardware, they are one of the most essential components of the Internet.

Step 4: Accept Payments
An E-Tailer's Friend
If you're a small e-tailer who is having difficulty affording the fees associated with credit card acceptance, you may be one of the people who need PayPal.

Step 5: Secure the Site
Consumer Protection
As an e-commerce site owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that customers are able to shop with confidence and safety in a secured, private environment.

Step 6: Promote the Site
Six Ideas for Budget Marketing
Advertising, marketing and site promotion are not frivolous or secondary expenditures -- they should be included in your overall budget and receive as much attention as your technological functions.

Step 7: Maintain the Site
Tech Temptation
Shiny new products that either keep their promises or drain your profits will continually tempt e-business operators.

Step 8: Keep Customers
Mea Culpa
With all the thousands of details swirling around an e-commerce site, there are bound to be mistakes - sometimes at the customers' expense.

Step 9: Globalize the Site
Show Me the Dinero
If your e-commerce site wants to take advantage of the global capabilities of the Internet, then you'll need methods for accepting international payments. Currency exchange rates change quickly so it is important that transactions are processed before extreme fluctuation.

Step 10: Stay Educated
When in Rome.com
During your online travels keep your eyes open for interesting Internet innovation. The intent is not to become a copycat but to research and gather good ideas and apply them to your own e-comm site.