Creating an Ecommerce Website
One of the results of the current economic downturn is that more and more people are turning to the internet and ecommerce as a way to create an income and become self employed. However, before launching into a new business venture, it is important to understand how the basic elements of web page design and ecommerce.Web Page Design
The starting place for many people, once they have selected a domain name and a website hosting service, is to begin their website design. Website design is actually not quite a simple as it might seem on the surface and careful attention to detail is important.
One good guide to creating a web page design is to use design tools like Google Heat Map. The heat map is a map that shows the most effective placement of content, menus and affiliate advertising. For example menus used to navigate the site are most effective when located at the top or to either side of the website. Menus located at the bottom or in the center of a web page are generally ineffective.
Also, it is a good idea to use a site map as a guide when designing your web page. Initially, the site map may simply be a piece of paper that includes all the different web pages that you want included on your website. However, as you make progress on your web page design, you may find it helpful to use a tool like Google Site Map to index your page and keep track of your progress.
Web page content should be easy to understand and informative, while at the same time interesting enough to keep the visitor navigating through your site. For example, you can include internal links to additional pages on your site that will take a visitor to a product page or a page that outlines additional specific information about a topic.
The use of keywords is also an important part of developing your site content. There are tools available that will help you select primary relevant keywords and keyword phrases about your topic that will draw traffic to your site. Popular keyword tools are WordTracker, WordStream and Google Keywords.
Shopping Baskets
Some website hosting services offer shopping baskets for ecommerce websites. It is important to have a shopping basket that is easy to use and includes the options for a shopper to check their total as they shop and to change their purchase selections as they continue through the shopping process. Additionally, it is good to have the option for a shopper to continue shopping with each selection.
Finally, you shopping basket should also allow for several different forms of payment for products. This may mean that you need to find a credit card processing company, although many website hosting services offer access to credit card processing. Be aware that credit card processing services will be based on your credit rating and on your estimated sales and you will be required to pay a regular fee for access to the services, plus a fee on each sale processed.
