How can I make my internet business a success?
Ruth B asked:
I am thinking about starting up an internet business making and selling handmade cards – birthday, wedding, sympathy etc. I know there are a million and one other people doing this kind of thing, so how should I go about getting my site on the first page of a search engine? I have absolutely no idea about web design but am willing to learn. I’ve tried selling on Ebay but would like my own site as I begrudge paying Ebay so much in fees!! Oh and btw I live in the UK if this makes a difference, although I would be happy to mail my products all over the world.
I am thinking about starting up an internet business making and selling handmade cards – birthday, wedding, sympathy etc. I know there are a million and one other people doing this kind of thing, so how should I go about getting my site on the first page of a search engine? I have absolutely no idea about web design but am willing to learn. I’ve tried selling on Ebay but would like my own site as I begrudge paying Ebay so much in fees!! Oh and btw I live in the UK if this makes a difference, although I would be happy to mail my products all over the world.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
yahoo business
August 1st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Great idea! Go for it!
There is a resource that can help you. I’ll be glad to send along the link on receipt of your request.
August 3rd, 2009 at 4:14 am
Search engine optimization is hard and a very complicated subject which I coudn’t possibly teach you in this response. I think you have a great idea but are thinking about it the wrong way. Start this out as a local business that happens to do all of its sales over the web, you will meet real people who will trust you and if you have a good service refer you to others. Over time with more and more referalls you can build up your presence on the web.
August 3rd, 2009 at 5:43 am
If you begrude paying ebay, I suspect you will begrudge paying google for placed results – which you will need to do in a competative market.
You can improve your chances of getting results by understanding Search Engine Optomisation:
In terms of making the website, just google “html basics” and read around.
The good thing about your venture is the (relatively) low startup costs
August 4th, 2009 at 2:16 am
There was an article in the Independent the other day which may give some details for use
August 6th, 2009 at 5:08 am
The key thing is finding the words that people will use to find your products.
If you choose the wrong words people will not find your site.
Once on site the, information needs to be easy to read, clear type and clean uncluttered backgrounds.
Use a digital camera to take photos and keep taking pictures of each item, until you are sure the pictures are in focus and show every detail. Make sure the background to each picture enhances the product.
When you are satisfied invite someone who is not computer literate to use the site. Listen to their problems and concerns change and improve.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
hiya, theres loads of free sites where you can advertise your goods for free. search for free classifieds uk
you could write an article about card making and post it on UK sites that have an article or Spigle try or place a listing it the business / community directory on the same site.
Getting your own website can be very expensive if you dont do the business to support the costs. Good Luck with your venture