Get (Your Business) Online Checklist

Taking your business online can be intimidating if you don't have much experience with the internet or web development. However, since every business should be using the internet in some way, the following checklist is meant to give you a clear set of steps to follow to get your business online.

Read the information attatched to this checklist by following the links in the text. This will give you enough knowlege to talk intelligently with internet service providers and web developers who you may need to work with to get the job done.

Before you start checking things off this list, you will want to develop your Web Strategy.

1. Research & Register a Domain Name
   

   • Finding a suitable domain name is something that is best done at the same time as choosing/registering your business name.
   • There are a lot of great tips and tools for choosing suitable domain names

   [Click here to learn more about Domain Names]
   [Click here to learn more about Domain Tips]
   [Click here to learn more about Domain Tools]

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2. Develop the Website
   

   • Understand what your basic needs for a website are.

     [Click here to learn more about Basic Needs]

   • 5 Options for Development

     1. Do it Yourself
        • Least expensive but probably most time consuming. Would you rather spend your time programming or running your business?
     2. A Friend
        • Similar to DIY solution but they may not have the required design, development or Internet marketing skills and you may have to hire other individuals to ensure all your project needs.
     3. A Student
        • Can be cost effective for a small business.
        • May be lacking in experitence or skills in certain areas that may need to be farmed out.
     4. A Freelance Designer
        • May be more cost effective than a big design firm.
        • May not have all of the resources needed for larger projects and continuity in relationship (if they move or go out of business) can be an issue.
     5. A Professional Design Firm
        
        • often provide the most comprehensive set of skills, resources and services.
        • Usually the most expensive option.
        
        
     • Note: Fill out an RFP while considering this decision. It will help you and your potential web developers understand your needs.

       [Click here to learn more about RFP's]

       *eBC Seminar - Taking Your Business Online
       *eBC Seminar - The Good, the Bad and the Effective Website

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   • What Type of Site Are You Going to Develop?

     • You need to decide how interactive your website is going to be and what services it will provide.
       

     [Click here to learn more about Types of Sites]

   • Are you going to use a Content Management System?
     • A CMS allows you to update the website yourself, without relying solely on your web designer.
       *eBC Seminar - Content Management Systems
       

     [Click here to learn more about CMS's]

   • Develop Your Website Content

     • You are the only one who knows what content should be on your website. In order to properly represent your company on the internet, you need to supply your web developer with the content. Don't leave it up to them.
     • Content includes text, pictures, logos, media, or anything else you want to appear on your website.
       *eBC Seminar - Writing for the Web
       

     [Click here to learn more about Website Content]

   • Research Legal Issues

     • Rules that apply to a normal business apply to online businesses as well.
     • Be aware that there are legal concerns specifically related to online business that you should probably talk about with your lawyer. These include creating contracts online, terms and conditions of use of your website, privacy policies, intellectual property rights and more.
       *eBC Seminar - Legal Tips for your eBusiness
       

       [Click here to learn more about Legal Issues]

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   • eCommerce - Do You Need a Merchant Account?

     • Will customers be purchasing from your website (Selling Online)?
     • If so, how will you collect funds?
     • Credit Card?
     • Paypal?
     • Are you going to use a shopping cart.
       *eBC Seminar - eCommerce and Understanding Online Payment Systems
       *eBC Seminar - osCommerce - Shopping Cart Solution for Your Business
       

   [Click here to learn more about eCommerce]

3. Find a Hosting company

   • The hosting package that you choose is dependant on your present and future website needs.
   • There is a vast range in hosting options for your website. If you are working with a web developer, it is likely that hosting will be part of your package. It is a good idea to shop around in order to find out if your package contains a competative hosting rate for the services that you are using.
     

   [Click here to learn more about Hosting]

4. Launch Your Website

   • Now that your website is ready to go live, you need to make sure that people can find it.
   • eMarketing and Search Engine Optimization are essential research topics if you want to generate traffic and sales on your website.
     *eBC Seminar - Search Engine Optimization
     *eBC Seminar - Online Marketing Strategies

[Click here to learn more about eMarketing]

For more information on a variety of related topics, check out our e-Biz Guides page.

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