looking to start online store...

[tony4704]

Hey guys, not sure if this is the right forum or not but Im looking to start my own online store and was wondering where I can find information on how to do this? I know how to build a webserver already because I have linux/unix experience but Im not sure if this is the way to go. I am wondering from the stand point of getting lots of hits and showing up on google search if I have to buy webspace for that or if there are other methods of getting people to see your store. Also since I only have limited html programming experience and some flash knowledge would I be better off hiring a webdesigner or getting some books and learning? Any information on this stuff would really help me out, thank you.

 

[Auryg]

First off, what are you planning to sell?

 

[tony4704]

well its actually for my dad, he is very good wood craftsmen and want to sell some things. I just basically need to know how to make shopping cart type ordering pages (or where to get this made for me), and how to advertise the site so it shows up in search engines.

 

[Diz2K2]

You will need some decent SEO skills to get high google rankings. Even then, that can take some time. You can probably do a google search to find tips on ways to optimize your site to increase your search engine ranking. I suggest you also use standard advertising practices too by word-of-mouth, advertise locally in newspapers, pass out flyers, using your forum sig, etc. Also make sure the website address is on all of your stationery.

Here are some shopping cart solutions you can check out and try and see what is best for you.
http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_a...s/E-Commerce/Shopping_Carts/index.html