So you're looking to have an ecommerce web site created and need a fast, affordable way to start selling online - but you're not sure where to start?  This article has you covered!Here, you'll discover exactly what three steps are needed to build an ecommerce website.

 

1. Create your online business plan - You have to know what you want to do before you can start an online business.Fortunately, this doesn't take much time at all. It doesn't have to be anything official either. 

   To start, grab a notebook and write down your website plans.What pages will be included? How many products do you want to sell? Where do you see your site in 3 months, 6 months or a year from now?What are your plans for this website and how will you set yourself apart from your competitors?

2. Hire a web designer - There are lots of e-commerce web site design companies out there.  To make sure you choose a reputable designer, look through their Portfolio.Â

   Check client testimonials and ask for references.  Many good designers will offer a free web design quote.Use this to your advantage and compare the prices and features available for what you need.

3. Get a reliable shopping cart - There are about as many shopping cart solutions online as there are web designers, so finding a good one can be a challenge.  You can always ask your designer or web developer what they recommend.Â

   The shopping cart can be customized to blend in perfectly with your web design, and you have all the tools you need to manage, ship and stock products with ease.  If you’re on a tight budget, you might also want to try a Yahoo! Store, although you can't customize their templates very much.

Overall, these three steps can get you started with your own online web store.  Good luck in your business! 

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this article, you can find even more web design tips at http://www.iElectrify.com