Product Description

The Complete Idiots Guide to Starting an Online Business is all about why and how to establish company Web sites and Intranets. It speaks specifically to the idea of distributed information as capital and how to use the Web and Web technologies to positively impact revenues. In very practical terms, it tells the reader how to set objectives, create strategies, and implement programs for Web-related communications and how to make the latter an integral and contributing element in a companys marketing, sales and financial activities. Special emphasis is given to managing a Web site and maximizing the use of information gleaned from an online presence. Added features include an overview of E-commerce, explanations of various Web software tools, the basics of Web design and how to set up a company Intranet. This is a simple, but in-depth, guide that details how any business -large or small- can plan, establish and profitably utilize a Web site and employ Web-based technology internally to advance growth and revenues.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1235187 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01-23
• Released on: 2003-01-23
• Original language: English
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 1 pages

From Amazon.com
There's no mystery about why Internet-centric businesses figure prominently in the popular consciousness these days: they're a great way to make a lot of money. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting an Online Business acknowledges that you can make a killing by taking a Web company public and explains, in layperson's terms, a bit about the process. However, the real service in this book is in the way it brings the reader down to earth by puncturing visions of instant e-wealth and then diligently explaining how to make real (read "bankable," not necessarily "enormous quantities of") money. The income streams you can build are generally tiny by Wall Street standards, but they can be very significant on a personal or family scale. You'll get a realistic view of Web business here, and that's why this book is worth reading.

The book suffers a bit when it attempts to explain the mechanics of Web publishing (a huge subject that's covered far better elsewhere), and there's very little discussion of the specific procedures involved in setting up a site to take credit cards. (This is a significant omission.) Coverage of soft matters, however, is good. The reader gets a tour through the thought processes involved in developing a business plan, plus all the details online entrepreneurs have to take care of (including dull things like fulfillment and order processing). Having a good idea and an attractive Web site won't cut it. Rather, a successful business has to know its product, know its customers, and unfailingly provide top-flight customer service. This book shows how to do all three. --David Wall

Topics covered: Selling products and services on the Internet, as the startup process applies to everyday entrepreneurs. Sections deal with defining a business plan, getting money for startup and growth, designing a Web site that draws and retains customers, advertising, marketing, and fulfillment.

Book Info
Presents quick and easy ways to create a unique selling position that will get shoppers to buy from you, decide what to sell and how to get the money, and stake your claim on the Net and join the new eCommerce revolution. Softcover.

From the Back Cover
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting an Online Business shows why and how to establish company Web sites and Intranets. It speaks specifically to the idea of distributed information as capital and how to use the Web and Web technologies to positively impact revenues. See how to set objectives, create strategies, and implement programs for Web-related communications that will impact your company's marketing, sales and financial activities. Learn to manage a Web site and maximize the use of information gleaned from an online presence. Also included: an overview of E-commerce, explanations of various Web software tools, the basics of Web design and how to set up a company Intranet.