WAHM Forums

Hello,


I am contemplating starting my own online business, and I have some questions about the website portion of it that I was hoping you could help me out with!


1. Does anyone have any recommendations of who to create/host my website with? I would like it as inexpensive as possible, but with the possiblity of upgrading if my business turns out to be profitable. The features I am interested in include an e-store, message board/forums, live chat, newsletter/bulk email capabilities for me, free of advertising (unless I put it there!), my own domain name...(I think that's most of it..)


2. I am planning on selling "memberships" to a service instead of an actual physical product. I would like to be able to charge members on a monthly basis. Are most e-stores equipped to handle this, or is there something special I should take under consideration.


3. What are some of the legalities in operating an online business? (I also posted this question in the business advice folder, but thought I'd ask here, too, in case anyone has a different perspective.)


Okay, I think that's enough for now...although I'm sure I'll have more questions down the road!


Thanks in advance for the help!Edited by: Lizzardq

Hi Lizza,


I recommend my company, Easy Web and Design. smileys/smiley2.gif


www.easywebsitetoday.com (http://www.easywebsitetoday.com) is also very good.


Teresa

www.ducksoupcreations.com (http://www.ducksoupcreations.com) can help you achieve everything you want with your website and business.

The only thing I am not positive about from your questions is the legalities - it will depend on your city/state. I would double check with the sba or your local chamber of commerce.


Good luck with your business, and feel free to bounce ideas around here :)


Rebecca

You will want the ability to have a "subscription" or "recurring payment" to bill your clients on a monthly basis (this will happen automatically, without you having to remember it and manually send out bills). Most shopping carts offer this service.


You will need to check with your Secretary of State and Department of Revenue to find out how to register your business (let them know whether you'll have customers coming to your home or not, that effects registration in most states). You'll also need to find out how sales taxes work in your state (whether you'll need to collect them on your membership fees, and if so, how to collect and report them-each state/municipality is different). I've moved my business to 3 different states, so if you have any questions you are welcome to PM me.


For your online business, it's important to make sure you have a clearly written refund/cancellation policy (to cover yourself), and that you explain your Terms of Service clearly, as well. Remember to write your web site for the "lowest common denominator"....that way you cover all of your bases. As we all find out on the internet, you can never assume that "people will just know" something. Do a google search using your type of business + Terms of Service and + Policies to see what others have done, and to have examples to follow. Remember that there are copyright laws out there on web content, so don't copy anyone else's site....just use them as a guide for writing your own.


Best of luck to you! It's very exciting to start your own business!


(edited for typos...still having my first cup of coffee! LOL)Edited by: nolacoop

www.citymax.com (http://www.citymax.com) is GREAT and at a great price! Good Luck smileys/smiley1.gif

For That I recomended The Best in this - Netfirms


I also use iPower and StartLogic


If you want more information for web hosting read my webhosting review (http://www.fighterspirit.com/Top-Home-Business-Web-Hosting-Review.html)


I hope that is help