The fast and easy way to start and run an online businessStarting an online business is no longer a novelty. It's a fact of life for individuals and established companies alike. The good news is that e-commerce and the practice of selling goods and services through a Web site and is not only here to stay, but it's thriving. More good news is that the steps required to conduct commerce online are well within the reach of ordinary people, even if you have no business experience. All you need is a good idea, a bit of start-up cash, computer equipment, and a little help from the practical, hands-on information in Starting and Running an Online Business For Dummies.With strategies to help you identify your market, design your website, choose services, trade securely, boost sales, and stay ahead of the competition; Starting and Running an Online Business For Dummies is just what you need to succeed. You'll discover how to open an online business in ten easy steps, how to select the right web host and design tools, why giving your e-business site structure and style is vital, techniques on attracting and keeping customers, and much more.* Advice on how to get your business on the Web quickly and economically* Completely revised and updated* Includes the latest information on web hosting, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, harnessing the power of social media marketing, and moreWhether you're a budding entrepreneur or a small business owner looking to expand your business online, this up-to-date and easy-to-follow guide covers all the essentials you need to know to get on the Web quickly and economically, without all the technical jargon and hype bogging you down.

Introduction 1Part I: Strategies and Tools for Your Online Business 7Chapter 1: Opening Your Own Online Business in Ten Easy Steps 9Chapter 2: Choosing and Equipping Your New Online Business 39Chapter 3: Selecting the Right Web Host and Design Tools 75Chapter 4: Profiting from Web 2.0 and Social Media Tools 99Part II: Establishing Your Online Presence 123Chapter 5: Giving Your E-business Site Structure and Style 125Chapter 6: Attracting and Keeping Customers 143Chapter 7: Building in Security Up Front 169Chapter 8: Monitoring and Improving Your Business 187Part III: Running and Promoting Your Online Business 205Chapter 9: Easing the Shopping Experience 207Chapter 10: Running a Business on eBay.co.uk 227Chapter 11: Accepting Payments 247Chapter 12: Service with a Virtual Smile 263Chapter 13: Search Engines: What You Need to Know 281Part IV: The Necessary Evils: Law and Accounting 299Chapter 14: Making It All Legal 301Chapter 15: Accounting Tools for Online Businesses 323Part V: The Part of Tens 337Chapter 16: Ten Must-Have Features for Your Website 339Chapter 17: Ten Hot Steps to Entrepreneurial Success 349Chapter 18: Ten Must-See Websites for Online Entrepreneurs 357Index 363