Starting a web-based business

[SECplayer]

For those who have started web-based businesses in the past,is there any book or guide that you would recommend to help set up this type of business?

I know I would like some information on the basics such as setting up the website, online marketing, selling advertisements on the site, secure servers, setting up payment options, etc but would also like some info on some things that I would be likely to overlook.

I have a business idea but have never so much as set up a website (though I do consider myself at least above average when it comes to technological know-how). I'm also understanding of the fact that some of these tasks will require hiring someone (especially to have a high quality website). Anyhow, the odds of me actually attempting to go through with this idea are probably around 10% but I do want to research it thoroughly and explore my options.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Enfuego]

For those who have started web-based businesses in the past,is there any book or guide that you would recommend to help set up this type of business?

I know I would like some information on the basics such as setting up the website, online marketing, selling advertisements on the site, secure servers, setting up payment options, etc but would also like some info on some things that I would be likely to overlook.

I have a business idea but have never so much as set up a website (though I do consider myself at least above average when it comes to technological know-how). I'm also understanding of the fact that some of these tasks will require hiring someone (especially to have a high quality website). Anyhow, the odds of me actually attempting to go through with this idea are probably around 10% but I do want to research it thoroughly and explore my options.

Any help appreciated.

Why do it if you're only 10% committed? Sounds like a recipe for failure before you even begin.

 

[Betallsports]

Of course it all depends on what type of business it is. Not saying you should tell... Just saying...

As far as payments, there are a couple. http://www.authorize.net/ is one of if not the best payment option out there.
Also http://payments.intuit.com/. Either one is fine, I use both.
PayPal should also be an option, and some like google checkout.

 

[Betallsports]

Why do it if you're only 10% committed? Sounds like a recipe for failure before you even begin.

Maybe he's looking to see if it's worth it first ??

 

[Betallsports]

Also, first step.. Get your domain. Try your best to keep it at two words, three tops.
Cost of a nice web site could go for around $1500 or more. But there are ways to get that for under $900

 

[SECplayer]

Why do it if you're only 10% committed? Sounds like a recipe for failure before you even begin.

Well, I'm 0% committed right now. I want to do the necessary research to determine if this is a viable business idea before I start spending money and buying a domain name all to find out that the idea isn't even feasible. As i mentioned, ive never started such a business before so i dont know if the entering costs are going to be $20k or $200k. Need to determine that type of stuff first. If i actually decide to start the business, I will be 100% committed.

 

[SECplayer]

Also, first step.. Get your domain. Try your best to keep it at two words, three tops.
Cost of a nice web site could go for around $1500 or more. But there are ways to get that for under $900

Lots of good info BetAll. That's actually a little lower than I was thinking.

Tempted to go to Amazon and just type in "How To Start A Web-Based Business" or something similar and look for a true "How To" guide. I know it would be very broad and only go over the basics but might come I handy for someone like myself. Thn I could address the specific questions as they arise.

 

[downtown2222]

I would actually like to know some info on this too. SECplayer...would you mind me asking what business you are considering?

 

[Enfuego]

Well, I'm 0% committed right now. I want to do the necessary research to determine if this is a viable business idea before I start spending money and buying a domain name all to find out that the idea isn't even feasible. As i mentioned, ive never started such a business before so i dont know if the entering costs are going to be $20k or $200k. Need to determine that type of stuff first. If i actually decide to start the business, I will be 100% committed.

First piece of advice is not to go to a gambling forum and ask this advice if you're actually serious.

I asked about a business last week but wasn't serious in the least bit. If you're serious, go ask a professional.

 

[Betallsports]

Lots of good info BetAll. That's actually a little lower than I was thinking.

Tempted to go to Amazon and just type in "How To Start A Web-Based Business" or something similar and look for a true "How To" guide. I know it would be very broad and only go over the basics but might come I handy for someone like myself. Thn I could address the specific questions as they arise.

Don't get me wrong, people have spent $5k+ to build a web site
That's why I said it all depends on what you are selling.
And even then at that price, there's always ways to get it down

 

[downtown2222]

How much does it cost to maintain? Obviously all would be different but would it be easy for the average person to change some things if needed on a weekly basis?

 

[Betallsports]

How much does it cost to maintain? Obviously all would be different but would it be easy for the average person to change some things if needed on a weekly basis?

Basic stuff you should learn yourself. I did..
Built my first web site 9 years ago.. It was... Not that good, but had sales of $12,242 the first year.

I have gone through a lot of changes over the years. And have gotten help from a poster here at the RX

 

[SECplayer]

First piece of advice is not to go to a gambling forum and ask this advice if you're actually serious.

I asked about a business last week but wasn't serious in the least bit. If you're serious, go ask a professional.

Well, I came up with this idea last night so haven't exactly had time to seek out or schedule an appointment with a professional. Secondly, I wouldn't even know which "profession" to seek out at this point. Likely several. Again, this is preliminary research. Actually, this would be more akin to pre-preliminary research. Just seeking some free input and basic advice here and have already gotten some. I'm not going to hire a professional only to later find out I don't think the business will work.