Prepare to Put Your Retail Store Online
It's understandable why you feel anxious and overwhelmed as you begin to develop a Web site. You know all about buying inventory, managing employees, and attending trade shows.
But now you're beginning to realize that creating a Web presence has the potential to make a significant increase in revenues. And it will do so in small ways that make for big results.
I'm Shirley George Frazier, gift and gourmet industry specialist and your guide to unraveling the complexities of creating an online store.
Your retail Web site will:
- Pinpoint your location on a map or provide text directions so that new customers can easily find you.
- Notify customers about special events such as contests, artists' appearances, and new merchandise available in the store.
- Tell area corporations about specialty items you stock to welcome and thank employees, executives, and guests.
- Introduce many more sales-increasing ideas, which you'll learn here.
This online tutorial is created to make your Web site creation smooth and easy. It's a shortened version of the seminar, "Getting Your Store on the Web," which I teach at gift industry shows throughout the U.S. Attend this seminar at a trade show to hear all 10 steps that guarantee your success.
There are times when creating a site will cost thousands of dollars and other times when you can save lots of money by:
- Understanding what you want to accomplish before you start.
- Brainstorming with employees to decide what will be included.
- Choosing an employee or college intern to develop and maintain your online store.
You can learn these things yourself, but let's face it: you're not an Internet specialist and don't care to become one. That's why I've created this site.
This is where you'll become comfortable with terms and possibilities. Soon you'll understand how to communicate with your Web creator and be pleased with the results.
I've been in your shoes. I created and launched my first site, GiftBasketBusiness.com, in 1998. It's now the world's most-recognized Web location for anyone who's starting a gift basket business or adding a gift basket area in a store or another facility.
Now I own close to 12 sites, and more are planned. Creating a Web site is similar to owning real estate -- after purchasing your first property, you build confidence to buy and develop more.
I know you're anxious to start. Click on the easy lessons in the left column, and prepare for superior sales that await you.
Shirley George Frazier
Founder and Retail Web Site Therapist
