The process of starting up a web based business can be daunting. There is a bit of a learning curve, but eventually it gets easier as you become more familiar with your host and how it all works.

You will need to choose a domain name for your business. Your web host is likely to have domain registry as a service, but if not you can always register at a site like GoDaddy. Registering a domain name is only step one to building a website. Now you need somewhere for it to be shown.

Choosing a small commerce hosting site will make hosting a website MUCH easier for you. They will have built in features, like a shopping cart and an easy to use editor that will let you control products and pages without much HTML knowledge.
I have a list of hosts that I work with here. I try not to recommend any one host but all are similar in style and format. You have to choose based on reviews, features, and pricing.
Once you register with a host, you will then need to enter your name server numbers into your cpanel area so that your domain will "point to it". After that your web store will be visible, and you can get started.

If you have a very clear image in your mind of the design that you want, a custom design is best for you. If you have a general idea, but you're open then you may want to purchase a "one of a kind" design that nobody else will have. If you find a limited edition template that you like, but you want to change the fonts or colors, just email me for a quote and I can tell you the price difference depending on how many changes you want to make.

If you have a small budget and you can't afford a totally custom design, please email me and let me know the budget you're working with, and the design you have in mind, and we can discuss your options.

Before you open a new website you should be prepared! It's surprising how many people open up websites and then let them sit until they expire. To help you stay focused you should have some essential things in place.

1. Product line with photos. Know what you will be selling and have good pictures of your products, your design space, your services, whatever it is you're going to be selling. If you need tutorials on how to get the best lighting and take the best possible pictures at home check out some articles online or here.

2. Make sure your name is both memorable, and easy to spell. If you sell bow bands and you name your store "Sweet Baby Bowbands" you run the risk of blending in with so many other shops that people won't remember you. I have honestly had many customers over the years that I could not remember the name of their business just a few weeks after I worked on their website! Think of a name that describes your business but is uniquely you. 

3. Know your market. All too often people will open up a shop selling goods that interest them without doing a little market research. If you want to sell tulip bulbs, make sure that you're offering something different or at a better price. If there are 800 other tulip bulb shops online you probably won't see many sales. Do some investigating and find your niche. 

4. Advertise! You have to develop an online presence. That means blogging, banner exchanges, running ads, social media, etc. With all of the competition out there it's important to make a name for yourself. 

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With regard to your own website's success:

Be available. Website design means a huge amount of back and forth communication. If you are not available to answer questions along the way the process slows way down, and it's harder for me as a designer to give you my best creative energy when I have to stop and let the design sit for days at a time. Make up a list of everything you need (hang tags, banners etc), have your social media pages set up, send me some great photos, and we can get you up and running in a timely manner.