Starting an Online Business For Dummies »

Greg Holden is the founder of Stylus Media, which specializes in creating Web pages for small businesses. He is the author of nearly 50 books on computers and the Internet that provide readers with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to expand their operations into the Internet.

Start a new endeavor and open your own online business quickly and easily

Armed with a computer, an Internet connection, and a good idea — but hesitant to take that first step toward making money online? Starting an Online Business For Dummies gives you confidence by providing you with essential advice and up-to-date trends in e-commerce, all aimed at helping you make money online.

• Mind your own business — discover the latest strategies for promoting your business and outdoing the competition
• Getting to know you — identify your customers, get to know the marketplace, and establish a unique visual identity
• Outta site — get the most from your Web host, update your site to keep customers interested, and use tools to jazz things up
• The way to pay — choose an online payment system, set up secure credit card payments, and verify credit card data
• On the level — protect your domain name, figure out if a trademark is available, and explore legal issues you need to know
• Go straight to the source — sell on consignment, work with a wholesaler, or buy direct from around the globe
• Stand out in the crowd — increase your Web presence with search engine optimization, Web marketing, and social media tools
• No Web site? No problem — sell goods via eBay® auctions, Craigslist®, CafePress®, and other online marketplaces

Open the book and find:

• Guidance for creating an e-business plan
• Tips for making your site easily searchable
• The basics of online business accounting
• Advice for optimizing the shopping experience
• Ways to advertise with YouTube®, Twitter®, Facebook®, and blogs
• Pointers for maximizing Google's tools
• The essentials of opening an eBay store
• Ways to find products to sell or to work with wholesalers

Learn to:

• Identify a market need and choose the right Web hosting service
• Enhance site security and boost your customer service
• Improve your site's search rankings
• Market your business through social media