Written for those who want to break away from rigid schedules, unappreciative bosses, and soul-sapping commutes, this book puts prospective Internet entrepreneurs on the road to success by offering an analysis of Internet mechanics and commerce and providing profiles of successful Internet businesses. Containing more than just technical information, this manual also helps the entrepreneur prioritize business goals and evaluate comfortable levels of risk, ensuring that the chosen business matches the aspirations of the entrepreneur. Each of the 101 business profiles includes promotion techniques for helping these start-ups get on the road to success, and a password for access to the companion website is provided.

 

There are many different features available with different electronic storefronts. Features vary depending on the storefront option that you have selected. Typically, higher-end software has more advanced features than that of a template service; however, some of these features may not be essential to running your particular online business. The following is a list of features that you should consider when selecting your storefront development option for your online business:

• Shopping cart
• Purchase notification
• Inventory management integration
• Client database management
• Integrated mail list
• Searchable product database
• Thumbnail image capability
• Customer e-mail notification
• Unlimited autoresponders
• Shipping and delivery options
• Coupons, discounts, and special offers
• Technical support
• Affiliate programs

Shopping Cart

An electronic shopping cart is an excellent feature for sites selling multiple products or services. The online shopping cart system operates much like an actual shopping cart. Buyers can add items to their cart as they please, and they can remove items just as easily. As the customers add and subtract items from their shopping cart, a running total of their purchase choices is dynamically updated. This is a great feature that shouldn’t be overlooked when you choose your storefront software.

Purchase Notification

This software feature enables merchants to be notified via e-mail whenever a purchase is made on their Web site. The e-mail typically states the product purchased, the purchaser’s contact information, and the credit card information. This feature is terrific if you use offline methods (e.g., the telephone) to authorize credit card purchases. You can simply pull up the e-mail message on your screen and call in to receive an authorization number.

Inventory Management Integration

Does the software enable you to integrate the storefront with your back-end system? Back-end systems refer to the company’s internal accounting, inventory, contact management, customer service, and other supporting software systems. This is a fantastic feature for companies selling multiple products online. By integrating the back end with your storefront, you can track inventory levels to (1) ensure that you don’t run out of a certain product or (2) notify customers that you are out of stock before they make a purchase. More information on integrating your back-end systems with your storefront is explained later in this chapter.

Client Database Management

A client database is essential to any business that would like to keep track of the people utilizing its site. This includes all users who interact in some way with your site, either by filling out one of your forms, becoming an affiliate of yours, or purchasing something through the shopping cart. All users will have a record of their actions in your client database. You can find out information such as who bought a particular product, who is subscribed to a particular newsletter, the time a client has been added to your database, and so on. Once a search is conducted, you will get a list of all clients and their online actions on your site. With this list, you are able to create a customized mailing list.

 

Introduction Internet Business—The Opportunity of Our Lifetime Defining What's Important to You Part 1—Doing Business Online Getting the Point Across Storefront Development Options Storefront Features Payment Processing Methods What Level of E-business Is Appropriate for You? Closing E-business Comments Part 2—101 Profiles of Top Internet Business Concepts 1. Ad Network 2. Apartment Locator 3. Art Supply Store 4. Association Management 5. Auction Site 6. Auto Advice 7. Banner Ad Designer 8. Beauty Products 9. Blogging Software/Blog Directory 10. Bookstore 11. Business Opportunity Center 12. Business Broker 13. Business Plan Writing Service 14. Cartoon/Joke Writer 15. Classified Ads 16. Collector Store—Rare Books and Records Finder 17. Commercial Cleaning 18. Community Events Web Site 19. Concierge Service 20. Cookbooks and Recipes 21. Copy Writing 22. Coupon Site 23. Craft Store 24. Custom-Made Calendars 25. Custom-Printed Products 26. Cybermall Owner/Operator 27. Desktop Imagery 28. Dining Guide 29. Direct Marketing/Direct Mail 30. Do-It-Yourself Site 31. E-Books 32. Educational Products 33. Electronics Store 34. E-Mail Reminder Service 35. Employment Agency 36. Event and Meeting Planning 37. E-Zines (Online Magazines) 38. Fund Raiser 39. Genealogy Research 40. Gift Baskets 41. Gift Registry (Online Wish List) 42. Graphic Designer 43. Health Guide 44. Hobby Store 45. Hotel Guide 46. Hunting and Fishing Supplies 47. Image Consultant 48. Information Broker 49. Interior Design 50. Mail List Service 51. Map and Tourist Information 52. Market Research 53. Monogramming 54. Movie Review Site 55. Music Center 56. Newsletter Developer 57. Online Coach 58. Online Flower Store 59. Online Modeling Agency 60. Online Promotion Company 61. Online Resort Directory 62. Party Planning and Supplies 63. Photo Display Site 64. Podcasts and Podcast Directory 65. Photography 66. Press Release Developer 67. Press Release Distribution Service 68. Printing Service 69. Private Investigator/People Finder 70. Professional Organizer 71. Public Relations Specialist 72. Real Estate Site 73. Resume Writing Service 74. Rubber Stamp Business 75. Search Engine Optimization Service 76. Search Engine Submission and Monitoring Service 77. Seminars Online 78. Senior Services 79. Sign-Making Service 80. Small Business Resource Center 81. Software Download Site 82. Sports Equipment, New and Used 83. Survey Service 84. Tourist Information Center 85. Trade Show Directory 86. Training/Speaking 87. Transcript Service 88. Translation Services 89. Travel Consultant 90. T-Shirt Design 91. Tutoring Services 92. Used Computer Sales 93. Virtual Assistant 94. Virtual Makeover 95. Web Design 96. Web Master 97. Web Radio 98. Web Site Review 99. Wedding Products 100. Weight Loss Service 101. Who's Who Directory

"An excellent resource for anyone wanting to start an Internet-based business. It not only includes many business ideas but also includes great information on building a top-notch website and generating lots of traffic to it."

 

Susan Sweeney, CA, is the owner of Connex Network, Inc., an international Internet marketing and consulting firm. She is the author of several books including 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site, The e-Business Formula for Success, and Internet Marketing for Your Tourism Business.

101 Internet Businesses You Can Start From Home by Susan Sweeney, CA
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