Friday, November 28, 2008

E-Commerce Site Checklist

If you have the opportunity to set up an E-commerce site the following outline could be used for setting it up:

  1. Create an Online Plan
    • Assess the opportunity and check out the competition
    • Define vision and metrics of success
    • Figure out the cost of doing business online
    • Determine tasks and staffing needs
  2. Establish your Merchandising Approach
    • Inventory
    • Merchandising focus
    • Promotions plan
    • Merchandising calendar
    • Integrate across channels
  3. Figure out the Moving Pieces: Logistics, Shipping, Fulfillment, Customer Service
    • Set up a merchant account; establish payment method(s)
    • Determine shipping options and policies
    • Think about how you want to fulfill orders — in house or outsource
    • Establish customer service policies and get toll-free number and email address
  4. Select the Right Technologies
    • Domain name
    • Hosting service
    • E-mail/list management
    • E-commerce engine/platform/storefront
    • Analytics & reporting tool
  5. Develop the Web site
    • Product photography
    • Product copy
    • Product tagging/attributes
    • Site design
    • Site search
    • Online marketing program covering SEO, SEM, viral campaigns, online affiliations and public relations as well as online advertising.
  6. Be Ready to Adjust

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