The fast and easy way to start and run an online business Starting an online business is no longer a novelty. It's a fact of life for individuals and established companies alike. The good news is that e-commerce and the practice of selling goods and services through a Web site and is not only here to stay, but it's thriving. More good news is that the steps required to conduct commerce online are well within the reach of ordinary people, even if you have no business experience. All you need is a good idea, a bit of start-up cash, computer equipment, and a little help from the practical, hands-on information in Starting and Running an Online Business For Dummies. With strategies to help you identify your market, design your website, choose services, trade securely, boost sales, and stay ahead of the competition; Starting and Running an Online Business For Dummies is just what you need to succeed. You'll discover how to open an online business in ten easy steps, how to select the right web host and design tools, why giving your e-business site structure and style is vital, techniques on attracting and keeping customers, and much more. * Advice on how to get your business on the Web quickly and economically * Completely revised and updated * Includes the latest information on web hosting, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, harnessing the power of social media marketing, and more Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a small business owner looking to expand your business online, this up-to-date and easy-to-follow guide covers all the essentials you need to know to get on the Web quickly and economically, without all the technical jargon and hype bogging you down. Discover just how easy it can be to break into the exciting world of online commerce - and succeed! No matter how limited your startup budget, or your digital expertise, this new edition of the bestselling guide is your ticket to making it big as a web entrepreneur. Short on technical jargon and long on how-to information, it gets you up to speed on everything you need to get your business up and running quickly and economically. This thoroughly updated second edition includes the very latest on web-based business technologies, online marketing strategies, social media advertising tools and a whole lot more. * Nuts, bolts and lots of cash - get down with the basic concepts, software and other technology you need to set up shop online, along with exciting new e-business money-making opportunities * Check it out - create a compelling online presence with a website that grabs customers' attention (and their cash) and gets them coming back again and again * Reeling them in - discover easy, inexpensive online marketing and advertising strategies that boost visibility, enhance the online shopping experience and increase customer satisfaction * Security! - get the lowdown on must-have security software for safeguarding your accounts and your inventory from hackers * Keeping the books - find out what every web entrepreneur should know about accounting practices and tools that help you keep track of your online activities * Tomorrow's online business today - take advantage of new and emerging trends in web hosting, search engine optimization, social media marketing and more Open the book and find: * Ten easy steps for setting up your online business * Tips for selecting the right web host and design tools * Ways to design your website * The latest social media marketing strategies * How to structure and style your e-business site * Methods for identifying your market * Ways to attract and keep customers * Pointers for harnessing the power of social media * How to trade securely online Learn to: * Attract new customers and keep them coming back * Improve your search engine rankings * Select the right web host and design tools for your business