How to Build an E-Business

Building a successful E-business requires a good product or service, knowledge of sound business principles and the ability to implement web strategies. Whether online or offline, the ultimate goal of all businesses is to earn a profit. To build an E-business, entrepreneurs must know how to use web sites, social media and other web strategies to enhance their business. In any business, the most important objective is to satisfy customers.

Start with a Realistic Plan

• 1

  Write a business or strategic plan. The same business principles apply to an E-business as bricks-and-mortar businesses and writing a business plan is the best way for an entrepreneur to map out expectations. Among other things, a good business plan should examine goals, obstacles, financial investment needed, competitors and how the business will satisfy unmet consumer needs.

• 2

  Develop a website. Anyone can set up a website, but the most effective sites are developed with professional expertise. The best websites are clearly focused on the product or service, offer plenty of information and provide trustworthy and easy ways for customers to buy. Good websites also provide ways for customers to interact with company representatives and get their questions answered. Credit cards are the most common way consumers make web purchases, so all product websites should have purchasing mechanisms such as secure shopping carts.

• 3

  Market the website. The most beautifully designed and functional web site is worthless if no one knows about it. Marketing a website these days involves using many available tools such as search engines, blogs, e-mail, affiliates, and social media like Facebook and Twitter. Offline advertising in newspapers, magazines or on radio and television is more expensive, but also can bring customers to websites.

• 4

  Serve the customers. Secure packaging, prompt shipping, and making sure products are not defective are crucial to sustaining an E-business that sells products. The web offers many forums for business reviews, so word about bad business practices gets around quickly and soon will ruin an E-business.