Getting Started: The 4 Big Accounts
June 25, 2008
“What do I need to set up before I start my online business?” This is a very common (and smart) question to ask. And while you may eventually implement a dozen features to enhance your selling/marketing processes, there are 4 accounts that are ESSENTIAL to getting things rolling.
Once these 4 are in place and integrated with each other, visitors will be able to view your website, click a “Buy” link, enter credit card info, and instantly download your digital product- without you lifting a finger. Oh- and the best part- their money is automatically transferred to your bank account. Sweet.
Here are the 4 accounts:
1. Shopping Cart Account- A solid shopping cart account is the backbone of your Internet business. It’s where you go to add products, check your orders, manage your customer list, set up automatic autoresponder emails, and much more. Choosing the right one is crucial- changing this down the road means scrapping everything you’ve done up to this point.
I highly recommend www.WebMarketingMagicPro.com.
2. Payment Gateway Account- In the .5 seconds after a customer enters his credit card info, a decision has to be made as to the legitimacy of the payment. Your gateway does this, and decides if the order is “Approved” (continue with order) or “Declined” (return to shopping cart with error). Because of it’s function, it must be integrated with both your shopping cart AND your merchant account (keep reading).
I highly recommend Authorize.net.
2. Merchant Account- This is what allows you to accept credit cards online. You Merchant Account company are the people who, behind the scenes, transfer the money from your customer’s credit card account to your bank account. Since you’re dealing with sensitive financial info, there is an application process and a few hoops you have to jump through. Make sure you find one with a good reputation solid support team.
I highly recommend eOnline Data.
(NOTE: If you decide to purchase through the link here, three cool things will happen:
- First, I will get affiliate credit. Just full disclosure.
- Second, ALL the setup fees ($79-$99) will be WAIVED. This is a fee charged to customers that usually goes to the affiliate (me). I told them I’d rather they just not charge it at all. You’re welcome.
- Third, and most important- they will concurrently set up your Merchant Account AND a Gateway Account with Authorize.net, AND configure them. Trust me, this is a very good thing for you!
3. Web Host Account- This is the “rented” space on the Internet where your website(s) live. Once you have your website loaded here, the whole world can see it- and you then can integrate your shopping cart. A good web hosting company will allow you to host multiple domains (a domain is your website’s name- i.e. Mysite.com), you can get email accounts for each domain, and you should get a strong tech support department in case you need some help.
Hosting companies I recommend:
HostGator.com
HostMonster.com
HostwithStan.com
Getting all 4 of these set up is crucial to do- and TEST- before you start bringing customers your way.
If you’re up for the challenge- dive right in, and check this site for resources to help. If you’re looking to get all 4 of these set up quickly and efficiently- you might want to consider my special Starter’s Setup Package through my Web Marketing Magician consulting.
Either way, I wish you the best of luck with your online business adventures!
The 3 Types of Products You Can Sell
June 24, 2008
When selling anything online, your products will most likely fall into one of the three categories: physical, digital, and registration.
Becoming familiar with these will not only help you to setting them up efficiently, but also give you a bigger overview of how the selling/delivery process for each of them functions.
Below I’ve listed each of they product types, along with special notes about effective ways to set up each.
1. Physical Products. Anything that is actually delived in the mail is a digital product. CDs, books, vitamins, stuffed animals- all these fall into this category.
NOTES:
- Fulfillment: While your shopping cart will send you a notification of any physical product order, YOU are responsible for arranging duplication, packaging, and shipping (aka fulfillment) for these orders.
- Shipping Charges: You’ll probably want to incorporate a Shipping Charge in your shopping cart for each physical product that is ordered.
(Products/Manage Products/<your product>/Shipping Price)
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About Dave
Dave Hamilton has a passion for helping normal, non-techie people find success in the online marketing world. His highly sough after "Web Marketing Magician" consulting services combine his 20+ years of technical experience with his love of helping individuals and small businesses achieve their online dreams.
Dave resides in Tampa, Florida with his beautiful wife and three outrageously funny kids.
