Starting an Online Business For Dummies
Starting an Online Business For Dummies/ /
With the New Year bring more layoffs and cutbacks, many people are
looking into other ways of making money. Whether it be freelancing on
the side or finding a way to increase your company's online (and low
cost) presence, Starting an Online Business For Dummies/ /gives readers
the expert advice needed to build an online empire. It also includes
strategies to identify the right market for the business, how to promote
the site online using search engines, and the benefits of pay per click
advertising and blogging. It's the perfect time to start expanding
online!
The book shows readers how to:
establish, run and promote an online business
accept electronic payments - how to maximise profits with the lowest
fees
develop and implement marketing & publicity campaigns
build website security - for the business and customers
understand search engine optimisation - increase the ranking
take advantage of Google's tools to spread the word
keep the business legal.
A straightforward guide to setting up and maintaining an online
business, Starting an Online Business for Dummies provides readers with
expert advice on how to expand their online presence, boost consumer
confidence, and increase profits
Why did you choose to compile this book?
Melissa Norfolk : I had wanted to write a book about online
business for quite some time and was approached by Wiley Publishing
about this title while I was at home nine months pregnant. I thought
this would be the perfect opportunity and I would have spare time while
I was at home on maternity leave. Little did I know how much a time a
new baby would take up!
The set out of the book is clear and convenient is this why you chose
for it to join the 'for dummies' series?
Melissa Norfolk : I first came across the 'for dummies' series a
few years ago when I starting hiring staff for my business and purchased
"Motivating Employees for Dummies". I found them to be easy to read, in
plain English with lots of tips and examples and liked the fact that you
didn't have to read them cover-to-cover and could pick out the chapters
most relevant and read them in any order.
So when I was
approached to write "Starting an Online Business for Dummies" I was
already familiar with the format of these books and thought it would be
a great way to help those wanting to learn more about taking their
startup or existing business online.
Did you see a gap in the market?
Melissa Norfolk : There are lots of technical books out there on
web design, web programming or on individual aspects of online marketing
such as using ebay. But not many that are a single reference that cover
everything from business planning, registering your business name,
choosing the right software and hardware tools, to setting up an
effective website and online promotion techniques such as email
marketing and search engine optimisation.
Who is the book aimed at?
Melissa Norfolk : For those individuals who want to start up
their own business and can see the potential the internet offers, as
well as for those who own a traditional bricks and mortar business and
want to take it online. It assumes basic computer knowledge and ability
to surf the internet.
No matter whether someone has recently
become unemployed, wants to supplement their income on the weekend or is
ready for a fulltime career change - the book gives lots of examples of
successful Australian and New Zealand online businesses to inspire
others.
Will it help those who don't understand the Internet and may be scared
of staring an online business?
Melissa Norfolk : It is important that readers have used the
internet before, but the book is for individuals of all levels. It
explains all the jargon in plain English and also has technical tips for
the more internet savvy readers.
How do you suggest business be safe on the Internet?
Melissa Norfolk : When selling via the internet it is important
to spend the time on developing a secure sales process and having a
privacy policy to protect customers personal information.
Also be
aware and check for fraudulent transactions or any emails from people
you don't know. It might be an offer of millions of dollars in US
currency or an official looking email that appears to be from Ebay or an
Australian bank. Always check the source of unusual requests BEFORE
responding.
Make sure your antivirus, spyware and firewall
protection are always up to date on your computer, especially if your
computer is online 24 x 7.
Do not accept invitations to connect
with people you don't know on social networks like LinkedIn and
Facebook.
Why is now the perfect time to start expanding online?
Melissa Norfolk : The current economy means that a lot of
business are looking to reduce their spending while increasing sales and
the internet is the most cost effective way to do this.
Also,
for those who have lost their job, had their hours cut, just finished
studying or looking to supplement their income - the expansive growth of
sites like eBay have made it possible for anyone to come up with an idea
and promote it or sell it online quickly and easily.
Melissa Norfolk the founder of Norfolk Internet Group, which
builds search engine friendly Web sites and marketing-savvy email
newsletters. An Internet expert, she speaks to business, school and
community groups about effective use of the Internet, finding what you
need online, Internet safety and online marketing. Melissa lives in
Melbourne.
Starting an Online Business For Dummies/ /
Wiley Australia
Author: Melissa Norfolk
ISBN: 9780731409914
Price: $39.95
