Starting an Online Business For Dummies (7^th Ed.)

Mind your business with this updated edition of the bestselling online business how-to guide

Have a computer, an Internet connection, and a dream? Then, you're already on your way to starting your very own online business. This fun and friendly guide can help you turn your big idea into big bucks whether you're expanding your real-world storefront online or creating your own virtual startup. Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 7th Edition will show you how to identify a market need, choose a web hosting service, implement security and privacy measures, open up shop, and start promoting to the world.

• Covers the latest trends and techniques for online discoverability - from social media marketing to search engine rankings, online couponing to optimization for mobile devices, and beyond
• Highlights business issues that are of particular concern to online entrepreneurs
• Walks you through the best practices of successful online businesses, including customer service, marketing, analytics, and website optimization tools
• Provides advice on choosing an e-commerce platform, protecting your domain name, securing trademarks, working with vendors and distributors, and keeping your customer's personal data safe

There's no time like now to start a new endeavor and no guide like Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 7th Edition to get your online business going.

Introduction 1

Part I: Launching Your Online Business 9

Chapter 1: New Tools and Strategies for Your Online Business 11

Chapter 2: Opening Your Online Business 31

Chapter 3: Choosing and Equipping Your New E-Business 57

Chapter 4: Selecting Your E-Commerce Host and Design Tools 79

Part II: Creating a Business Website 107

Chapter 5: Organizing Your Business Presence and Attracting Customers 109

Chapter 6: Making Shopping Easy on Your E-Commerce Site 147

Chapter 7: Accepting Payments 173

Chapter 8: Communicating with Customers and Building Loyalty 197

Chapter 9: Sourcing Worldwide for Your Business 219

Part III: Social Networking and Marketing 233

Chapter 10: Advertising and Publicity: The Basics 235

Chapter 11: Search Engine Optimization 257

Chapter 12: Location, Location, Location Marketing 283

Chapter 13: Social Marketing: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Blogs 299

Part IV: Expanding Beyond Your Website 313

Chapter 14: Selling on Amazon.com and eBay 315

Chapter 15: Moving to Specialty Marketplaces 347

Chapter 16: Managing and Growing Your Online Business 365

Part V: Keeping Your Business Legal and Fiscally Responsible 379

Chapter 17: Keeping It All Legal 381

Chapter 18: Online Business Accounting Tools 397

Part VI: The Part of Tens 413

Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Reach Mobile Shoppers 415

Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Develop a Platform 421

Index 427

Greg Holden founded Stylus Media, a company specializing in creating web pages for small businesses. He has written more than 30 books, many focused on online business and the skills and tools that small-business entrepreneurs need to expand their operations on the Internet.