Electronic Commerce

Click on the image below for a larger version.

For a brief tutorial, browse E-Commerce Definition and Solutions from CIO Magazine.

If you need convincing, here are the classic 20 Reasons to Put Your Business on the Web.

A more thorough starting point is The Ultimate Guide to eCommerce Software from Zapier, which provides a step-by-step guide for doing business on the Internet.

To answer the persistent question: "How do I find customers?" refer to this extensive guide to resources from Help Scout: Customer Acquisition Strategies for Entrepreneurs.

You can register to request a copy of the following guidebooks from HubSpot:

• 54 Pearls of Marketing Wisdom
• How to Build a Profitable Ecommerce Business

Many other reports are available from Shopify: Ecommerce Guides

Before you begin the online marketing process, have you analyzed your organization and its environment using some standard analysis technique, such as SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)? Then, consider the following 7P's, extended from the traditional 4P's model:

Does your page convey clearly the nature of your organization? Should a mission statement or statement of purpose(s) be on your Webpage?

Do you need a special page or special features on your site for ethnic or foreign language groups? Is your page accessible to the disabled?

Which of your existing products or services should be featured on your page? Which cannot be delivered in whole or in part via your page?

How much can your organization afford for the Web site? Consider site design and maintenance, as well as Web server costs.

What new products or services are made possible for the first time by your page? Could any of your clients use your information 24 hours/7 days per week, even when your offices are closed? Consider posting answers to FAQs.

How does your message have to be adapted to the Web environment? Is the Web the best or only place to send this message to this client group? You still need newsletters, press releases, direct-mail pieces, telephone, fax, and personal contacts. Is your Web address on all your promotional pieces, business cards, and stationery?

Is someone in your company answering, noting, and analyzing email and telephone messages received from Web site contacts? Instant market research!

[Based on: Fine, Seymour H. Marketing the Public Sector: Promoting the Causes of Public and Nonprofit Agencies. Transaction, 1992. (DANA HF 5415.122 .F56)]