There is a lot when it comes to setting up your own online store on your website.  If you are serious though about becoming an e-commerce entrepreneur though, I will give you the basic things you need to have before you get started building your own online storefront.

Now, let us assume you have already found a web host to host your website.  So what is the next step?  You need to find a shopping cart script to install.  A shopping cart script will give you the kind of online catalog look and feel you are looking for.  Some scripts you might try out are:

• OpenCart
• osCommerce
• Zen Cart
• Magento

So now that you have one of those set up, are you done?  Not exactly.  Online stores require a few more basics before you are ready to set up and sell.

Dedicated SSL Certificate – This is a service that you can buy on your own (or through your web host, if they will give you a better deal) which is there to protect and secure the transactions on your website and through your online store. It might be a little expensive, but it will look more professional than using your web host’s shared SSL certificate.

Dedicated IP Address – A dedicated IP address, which and often be gotten through your web host, is simply needed for the dedicated SSL certificate to work.

Payment Processor – You will also need a way to process payments from your customers on your website.  Often, going through PayPal is the easiest route to go however you might look at some of the payment processor providers out there to see what services they can provide to you for your store.

Once you get all four of these services in place; then you will be ready to start promoting your e-commerce business.

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