How to Build a Website

 

A website can really help your online business grow. While eBay and other auctions sites can give you the traffic you need, a great web site means you can really market yourself and your business. There are a few options for setting a website, and some are much easier than others.

Doing it yourself

We don't recommend the DIY option.  While it gives you complete control, unless you are well versed in web coding and graphic design, you are unlikely to be able to make a half decent site. Ecommerce sites are among the more complicated types of websites so make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you dive right in!

Hiring a web designer

If you insist on a 100% customized site, your best option is to pay an expert to make a site for you. However this is by far the most expensive option, and you should be prepared to pay anywhere from US$2,000 for a fully functional site.

Doing it the easy way

Other more affordable options include using some of the easy-to-use store building sites out there such as BuyitSellit.com, eCrater and EasyStoreCreator.com. These options are great for everyone because they are cheap to run and no programming is required. Each offers technical support in case you run into problems, so you won't be left in the lurch if you have a technical glitch. There is some variation between the three of these options we have listed, so to help you find the one that is right for you, we've reviewed each of them.

BuyitSellit.com Overall Rating: 4/5

Fees and pricing: It's free to sign up to BuyitSellit and you'll pay from US$9.95 per month to US$14.95, and that's all you'll pay as there are no extra fees attached on the final value of your sales.

Customization options: if you are familiar with HTML and CSS, you can go right ahead and create your very own site. If you are like me and know nothing about web coding, you can choose from an array of attractive templates. Plus, you can change your store's theme at any time and with a single click. You can also customize your checkout and carry your branding right through to the end of your buyer's experience.

Ease of use for you and your buyers: BuyitSellit has a super easy-to-use interface which is simple for both you and your buyers to navigate through. Uploading products is quick and easy. Pages are fast-loading, encouraging buyers to spend more time on your site.

Special features: Some cool marketing options including SEO tools and discount or coupon offers for buyers. An email marketing tool, Mad Mimi is available as an add-on, which allows you to keep in touch with customers and inform them of upcoming promotions or new product lines.

eCrater Overall Rating 3.5/5

Fees and pricing: Zero. Zip. Nada. Nothing to join, or set up and no big chunks taken from your earnings after you make a sale.

Customization options: Store designs are kept very clean and simple. Yes you can customize, but your store won't have all the bells and whistles that some build-your-own-store sites offer. There are no advertisements to clog your listings and slow down your loading speed.

Ease of use for you and your buyers: Buyers simply add items to their cart and checkout as they would on any other store. Google Checkout is encouraged, and PayPal is also available.

Special features: Buyers don't have to register to purchase from you. This can really help to open your store up and appeal to a wider audience.

EasyStoreCreator.com.  Overall Rating 3/5

Fees and pricing: US$67 per month. Ouch! No set up fees.

Customization options: You can make your own site, choose a template design from hundreds of available options, or have them make one up for you.

Ease of use for you and your buyers: An easy to use point and click interface means it's easy for you to upload and manage your products and simple for buyers to purchase.

Special features: Choose your own domain name