Building a Website

willa

Hi,

I'm not quite sure if this is the right place to put this thread, but I'll plow on.

I am at present unemployed due to illness.

I really want to get out of the rut I've been in.

I would like, if and when I'm well enough to commit properly to it, to start my own internet-based business.

I am at present a bit clueless :doh:about all the business and website ins and outs but want to learn.

First step - learning about setting up my own website.

Has anybody got any tips or advice, pretty please, on cheap (preferably free) ways of setting up and running an e-commerce (know that term because a friend gave me a little mini-tuition session!) site??

I'm getting off the computer for now but many thanks in advance for any advice!

dgerati

There are quite a few open-source ecommerce packages out there. They usually involve a degree of config, but far less painful than rolling your own.

Magento is one I have used when I used to be a web-developer.

You could buy a template and stick that on the front of the e-commerce platform, you might like to buy a html & css book if you do this though.

Or you could pay a web-firm to set it up for you.

You may be able to get grants from people like business link.

scrungebucket

out http://www.tobyhost.co.uk, he's reasonable and can offer you advice

That-Guy

Firsty you will need hosting, I suggest Vidahost from personal experience and you can also get a 10% discount code here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2373237

Next you will need a eCommerce Platform, there are a few free scripts like OpenCart, PrestaShop, Magento, ZenCart and OSCommerce.

Once you have installed your eCommerce Platform you will need to customise it and set it up how you want it.

I have run many eCommerce stores for people in the past and have also helped set a few sites up so if you need more help let me know. I can also install your shop for you (at no cost)

Good Luck!

willa

Thanks very much everyone for the advice.

I forgot to mention that I have a domain name already that I might want to use for the site, I wonder is it possible to get a 'package' or 'rent' a site but use my own domain name if that makes sense? I really am clueless about all this!

That-Guy

willa wrote: »

Thanks very much everyone for the advice.

I forgot to mention that I have a domain name already that I might want to use for the site, I wonder is it possible to get a 'package' or 'rent' a site but use my own domain name if that makes sense? I really am clueless about all this!

Yes just buy hosting as normal and point the domain to it.

Email: support(at)vidahost.com and they will help/guide you through it

Farway

That-Guy wrote: »

Firsty you will need hosting, I suggest Vidahost from personal experience and you can also get a 10% discount code here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2373237

Just a second for Vidahost

joeo2000

HI,
I could recommend hosting companies but its better to checkout a good forum like this one Netmag.
Head over too w3Schools and learn the basics of HTML and CSS.
Then set up a simple site some text and photos.
When your comfortable with all that i would recommend you look at some simplier Content management system,get it set up too the advantage of your planned business.A cms is more of a learning curve but is the way forward

coolagarry

This might be worth a try.


http://www.gbbo.co.uk/

That-Guy

coolagarry wrote: »

This might be worth a try.


http://www.gbbo.co.uk/

I really wouldn't use that, the domain renewal fee is stupidly high and they also won't let you transfer to another company either, which means your stuck with them for the life of your website.