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ObjectivesThe Internet is a tool that small businesses can
use to build an existing business, reach distant markets, and offer innovative products.
During this hands-on workshop you will: explore what businesses similar to yours are
doing online learn some ways to bring your business online discover online resources your business can
use.
What is Electronic Commerce?
E-commerce is more than selling online.
It is:
Using online resources and tools to do business better
Making money and saving money online
Website Credibility
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 Read the “About Us” Tribal affiliation identified? Does the seller tell you about how the
item was acquired or created? Are sacred objects, ways, knowledge, or
other forms of Native spirituality being offered for sale?
Does anything make you feel uncomfortable?
Source: www.u.arizona.edu/~ecubbins/webcrit.html
Activity: Evaluate artisan websites
www.SouthwestIndian.com www.WesstArtisans.com www.NativeCraftsOnline.com http://PuebloDirect.com www.HopiMarket.com www.AllNative.com www.NativeMall.com http://Native-Craft.com www.GuthrieStudios.com
Searching for Information
Use a directory Example: Yahoo or Google Directory
Use a search engine Use a site that indexes websites on
specific topics
Top 5 Search Engines:
Google Yahoo! Search MSN Search AOL Search Ask Jeeves
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings January 2004
Searching With Be specific
turquoise and coral bracelet = 61,700 results put phrases in quotes
"turquoise and coral bracelet“ = 381 results Use the NOT symbol -
"turquoise and coral bracelet“ –silver = 50 results
Combine symbols
www.google.com
Research Doing Business Online
Search for: New suppliers Product ideas Marketing ideas Better prices
Research Your Competition
Is your competition across the world or next door?
Search engines are the key to finding your online competition
What can you do better, or different?
How to Find Your Competition
Make a list of your competitors. Use a search engine to expand the
list. Search using keywords that describe
your products or services.
Evaluate Your Competition
Visit their websites. What are they trying to do online? What do you like or dislike? What can your company do better?
Find out how popular these sites are Google using: link:www.company.com
Tips for Shopping Online
Trust your instincts Be knowledgeable about web-based
auctions Double check pricing Read the privacy policy Review return and shipping policies Check for secure Internet connections Pay with a credit card
Source: American Bar Association www.safeshopping.org
How do you know a website is secure?
Closed lock symbol The web address begins with
https:// instead of http://
Options for Doing Business Online
Do you really need a website? Consider: Auction Websites Malls or Cooperatives
Develop your own website Virtual stores Template-based storefronts Hire a developer Do it yourself
Combine several options
Activity: Explore Auctions, Malls
Auctions: www.ebay.com
Malls: www.geezer.com www.boundlessgallery.com
Website Templates
Templates and hosting: www.NetSol.com (Click on Create a
Website) Test Drive BigStep at:
http://go.bigstep.com/tour/tour.htm Free for Nonprofit organizations:
www.orgsites.com
Template kits only (no hosting): http://
desktoppublishing.com/template/web/sitekits.html
Domain names
What is a domain name? Why do you need one? What makes a good domain name?
.com .org .net .biz .info How much does it cost? How do you find a domain name?
www.betterwhois.com www.icann.org/registrars/accredited-list
.html
www.mycompany.com
Developing Your Own Site
Hire a web designer Learn HTML Create graphics Find a web host Determine budget Check site for errors
Consider Hiring a Website Developer
Give your business a professional appearance. To find a developer:
Interview customers Evaluate web sites Compare services Ask about site maintenance services
Learn HTML: Web Authoring Tools
Free HTML Tutorialswww.w3schools.com/html
Authoring Software (e.g: Dreamweaver, FrontPage, GoLive, HomeSite)
Tools to Create Graphics
Create a banner, logo or button with free or fee online graphics generators
3DTextMaker.com CoolText.com QuickBanner.com
Find a Web Host
Local internet service providers Domain name providers Ask others for recommendations www.webhostlist.com www.hostsearch.com
Website Costs
Setup Costs Web page design $150-$450 / page Web host setup fee $0 - $50+
Ongoing Costs Web hosting fees $0 – 100+ / month Domain name up to $35/year Web page content updating up to $30/hour
eCommerce Transactions
Merchant accounts monthly fee: $15-50 / month discount rate: 2-5% of amount transaction fee: 15-.30 / transaction
PayPal No monthly fee Transaction fee: 2.2% .30 /transaction
Tools to Check Your Site
Page errors: www.netmechanic.com/toolbox/html-code.htm
Load speed: www.optiview.com (Click on Cool Tools lower left)
Accessibility: www.cast.org/bobby
Viral Marketing
“Any advertising that propagates itself the way viruses do.”
Friends and relatives Customers Website visitors
Blog
Short for Web log Web page that serves as a publicly-
accessible personal journal for an individual
Typically updated daily A soapbox of sorts Put a link to your blog page on your
website
Activity: Blogging
Browse the blogs at: www.blogarama.com
Or look at creating your own at: www.blogger.com
Deal with Business Email
Use email to draw attention to your website
Start your own email newsletter Create an email signature for
marketing Spam? Ignore it or filter it Don’t open email attachments from
unknown sources Install anti-virus software
Summary
Become comfortable with the Internet Decide if you really need a website Explore web hosts, online malls,
auctions for features and costs Decide which services are right for
your business to meet your customer needs
Promote to every living being on the planet, and then promote some more