The internet is a level playing field: the website of a company with one employee can sell as many product lines as one with thousands. Whereas previously the costs of setting up a national business were measured by the million, now it's possible for as little as a few hundred pounds a month.

However it's a lot easier to set an online store up than it is to make it pay for itself. Our team have previously been involved in establishing corporate e-commerce portals for the likes of Ford, Nestlé and Prudential. We've also set up online shops for individuals and small companies.

Please get in touch to discuss your e-commerce plans. We can check the strategy, test the market, implement the store and help you get the business running within realistic expectations.

Here's some of the important thinking we'll run through with you:

• What's your niche, your angle? Where's the Unique Selling Point? Why are visitors going to buy from you rather than competing stores?
• Is there a proven model for selling the goods and services you have online? If not, you're either first to market ( an enviable position ), or there isn't one.
• What's the fulfilment process? Who will receive the orders, take them from stock, package and despatch them? Fast delivery = customer satisfaction = repeat business = referrals = yacht in the Bahamas!
• Is the website accessible and easy to use, does it look great? Investing in your website communicates that you're a credible and going concern; and most importantly that you deliver your orders.
• Build a community by letting your customers talk to each other, comment on your goods and make open enquiries. By creating a two-way conversation between the business and its clients you're bringing a human touch and trust into the equation - something your high-street competitors have already.
• Promote the site using both traditional and online marketing. Nobody can order from you unless they find the site in the first place.
• Keep your prices competitive. Potential shoppers don't have to walk down the street any more to find similar items at lower cost. If they can find the same item cheaper or backed by a better service proposition within a few clicks, then you've lost their business. Low prices on key items is very cost effective advertising.
• How can we keep visitors coming back to the store? Change graphics, product lines, pricing strategies and introduce incentive schemes. Then let people know - you'll typically get at least half of them popping onto the site to see what changes you've made and some of them will make a purchase.