Customer Reviews

Small Business Solutions for E-Commerce (EU-Smart Solutions)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book isn't about just creating a website--it's about running a business! With the help of this book, I was able to come up with a plan for expanding my business into e-commerce. The book is very readable, and full of sensible advice. Each chapter moves you closer to making your idea a reality. It starts with getting real about what's going to work and steps you right through everything you need to know, all the way through building your site in the most economical way and right up to marketing it. My hat's off to this author for writing a book that's a good read and good advice, too.

Here, at last, is a concise introduction to the world of e-commerce for the semi-savvy professional. Terminology, strategic planning, branding, advertising, traffic generation, and, oh yes, technology... every topic budding e-ntrepreneurs need to consider before risking their futures is here presented with clarity and grace. One caveat: those looking for strictly the technical or strictly the business side of e-commerce will find this book lacking. To explain the whole, the author had little choice but to abbreviate some of the parts.

Like most titles published by Microsoft Press, this book has a decidedly pro-Redmond feel, with frequent references to bCentral, FrontPage, and other MS products and services (most notably in the section on server platforms... the author would have you believe your only choices are 2000 or NT). However, these product placements do not diminish the flow of the chapters or the value of the advice.

Alas, no one book can turn you into a dot-com success story overnight (unless Jeff Bezos' diary is for sale). But this one should certainly help.

Here's another primer linking small business efforts to e-commerce basics; from building a site and understanding database and transaction processing systems to understanding how to best hire a Web developer. Tips range from marketing a site effectively to making it easy for customers to use, making for an excellent coverage.

Great advice for anyone who wants to do business online. Well-written by a real expert. You won't find better guidance anywhere.