How to store card data

Online trading has never been more important, but if you’re new to e-commerce getting started can be a bit daunting. Here are some of our top tips to help you get set-up as an e-tailer.

Get a domain name

You’ll need one to run your website. It should be relevant to your business, memorable, and easy to spell. Try to register the .com and .co.uk versions in particular. Keep it snappy and check whether your ideas are original. Companies like Daily.co.uk. can help with this.

 Building your website

If you’re not an html pro, you’ll need a web developer and a web hosting account to store your site. Most hosting companies offer e-shop software packages and there are plenty of easy to use shopping carts and e-commerce platforms.

 Think payments– online: credit card, debit card, paypal, via telephone or mail order?

You’ll need a merchant bank account to deposit your online income and a good payment services provider (PSP), such as Sage Pay. Your PSP should take care of fraud screening, card compliance (PCI DSS), payment authorisation, settlement of funds into your merchant account and in some cases can take care of your merchant account too.

Design your shop

While your merchant account is being set up, it’s a good idea to work on your shop/web design.  Easy navigation around the site and usability are essential. Research how others are doing and test it out on friends if you can’t afford ‘usability testing’ and get them to give you some constructive feedback!

Prevent online fraud

Make sure you’re PCI DSS compliant [check out the article on p38-39 of Sage Pay’s Moving Money mag) and that you take online fraud seriously. As an online merchant you have a responsibility to your customers to make sure that their card details are not compromised in any way.

Optimise your website for search engines (SEO) – think clear, accessible design and incorporate the search terms your customers will use into your website copy. Keep text short and succinct.

Free book giveaway: Starting your own online business

Sage Pay have teamed up with Startups.co.uk and Crimson Publishing to produce Starting Your Own Online Business, an all you need to know guide to getting your business online.  And we have 5 copies to give away in our prize draw!  You can register by emailing your details to marketing@sagepay.com.  Entries close Monday 14th December 2009.

Written by Amy Monro, Sage Pay and Catherine Widdowson from www.daily.co.uk