E-Commerce startup -- knowledge sources?

[stevebydac]

I am very interested in starting a content-based website with an e-commerce subsite. I have a 19 year outside sales, advertising and marketing background, so I have a solid base in that area. Can you point me in the right direction on these questions:

1)This is an incredible site -- and the amount of info here and on the web is overwhelming. Can you name some sites/threads that are the best I can learn my beginner's "ABCs" with?

2)I understand the variables here, but in a general sense, what does an average e-commerce site started by an individual make for profit? The average profit of the top 20% of those? In short, does an intelligent very hard-working individual like myself have a realistic shot at making $100,000+ with a content and/or ecommerce site after 2-4 years?

Thank you for your advice. Good luck with all of your endeavors too.

[marion74]

I would suggest webopedia for basic knowledge. You'll also learn quite a bit off of this forum.

In terms of what you make depends entirely on what you're selling and the amount you can invest in online marketing. For a competive commercial item using traditional Search Engine Optimization will be tough (getting ranked on the top 10). You may be successful using PPC marketing.

[stevebydac]

Marion, thank you for the reply.

I checked out webopedia -- nice suggestion. I have used it a lot already.

To everyone else, I am a smart man, smart enough to know that I am in the web's equivalent of grade school. Whatever pearls of wisdom you could share that make me an early success story would be so greatly appreciated.

I am willing to break my back to succeed. I just need to be given some hints as to where to best put forth that kind of effort.

[snag]

Most small businesses fail within a year, I'm sure it's higher for web-based businesses. You'll need to make a business plan, etc and all the other small-business related requirements, but then there are the web-specific problems. First is marketing, seo will help somewhat but you'll need to find a way to drive people to your site. You'll also need to find a niche, something you can offer that I can't already get at amazon or another site, or find a way to do it cheaper. Selling hardgoods online entails all kinds of shipping and warehouse issues, etc..

I guess the short version is decide what you want to sell, and find the top 50 sites who already sell it. If you can convince a stranger that you have a significant advantage over all those people, then go for it. Otherwise become a seo consultant ;)

[TallTroll]

1) Read the library posts for a condensed "qwik-start" (see the "library" link just under your mail notice at the top of the screen?). Take a week off and read everything for the full picture. If tou have a need for info on specific topics try the site search function, and/or a Google search (string: webmansterworld keyword1 keyword2. You get the idea, I'm sure)

2) If you pick the right area, and learn both here and from your own experiences as you progress, you should be able to retire in 4 years if you want