How do I get Started in Ecommerce Website Development?

To begin a career in ecommerce website development, you should attend an accredited school or university to learn the visual aspects of design, as well as certain complex computer languages. These can include computer languages that allow customer orders to be entered into a database, as well as managing databases that help keep track of customers, products, and other aspects of running a site. You may also wish to learn ecommerce marketing concepts to allow you to help your clients successfully sell their products and services.

Special skills may be needed for ecommerce website development. Features such as shopping carts and databases may need to be added to allow customers to make purchases, use credit and debit cards, and keep their information safe. You will have to provide web hosting using specialized software from your computer, or find a reliable web host to work with. Likely, you can use sophisticated web design software to handle many aspects of the ecommerce website development process.

Once the site is developed, you should also learn a few basic concepts regarding website promotion. These will allow your clients to be seen by search engines and to sell more products or services. You can get this training by reading about online marketing concepts, taking marketing classes, or speaking with current professionals in the industry. Strategies may include things like blog and article marketing and social networking.

After you have completed all necessary training, it is time to begin your search for clients by creating your own website and marketing it to potential clients. You may also do practice sites for businesses for free or at reduced rates to gain experience in both design and marketing. This will give you projects to show potential customers once you open for business.

Make sure that you become licensed in your area before opening for business. Some self-employed individuals do not need business licensing, but you will likely have to keep track of your own income for tax reasons. If you do have to obtain a license, make sure you go through all necessary procedures to avoid being fined or made to shut down your business.

You may also perform ecommerce website development working for a marketing or web design firm in your area. To get a job with one of these businesses, it is likely you have will to obtain a four year college degree. Finding jobs may require sending in query letters and resumes to local firms and attending interviews displaying your skills. Having a few practice sites under your belt is helpful in this situation as well, so consider interning with a company while still in school to gain experience.