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Cross Stitch Heaven Webmaster
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Date Posted: 05:02:38 03/18/02 Mon
In reply to:
Caroline
's message, "I want to design charts" on 08:53:00 03/17/02 Sun
<I want to start a business over the internet designing
cross stitch patterns. Does anybody have any advice
on running this type of business?>
Firstly, get yourself some really good design software! There are some excellent ones in the "Shop" page in this site.
Next, you'll need to learn HTML to build your site - a good book to start with is "HTML in Easy Steps". If you click on the Amazon link in the shop (click on "other" in the shop page), this book is available - costs about £9.99
Alternatively, you could use something like Microsoft Frontpage. Personally I prefer to know how it works so I can make a site "unique", but up to you. The book "HTML for Dummies" (also available by clicking on the Amazon link then searching for it) provides a range of templates you can use, on a CD that comes with the book.
You will also need to come up with a name for your business and buy a URL (and host space) to go with it - if you look at the bottom of any page on this site (apart from this one) you will find an icon for "Easyspace" - they can provide all your needs here. They will, when you buy the name and space, provide you with a good company for your FTP (which is how you post to the internet) package.
After that, you'll need to sign up with a secure server if you are going to take orders over the internet. There are plenty around - have a look at the shops in the "Links" page to see who they use.
Then you'll have to visit as many search engines as you can find and add your site. A lot of them will include your site for free.
That should cover the basics.
Other little things you might want to consider:
1. Copyright. You will need to copyright your own work. Also, watch what you design. If you are designing patterns that you intend to sell for profit, then, for example, you can't do any Disney or Winnie-the-Pooh patterns, as they are already under copyright.
2. Accounts. If you think your business will have a turnover (NOT profit) of £4,000 or more then you might want to think about getting an accountant. Whatever happens, you'll have to declare your business on a tax form - you can claim back certain things like the cost of your design software, a new computer and some printer paper and the cost of buying the website name and hosting space. An accountant can tell you what you can and can't claim. Think for a small business an accountant will cost you about £200.
That little lot should get you started. Best of luck!
Cross Stitch Heaven Webmaster
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