Getting Started

Getting started on the development of your website is much easier than you might think. Simply follow the step by step process listed below and you will have a website up and running in no time.

Step 1 - Gather information

Gather up all the materials you have in print that relate to your product or service. This includes brochures, flyers, product packaging, special reports, photographs and graphic images such as logos.

Step 2 - Review Materials

Review all existing materials and work to extract the key messages you wish to communicate in your website. You will be surprised how much of your website is already written.

Step 3 - Write your site

Developing your text is one of the most important elements of your online store. At all times your text should guide shoppers toward a purchase. It must be easy-to-read and convey your sales message quickly and effectively. Shoppers do not respond well to over-whelming amounts of text.

Proofread your text - clean, clear copy is a sign of professionalism.
It is also how major search engines now index websites.

How to submit text information

Identify each text document (example homepage.doc, productpage.doc) and save each separately. The text files must be saved as either a Microsoft Word (.doc) or plain text (.txt) document. The programs that allow you to do this easily are Microsoft Word, NotePad and WordPad. They can be saved to a flash drive or emailed directly to us. Please contact a representative at support@qcommerce.com for more instruction.

Step 4 - Determine the images to use

Select the images that best communicate the main points you spoke of in your website. It is always a good idea to display your company logo on the first page of your website. Remember to use small, colorful graphics for the best impact. We recommend limiting the number of graphics to 2 per web page, so that the page loads faster.

How to submit graphics/images

There are three image formats most commonly used in Web design, JPEG, GIF and PNG files. However, .tif, .eps, and .bmp are also acceptable. Please DO NOT submit any other graphic file formats.

If you do not have digital images of your products or logos you can take your photos to a company like Kinko's who will scan and save them to the right file format.

Step 5 - Use the website building kit to help design your website

The website building kit will help you choose a color scheme and a style for your website. It will also help you layout your web pages in an organized manner that online consumers are familiar with.

Step 6 - Select a template and background

Choose from one of our 17 different template styles for the layout of your page. You may also have a background color or texture display in your website. You can choose from one of our 16 stylish background textures or select any color you wish. While background textures and colors can be nice, we highly recommend a nice plain white background. It usually works the best!!!

Step 7 - Determine the categories to be listed

To determine what categories you would like to be placed in, simply go into the mall, view the 16 major categories and select the category most appropriate.

Step 8 - Write a description

Write a small marketing description that explains what your site is all about. This description is used in the mall category listings and the search engine. We recommend your description be to between 130-160 characters.

Step 9 - Fill out the New Site Processing Forms

Simply fill out the New Site Processing form. The form is self explanatory, but if you do have a question, please give our customer service department a call at 1-800-970-5999.

Step 10 - Send it in!

Gather up all of your materials including the text and image disks, and most importantly, the New Site Processing Form and mail it off to the following address:

By Email:
support@qcommerce.com

By Mail:
(expect 4-6 weeks for delivery)

ChoiceMall
800 Fifth Ave, Suite 101
Seattle, WA 98104