As the global Internet population continues to grow, electronic commerce is growing as well. By the end of 2015, e-commerce is expected to generate over $400 billion annually. This huge market encompasses traditional e-commerce, as well as m-commerce (which is growing faster than any other sector) and location-based e-commerce.

This content will teach entrepreneurs how to develop, market, and manage an e-commerce business, giving them a crucial advantage in today’s competitive market.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe what the terms e-commerce and m-commerce mean
• Develop an e-commerce business plan
• Evaluate e-commerce software options
• Build an online store with product pages, supporting features, a shopping cart, and an effective checkout process
• Test, launch, and update your e-commerce site
• Design engaging, responsive web content
• Understand e-commerce payment options and choose appropriate options for your site
• Use appropriate tools to track key e-commerce metrics
• Identify and optimize supporting e-commerce activities, such as customer service, sales, and inventory management
• Create a marketing plan with all the essential elements
• Market your online store using social media and other appropriate channels
• Use discounts and promotions to market your e-commerce business
• Understand what security and privacy issues face e-commerce businesses and handle customers information accordingly
• Protect your intellectual property
• Identify the rules and regulations that will govern your e-commerce businesses