Ask Anissa: I have decided to start a small online business, but, would like to start small, can you help?

Question:  I have decided to start a small online business, but, would like to start small, can you help?  I think I would like to start by selling products online, but, don't have my own (I am working on this) at this time.  I would like to have my business centered around a craft.  I already have a business plan that I have started, and I have a business name that is registered with my state, I have some basic business forms and registrations completed or nearing completion thanks to the information provided here and on other sites.  Whatever help you can be, would be much appreciated.  LaTisha W., Louisianna

Answer:  There are many ways that I can offer up information on this subject, but, from what you have said, I believe that there are a few things you can do very easily and quickly to have a small business up and running in the next few days.  What I am going to suggest is a very basic idea, and I recommend updating the idea once you get a hang of it.  The first thing you can do is set up a blog.  There are many free hosted blogs out there, but, if you have the knowledge, time, patience to do it on your own, I would suggest purchasing (this may be free) the WordPress Blog format and setting up a domain name with your WP software and then setting up a system similar to the AskAnissa.com site.  What I mean by this is to set up your site with 7-10 main categories (research this) and then add content to your site.  Make sure all your content is relevant to your site.  Then you will need to find products to sell off of your site.  There are many affiliate programs for most niches.  Make sure that you are adding original content to your site at least 3 times per week.  You can outsource this type of work if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.  If you are willing to do as much of this on your own as possible, you should join the Authority Site Center.  Find and download the Authority Black Book.  This should be enough to get you started and on the road to more indepth questions.  Feel free to Ask Anissa if you have more questions.