Stearns Design | Internet Business Solutions

Opening an online site or store can be confusing. There are a lot of elements that go into bringing a business online, and your site's success can depend on getting them done right. Stearns Design has been launching both sites and stores for over a decade, and will lead you through the process every step of the way.

Building a new online site or store, is a lot like building a brick and mortar store...

Registering Domains

Choosing a Domain is like choosing an address for your business.
Everyone needs to choose a name for your site/ store- for example www.mystore.com. A Domain Name is how people find you on the Internet, and in that way, it is like a street address. Once you think of a name for yourself, we will check that it is available and will register it for you. You can register your name for 1, 3, 5, or more years. Private registration is also available.

Finding Site Hosting

This is like choosing a building-type and lot for your business.
A site host is the physical platform and server (computer), where your site or store will exist. There are many options regarding site hosting, and configuring site and email hosting can sometimes be confusing. Stearns Design can take care of all this for you, and manage your server and email hosting.

Building the Site / Store

This is similar to building the rooms and shelves inside your office or store.
As with any building project, it helps to agree on a blueprint before laying the foundation! Stearns Design will review your needs with you and create the site according to spec. A site's foundation provides general structure, navigation, as well as product/ service categories, and perhaps a shopping cart.

Configuring SSL Certificates

This is how to keep your store safer.
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer), encrypts transaction information to keep personal sales information protected. Stearns Design will install your SSL and take care of all the management behind the scenes.

Configuring Payment Gateways

Like setting up the cash register / POS system for your store.
If you want to sell online using Credit Cards, you will need to have a Payment Gateway for your site. The site needs to confirm that Credit Card information is valid, and after the sale, directs payments to your bank.

Configuring Web Analytics

Every site and Store needs General Book Keeping.
It is important to understand how your site, and especially your store is doing. Stearns Design will provide analytics to keep track of traffic to your site, and sales in your store. In addition, we provide in-depth data reviews regarding who is visiting, what is selling, as well as what types of Marketing is working for you and why.

Designing the Website Graphics

Every business needs branding and decoration to complete the experience.
Your site and store's look and feel are important. Stearns Design can adapt your company's existing branding to your site, or create a new look, including logo design, color themes, photography or illustration.

Creating Product Pages

In-Store Information for your customers.
This is where the customer decides whether to "Add to Cart" or not. The more Photos, descriptions, technical information we can create the better!

Offering Info Pages

Your business needs to inform and support your visitors.
Every business needs its customers to feel welcomed and supported. Sites and Stores should have a few pages of text explaining at least: who they are, how to contact support, shipping/ return policy, privacy policy, terms of use and other support information. Online chat with Sales or Support is also a good way to make visitors feel at ease.

Stearns Design can lead you through the many Elements of Website set-up, and also cover all the additional Marketing, Merchandising, Fulfillment and Customer Care elements needed to create a prosperous online business.

Please contact us and let's discuss what Stearns Design can do for you.

WELCOME TO STEARNS DESIGN

OUR SERVICES

Elements of a Site or Store