With all the hype surrounding e-commerce, you would think it was something new. In fact, e-commerce has been with us for years. The entire economy runs on it, since nearly all commercial transactions go through an electronic phase at some time or other.

What people really mean when they talk about e-commerce is secure transactions over

the internet. It is now expected that most web sites will offer their audience safe, secure transactions, either for the sale of goods, or to charge for some service.

An environment for safe, secure transactions is relatively simple to set up -- most commercial web hosts offer a range of secure areas as part of your web-hosting fees.

But security of transactions does not by itself magically create sales. That's where design comes in. You have to make your e-commerce areas not only secure, but also easy-to-use and attractive. You have to know who your potential customers are and be supplying a product they want.

Does your product have sales potential? Analyse common human desires and relate them to your product. Concentrate on your real audience.

These are just a few tips to get you started on thinking about how your web site can achieve a revenue stream. Please contact us if you would like to know how e-commerce can work for you.

Magnet Media are a fully authorised PayPal developer partner.