I just read an article this morning which confirms my thoughts on starting an online store: it's easier than many people think. And it's affordable! Just think back when it took tens of thousands of dollars to start a million-dollar business. Not anymore!

Not to say that every online store becomes a multi-million dollar corporation, but the potential is there. The playing field is open, and it's letting even more people on.

So back to this article I read. It mentioned another key point that I thought I'd touch upon - a simple idea (that can make or break a business) which is often overlooked because people generally try to complicate business. Myself included.

Look at what's working.

You know the successful websites - the one's everyone knows, the ones who grow during a recession. What products are they offering? How is their purchase process better? What are they doing different than everyone else? Think about your own buying experiences - what makes you buy? And even more importantly: what makes you buy again from that same company?

The reason I point this out is this: because it's so much easier to start an online business these days, there's more competition. With the "easy part" of starting your business handled, now you've got the hard part of standing out amongst the vast ocean of other online companies.

It's essential that you grab your customers the second they arrive at your website. It's even more important if you sell products that are easily available in many other online stores. What makes you stay glued to a website - is it a free offer? A special discount? A pretty picture? A funny story? There are many other ways to win over your customers than just a low price.

There is a small percentage of very successful companies. They are obviously doing something right - and different. In short: be like them.