HipChic's Step by Step Plan

Getting Started:
The steps below will help you to get the ball rolling! Please take a few
moments to read them so you will better understand the process.
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Step 1 ~ Purchase a domain name
This will be the URL (address) to your website. You will need to do a search first
to see if the domain name you want is available. This can be done through any
domain name company or through one of our hosting providers. You can view a
list of domain name companies here: ~domain name registrars~
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Step 2 ~ Sign up for hosting
You will need to sign up with one of our hosting partners.
Our templates are only compatible with their shopping cart systems.
we will not install a template into a cart that is not listed on our approved
hosting provider's page: ~approved hosting partners~
The hosting account provides the server & shopping cart system for your website.
This is where you will work on your site via the store admin panel.
All of our hosting partners offer excellent customer support to assist you
with the shopping cart system!
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Step 3 ~ Purchase your template
Choose your desired HipChic template & optional printwork. We will then
customize the header & banners with your store name & slogan.
Upon receipt of your payment you will receive an email from us confirming your
order & requesting the logins for your store admin & cpanel. This will allow us
to install your template.
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Step 4 ~ Installation of your template
Installation is usually complete within 24-72 hours depending on our work load.
Orders are processed on a first come, first served basis. If there are any delays due
to a high volume of orders we will notify you of the anticipated date of installation.
We will contact you via email when installation is complete.
If you have ordered printwork templates those will be emailed to you within
2-5 business days along with instructions for printing.
*Please be advised that printing is not included in printwork pricing & that
printing should be done through the company we recommend when sending you
the finished product. This is to insure quality of your print design. Should
you choose a printing company other than the one we recommend we will not
guarantee the outcome.*
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Step 5 ~ Work on your website
Now comes the fun part! You'll add your products, images & content via your
store admin panel & set up pricing, shipping & taxes.
Each hosting provider offers tutorials & a knowledge base with step by step
instructions on setting up your website making the start up process easy for you!
Some providers also offer free video tutorials to assist those who prefer visual
instruction.
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Step 6 ~ Grow your business
Bringing traffic to your website is the only way to sell your products/services.
Your shopping cart includes SEO (search engine optimization) by providing areas
for you to add keywords, meta tags/titles & descriptions relevant to the
products/services you sell.
There are many helpful resources available to assist you with ways to optimize
your site to "capture" the attention of search engines. We have several articles
on our site regarding the process & some of the hosting providers offer information
as well.

Congratulations on starting your business!