[h=2][help] Dipping toe into the choppy waters of ecommerce....[/h]
DO you either have the TIME or MONEY to do this properly?
You could just do what you can and see what happens - personally I want to create a good First Impression' so people remember me and come back, not just cobble something together and 'hope'.
There is One member on here who has the website I can only dream of, but that must have been very expensive
(it uses Flash, and has a Blue Cartoon Figure).
I am now on Month 5 of my 'Simple Website' idea - just 'Something' I can use as a shop front to the World
(Well, UK only actually but you know what I mean). I am still unable to open to the public as it is still not how I want it.. There is no such thing as a simple, effective e-commerce site in my opinion.
I will NEVER 'Rent' an e-commerce solution
(£15 a month etc) as that's not in my nature, I will NEVER 'Rent' a tool either so had my own made (read expensive).
If you have the money - just pay someone
(although you will not have control and you certainly WILL NOT LEARN anything that way).
If you have the TIME and PATIENCE then use a free solution:
Joomla (I used this for many years - still have clients I look after using that system) or
Wordpress (loads of support and free tools with both of those) and learn One of those.
My situation is I researched the free e-commerce solutions, decided to go with a 'One Off Fee' solution which I am very happy with BUT you will have to have patience if you want to get it exactly as you imagine with anything
(unless paying someone else = expensive).
I picked the 'Latest' version of a well known e-commerce system
(I think there is still a discount for the one I use via THIS link) but as it is so new the 'Tools' I wanted were not available pre-made so had to have them made. it has not been an inexpensive journey for me (none of this has) but I do intend to do it as best I can with my limited budget.
The GOLDEN RULE = Do Not Confuse your visitors.
Seo is as was explained above very well by Gary - no need to pay for that either.
Above all, Good Luck - You only regret the things you Didn't Do.