Deep selection isn't only thing customers crave. They also want speed. Speed drives Internet, and is one of main reasons people shop online. Customers should be able to quickly find products or services they are looking for, learn as much as they want about them, then buy within a few seconds using an online shopping cart. Depending upon size of your business, you need fast, automated inventory information and online customer service to make your site accurate and helpful.

Here's a word of warning about technology. Don't add latest online automation just because it is there. Think hard about whether technology makes shopping experience faster and easier, or just adds another layer of complication. Simplicity is often your site's best asset, so be careful not to destroy it with too many bells and whistles.

Some of things that will make your online catalog a big success are very simple. Make sure people know what you sell and how you can help them from very first glance at your home page. Make your site easy to navigate. If customers can't quickly find what they are looking for, they will click to a competitor.

Finally, don't try to make all your sales on customer's first visit. Real profits come when same customers return to your site again and again. Offer to send customers valuable information or updates via email. Build your house list of names and addresses, then work your list to remind people you are there. Keep them coming back.

Other things to keep in mind with surveys:

* Keep It Honest. Tell participants your goals behind survey. What you'll be using information for (product development, whatever). Be upfront.

* Keep It Anonymous. People will always feel more free to really tell you their thoughts if they know they won't be identified. Guarantee that information will be kept confidential and not sold or abused in any way.

* Keep It Quick And Easy. A fast multiple-choice poll or survey, that takes minutes (not hours), will have a better chance of getting answered. If you want, include a field at end for participants who want to give additional comment. But try not to make typed answers mandatory.

Doing your research at beginning helps avoid headaches later on, and will make your business profitable, faster!

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Paula Morrow heads http://www.idealmarketingcorp.com. She specializes in public relations, information marketing and creating cashflow systems. Her newsletter, IDEALProfits, is now read in 12 countries. Subscribe and receive 5 BONUS ebooks worth $149! http://www.idealmarketingcorp.com/subscribe.html