As the global Internet population continues to grow, electronic commerce is growing as well. By the end of 2015, e-commerce is expected to generate over $400 billion annually. This huge market encompasses traditional e-commerce, as well as m-commerce (which is growing faster than any other sector) and location-based e-commerce.

This will help you know how to:

1. Describe what the terms e-commerce and m-commerce mean
2. Develop an e-commerce business plan
3. Evaluate e-commerce software options
4. Build an online store with product pages, supporting features, a shopping cart, and an effective checkout process
5. Test, launch, and update your e-commerce site
6. Design engaging, responsive web content
7. Understand e-commerce payment options and choose appropriate options for your site
8. Use appropriate tools to track key e-commerce metrics
9. Identify and optimize supporting e-commerce activities, such as customer service, sales, and inventory management
10. Create a marketing plan with all the essential elements
11. Market your online store using social media and other appropriate channels
12. Use discounts and promotions to market your e-commerce business
13. Understand what security and privacy issues face e-commerce businesses and handle customers’ information accordingly
14. Protect your intellectual property
15. Identify the rules and regulations that will govern your e-commerce businesses